Overview
The Toyota RAV4 offers lots of cabin space, an expansive cargo hold, and an easy-to-drive nature that should appeal to many compact-SUV shoppers. Granted, this is ultimately not the quickest or most agile small SUV on the planet, but the RAV4’s well-rounded character and high feature content means it’s a crowd pleaser. When it comes to value and safety, the RAV4 is a very tough act to follow. But if you’re after driving excitement, well, rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are more playful and just as practical.
What’s New for 2017?
The big news for 2017 is that every RAV4 is now fitted with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of active safety features. This includes automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rearview camera.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
This is, without a doubt, the least exciting aspect of the Toyota RAV4. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 176 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional. This powertrain will suffice if you don’t ask much of it during daily driving. It’ll get you where you want to go and return reasonable fuel mileage, but a heavy press of the accelerator results in more noise than forward momentum. For additional fuel savings, a hybrid powertrain based around this same four-cylinder is offered, and that model is reviewed separately. On the plus side, the RAV4 is easy to drive and has a comfortable ride. By and large, that’s enough to give it a friendly and easygoing demeanor.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The interior of the RAV4 is roomy and functional, with ample headroom and legroom no matter where you’re seated. Compared to some rivals, however, the RAV4 is skimpy when it comes to creative in-cabin cubbies and other nooks to store things. On the other hand, cargo volume behind the rear seats is cavernous, measuring in at roughly 38 cubic feet. Interior quality is generally impressive, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and plastics that look and feel durable. Cloth seating is standard, though interior upgrades include synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Like the driving experience, the interior of the RAV4 is straightforward and gets the job done.
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