The Toyota RAV4 is a little sportutility vehicle, the smallest of Toyota's big group of SUVs. The RAV4 was among the initial entries within the crossover SUV market, that has become a lot more competitive through recent years. Alongside its opponents, a few that are within their very first generation, now's thirdgeneration RAV4 advantages from years of refinement plus a powerful reputation for dependability.

We've consistently explained the Toyota RAV4 as possessing favorable onroad etiquette, great ergonomics plus a high degree of quality, even when this comes at the expense of offroad prowess and butch styling. It got the comfort and drivability of auto - based advantages and design from engines. Therefore, this highly developed, wellpackaged crossover SUV is better matched to young households and city singles seeking the compact SUV that hits that sweet-spot between auto-based station wagons and truckbased SUVs.

Present Toyota RAV4
Car-like driving etiquette, flexible cargo and passenger configurations and relaxation have all been identifying RAV4 features, and also the most recent edition builds upon that sound basis.

The Toyota RAV4 is provided with a selection of two engines, the standard being a 2.5liter inline fourcylinder that creates 179 hp and 172 poundfeet of torque. A fourspeed automatic may be the sole available transmission, but customers can choose either front- or fourwheel-drive variants.

Besides both engine alternatives, purchasers can choose among three RAV4 trim levels. Even in Base trim, the Toyota RAV4 is nicely furnished with cruise-control, power accessories plus a complete suite of security features, including stability-control. Sport trim brings a suspension, outdoor improvements and larger wheels. The Limited model adds numerous luxurious features that comprise keyless ignition/entry, double-zone automatic climate-control and an upgraded stereo. Most RAV4 alternatives are grouped into bundles and change based on area and trim. A seat is optional on all versions, as can be a backup camera.

When it comes to area, the RAV4 excels, boasting more cargo space than other competitive SUVs. Everything you should do is turn a lever within the cargo hold to fold the seats level, to configure the RAV4 for freight. The load floor can be fairly low for this particular category, although the Toyota's tailgate is an inconvenience if you are parked in the road, because it has hinges in the passenger-side.

Street noise is an issue, however, and altogether the RAV4 appears less buttoneddown than another small crossovers. The engine is a practical option for many buyers, because it offers sufficient electricity for day - to - day driving. Nevertheless, its fuel-economy and fourspeed transmission are unimpressive, producing the V6 our preferred alternative.

The present Toyota RAV4 represents the 3rd generation, which debuted for 2006. In comparison to earlier versions, this RAV4 is the biggest, and the sole one with a seat and the available V6 engine. Changes since the introduction are minimal. In its second-year, frontseat side airbags and side curtain airbags became common (they were discretionary in '06).

The secondgeneration Toyota RAV4 (2001-'05) was bigger, with more expressive styling and innovative removable secondrow seats that gave it really notable cargocarrying capacities. Early versions had a 148hp, 2.0liter, fourcylinder engine that came up short versus the bigger four- and sixcylinder engines provided by rivals. Toyota addressed this to a point in 2004 by changing the 2.0liter with a bigger 2.4liter fourcylinder great for 160-hp. Acceleration was noticeably enhanced, and purchasers could still pick a manual or automatic transmission.

The firstgeneration Toyota RAV4 (1996 2000) was extended in fourdoor and twodoor body styles, with a convertible model for a short interval. Advantages included a low cargo floor, carlike handling plus a sizable back door that made a wind to loading cargo.