The RAV4 is one of the best-selling vehicles in America and has even usurped the Toyota sales thrown from the Camry. And this all-new RAV4, designed with a higher level of athleticism and charisma, is a bolder, tougher SUV ready to go beyond the mall parking lot.
The RAV4 is one of the originals. Spanning 22 years and 5 generations, it’s a vehicle we’re all familiar with. So can this new model keep the masses happy? Automakers are getting better at really differentiating their trim levels in order to appeal to a wider audience and that’s certainly true here. From the no-nonsense LE priced from $26,545 to this fully loaded Limited at $39,479, Toyota has crafted various RAV4 grades, each with their own distinct flavor, including an Adventure model with a more robust appearance and greater towing capability to a new Hybrid that’s as much about added zip as it is 40mpg.
On the spec sheet, the RAV4 has been stretched between the wheels adding to rear seat legroom. Its height has been reduced while ground clearance has been raised by over a half an inch, which leads to a new all-wheel drive system with Multi-Terrain Select that provides this RAV4 with an added dose of off-road spunkiness. Other than Jeep, this class generally puts 4-wheeling on the back burner so having mud and sand and rock and dirt modes is really cool. With advancements in powertrain electronics, the RAV4 can be fuel efficient and demure as well as capable and sporty. The 8-speed auto does offer ECO, Sport and Snow modes to further fine-tune the driving experience. That starts with a very sophisticated but very noisy 2.5-liter 4-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Zero-to-60mph in 8.2 seconds doesn’t accurately communicate the feeling of acceleration from behind the wheel, which in around the town driving is more than sufficient to zip in and out of traffic. Plus, it sounds fast which creates the sensation of speed. But everyone I’ve had in here this week, myself included, has immediately mentioned how loud this motor is. And it’s not the kind of sound you’d crave, either. From a driving standpoint, it’s clearly evident that this new RAV4 platform knows driving dynamics. More precision and smartness in the way it moves, the suppleness of the ride quality, the more engaging steering and handling – it’s what Honda has done so well with their new CR-V platform and Honda closely matches that here. What the RAV4 loses to the CR-V in on-road drivability it more than makes up for in its newfound, adventurous spirit.
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