By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Toyota
The Toyota RAV4 got the whole compact crossover segment started 20 years ago, now in its third season; the current generation exemplifies the qualities that keep it a perennial hit. I love its sharp-edged styling and roomy versatile five-seat cabin. The interior has a premium look and feel with soft-touch accents and driver-centric controls.
Interior
Though taking up a smallish parking space outside, the RAV4 is cavernous inside, with ample room for five adults and 38.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded, that space expands to 73.4 cu. ft. Rear seat legroom is a competitive 37.2 inches.
The front seats feature a slim seat back design to enhance rear-passenger knee room. The rear seatbacks also recline several degrees for added passenger comfort. Rear privacy glass is standard on all RAV4 models. Retractable rear seat head restraints aid rear visibility.
Information comes within easy reach in the RAV4. Within the gauge cluster, directly in the driver’s line of sight, a standard Multi-Information Display provides an array of information including, average fuel economy, instant fuel economy, distance to empty, selected gear, as well as warnings for low fuel, battery and tire pressure monitoring system. A button on the right-hand spoke of the steering wheel toggles through the MID’s various screens. Other buttons and switches on the wheel control the audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming.
Performance and Sport Mode
Under the hood, practicality meets fun with the RAV4’s 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine. Coupled to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission, the engine smoothly delivers 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 rpm. With Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive, the EPA estimates are 22 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway on regular grade gasoline.
In addition if you like the feel of a sports car, the RAV4 can play along. Choose Sport mode, and the RAV4 sharpens shift timing, throttle response, and steering feel. Downshifting will blip the throttle, as the driver in a stick-shift vehicle might do to maintain driving smoothness. And, on RAV4 models with Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive, Sport mode also alters torque distribution to enhance agility by reducing understeer.
The RAV4’s smooth ride, handling agility and cabin quietness owes much to a body structure that makes extensive use of high-strength steel to provide a robust and stiff yet light platform. The MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear suspension let the RAV4 absorb bumps, ruts and railroad crossings with composure. A strut tower bar links the tops of the front strut towers to the main bulkhead, helping to increase torsional rigidity.
Features
The RAV4 Limited brings in the luxury of breathable SofTex trimmed seats, dash and door panels. The driver gets an 8-way power seat with memory and lumbar adjustment, and the front seats are heated. Added conveniences include the Smart Key system with push button start and remote power liftgate function, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and SofTex-covered sliding center armrest with console storage compartment.
Exclusively for the RAV4 Limited, an optional Technology Package includes a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Alert and Auto High Beam. When the Blind Spot Monitor detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane, it alerts the driver using indicators on the side mirrors. If a turn signal is on when there is a vehicle in the blind spot of the driver’s intended lane, the indicator on the corresponding mirror will also flash.
In the RAV4 Limited, Entune Premium Audio adds Navigation and the subscription-free Entune App Suite. Entune Premium Audio pairs with the user’s mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, music and information services.
Summary
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $29,850.00, the one I drove included the Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and App Suite, Technology Package, Roof Rack Cross Bars, Remote Start, Interior Light Kit, Carpet Floor Mats and Cargo Mat, and it came in at $33,629.00 including delivery, processing and handling fee.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
