Toyota RAV4
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For 2012, the Toyota RAV4 SUV gains as standard equipment a new audio head unit featuring Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and music streaming. The Limited grade offers a new navigation radio with Toyota's Entune infotainment system.
The RAV4 underwent a major evolution last year, growing in size and price. Toyota's smallest SUV leaves its long-time rival, the Honda CR-V, in the feature-content dust by offering seating for seven and an optional V6 engine. Moving from rambunctious teen to professional adult does have its drawbacks, however, and the RAV4's conservative styling might be the most noticeable of those. Where the playful RAV4 was once aimed at young singles with active lifestyles, the new vehicle caters to young couples with active two-year olds. While there are better equipped and less expensive seven-passenger SUVs on the market (the new Hyundai Santa Fe, for example), none have the RAV4's impeccable quality or reliability ratings, nor can they hold a candle to the RAV4's strong resale value.
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Researched well
By Star (Oregon) on Tuesday, June 01, 2010
overall rating 5 of 5rating details
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"Spent MONTHS RESEARCHING & driving everything in this class - had to choose the practical RAV4 (4 cyl) 4x4. Has been GREAT. Wanted an SUV, but needed great (proven) mileage (I get 31-33 mpg hwy, 21-26 town). At times, have gotten 34 mpg. Excellent power. Toyota has simple, expected features that other companies don't, i.e. lots of "up or down" movement for the driver seat, good interior lights, instant mpg meter (you'll get used to it) and good VISIBILITY. It is also FUN to drive, scoots easily around town. Liked the Equinox, BUT it felt boxed in, claustrophobic, with poor visibility and didn't think a 4 cyl would last long with its heavy weight. Rav4 is a light SUV, & still has lots of room. It's basic, but VERY decent. It's what you expect for a "MILEAGE SUV" and if you don't want a "car". Have had no problems whatsoever. Engine slightly loud, but NOT as loud as competitors and this is typical in the lighter vehicles. Shouldn't be compared to large, heavy or luxury SUVs. We love the big SUVs, but in todays world, they are too expensive and too much money to drive and insure."
61 people out of 61 found this review helpful
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Drive Like a Dream
By cujo (Richmond, IN) on Saturday, September 13, 2008
overall rating 5 of 5rating details
Reviewer Ratings
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"What can be said that already hasn't been said about a Toyota? The RAV4 Sport is a stylish step up from a base model RAV. (Personally, I think a Limited trim line for this model is like putting ear rings on a hog but that's just my take.) With the Sport you get a darker interior (shows less stains than the lighter base model), a sport suspension and bigger wheels. It is worth the little extra $$ in my opinion. Combine this with stability control, traction control, ABS, side curtain air bags, etc... and you have a very safe car. This thing drives like a car but still drives like a dream to me."
24 people out of 24 found this review helpful
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After 63K miles and 3.5 years
By Dan (Buffalo, NY) on Thursday, October 29, 2009
overall rating 5 of 5rating details
Reviewer Ratings
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"Bought new 2006 Limited model in Jan 2006, so it was basically a new production vehicle. So it is currently 3 - 1/2 years old and has 63,000 miles on it. Had one problem - a leak onto the passanger side floor when it rained that Toyota had a fix for. Other than that is extremely reliable. I do not rotate tires. Had the front replaced at 35K miles and the rear at 61K miles. Had brakes replaced at 55K miles. What I did not like was that both front and rear had to be replaced at that time. I fully expected only to replace front but my service shop told me that rear brakes have smaller rotors than front. Average 26 - 27 MPG on expressway driving (I do a lot of that with cruise set at 70 MPH) and around 22 average city/highway. The 4 cyl engine is definately enough to pass on a country road or enter a freeway with just myself or with 1 passanger. It does bog down a bit with 3 passangers and 4 sets of golf clubs. I wanted to buy American made. Looked at the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent but they were both more expensive and had considerably less standard amenities than the RAV4. I liked the fact that side air bags were standard. Now I am extremely happy I bought the RAV - just compare the resale value of the vehicles and the Toyota is at least $4,000 higher value for my vehicle. I dont think I need to comment much on the vehicle itself. Rear seat leg room is very generous. Cargo area easily holds 4 sets of golf clubs. Seats are comfortable for a long drive - not unusual for me to be in the car for 6 hours str8. Visability for backing up is great. But those are all things you will notice on a test drive. I typically trade every 5 years and I know that another Toyota will be at the top of my shopping list. I just hope that GM gets their act together and produces a high quality well thought out vehicle by then as I would prefer to buy American made but cannot justify it today. By the way. the Equinox / Torrent have Chineese engine and Japaneese made transmission, so would I really be buying an American vehicle?"
21 people out of 21 found this review helpful
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