Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 Review                                       

The lovable Toyota RAV4 continues its legacy into 2012 and remains a dominant force in the compact SUV market segment. While not significantly revamped for the current model year, its all round qualities encompassing style, power, reliability, and fuel efficiency ensures that it will continue to provide some stiff competition to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Chevy Equinox. Ranked 5th out of 20 Affordable Compact SUVs by US News and World Report, the Toyota RAV4 continues to be a leader in the compact SUV market. Its stylish and compact exterior, comfortable interior, strong performance ratings thanks largely to one of the most powerful V6 engines in its class, excellent fuel economy and safety features, and a starting MSRP of $22,650 undeniably makes this vehicle very hard to resist. Additionally, the 2012 model features an electronic brake override on all RAV4s which reduces engine power when the brakes and accelerator are applied at the same time. New for 2012 is a revamped standard sound system. All models now include hands-free phone connectivity, music streaming via Bluetooth, and phone book access. The Limited trim also offers an available display audio system with navigation, Toyota Entune services, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, text-to-voice capabilities, and XM Satellite Radio (with a 90 day trial subscription). With Entune, drivers can hook up their smart phone with their RAV4s and utilize a variety of mobile applications and data services. (A three year subscription is included at no additional cost).

The base RAV4 comes with features such as keyless entry, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power mirrors, cruise control, and an electroluminescent instrucment panel. There is also a Base Plus Extra Value Package for base models which offers many exciting new features such as a tilt/slide moonroof, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, daytime running lights, privacy glass, a 6 CD player with XM satellite radio (subscription required), steering wheel audio controls, and upgraded fabric for the interior. To add icing to the cake, the RAV4 has one of the best resale values of any vehicle. In fact, it is one of Kelly Blue Book's Best resale value award winners for 2010 and Intellichoice awarded the 2007 edition with the Highest Retained Value award. This means that if you ever plan on selling your RAV4 there is a pretty good chance you'll get a good price for it.

When it comes to performance, the optional V6 engine gives the RAV4 a big advantage over its competitors. The great news is that even with the much more powerful 269-horsepower engine fuel economy is not significantly worse than with the 4-cylinder 166 horsepower engine and you only pay about $2K more. The ride is fairly smooth and balanced (though a bit firm on harsh and bumpy surfaces) and offers a good blend of comfort and agility. The exterior is stylish and refined while the interior is comfortable and offers plenty of cargo space, optional third row seat, and an optional navigation system. Some reviewers, however, aren't overly impressed with the interior and argue that it has a "budget feel" and have raised quality concerns. The RAV4 also scores well for reliability as J.D. Power and Associates give it a score of 7 out of 10 based on quality and dependability data over the past three years. The area where the 2012 RAV4 really shines is safety as this is understandably a prime concern that many potential buyers have given Toyota's recall issues in the recent past. The 2012 RAV4 comes standard with Toyota's Star Safety system and features driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front- and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. While full testing by the federal government of the 2012 Toyota RAV4 is not yet complete, the 2011 edition of the RAV4 performed extremely well in crash safety tests and received a 5 star rating for driver safety and four stars for passenger safety.

So how does the competition measure up? Well, the Honda CR-V against whom the RAV4 is often compared to has a similar starting price but it gets worse fuel economy. Some reviewers also feel that the RAV4 has a better looking exterior and don't particularly care for the Honda CR-V's awkward looking front grille. The RAV4's options for a V6 engine and an optional third row seat are also huge pluses especially considering that these features are rarities in the compact SUV market segment. On the flip side, the Honda CR-V does have a more impressive interior and a tailgate design that is easier to use. Others also criticize how the RAV4's cargo doors swing to the right which makes it hard to load and unload. Another point to note is that although the RAV4 gets good fuel economy, the Chevy Equinox and Jeep Patriot get even better mileage yet are in the same price range. Some also feel that that the RAV4, although powerful with a V6 engine, does not provide the most enjoyable driving experience on rougher surfaces. It all depends on what is more important to you. Overall, however, it is tough to match the RAV4's all round qualities and it is fair to say that it beats the CR-V on almost all fronts.