Compact SUV buyers in 2011 found that there is tight competition in the market. Honda CR-V has a nicer interior, but we feel for the torque motor. The Kia Sportage is cheaper and better, but it does have less cargo. Among domestic competitors that RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, is to choose the broad and solid. Finally, although the Ford Escape remains a perennial bestseller, he was VP of date and it is set to get much-needed refurbishment later this year.
Inline-4 engine produces about the same amount of horsepower as the Honda CR-V four-cylinder, but it still feels like a machine over the lives of many because it is a broader power band has a good grip. But if you still want more power, there is a very nice V6, but power tends to increase the front-wheel drive to get in fine condition, so that all wheel-drive is probably a better answer. And if you opt for the V6, there is almost no penalty in fuel economy EPA-rated, while the V6 uses fuel more significant factor in enabling the real world.
For the RAV4 four-cylinder engine, EPA fuel economy estimates 22 mpg city/28 highway and 24 mpg combined. This is similar to the CR-V, while the Sportage Equinox and have a higher ranking highway. During our testing, we were averaging about 24.4 mpg, equivalent to the combined EPA rating. We recorded a high of about 29.8 mpg and 19.8 mpg lower.
Comfort. Opinions about front seat comfort, spread over our editors. Shorter drivers and average height should have no problem finding a comfortable seating position. But the higher people may find that the wheel does not telescope and the seat is not enough to feel as supportive.
Rear seat has a good amount of leg room and can see a slide back to accommodate more passengers. If you need more people to carry, RAV4 is one of the few in its class to offer a third row - though it will cut your cargo.
In comparison tests recently, our editor was surprised to find that despite the popularity of the family, the RAV4 is one of the worst when installing a child seat. Not only is there less room for a chair that is placed from the Chevy Equinox or the Hyundai Tucson, but the top tether anchor is buried between the rear seat and cargo bulkhead, making access difficult. They concluded that once you have a car seat, you may be reluctant to move it installed.
Function. Front visibility is excellent, but little affected in the back because the spare wheel mounted on the back. Optional backup camera in our test model to help with parking and finding small objects.
The biggest strength RAV4 cargo space. There is 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row seats, a large amount. In our usability testing real world, we are two big suitcases and three small steps. Press the one-touch down flat and with the 60/40-split seats down, maximum cargo capacity expands to 73 cubic meters. This is the most vehicles in its class and approach the capacity of a medium-sized SUV. There are also many other items for storage of small inns throughout the vehicle.
We were disappointed to see that there is no audio controls on the steering wheel or a model with Bluetooth. Steering wheel audio controls are available in the optional "value package," but the Bluetooth option should be added. If you or Sportage Equinox can be equipped with the same electronics, you can both features for less money.
Design / Fit and finish. It seems like the RAV4 for centuries. Although the current generation of vehicles dated from the year 2006, the styling has not changed dramatically in more than 10 years. RAV4 is not a bad SUV, but the evolution is slow and spare wheel mounted on the back (which can be removed as an option), is a reminder of the early draft language sports, there is no word crossover.
RAV4 interior is a mixture of soft and hard plastic touches typical of the vehicles in its class. We really liked the three-spoke steering wheel and brushed metal finish on the center console, sporty touch in the interior.
