Rav4 still the perfectly sized SUV
A lot of people extol the virtues of the Camry and Highlander as the best vehicles in the Toyota lineup. I’ve read that very thing recently on this blog, in fact. It’s not that I disagree, but I feel there is room for one more model in the terrific-Toyota class. And I would argue the Rav4 belongs there.
Why? Because the Toyota Rav4 is still an SUV, but it handles like a car, is tremendously fuel-efficient, and provides all of the cabin space you need in an SUV. The Rav4 remains, as it always has been, the perfect size for just about any SUV buyer. With its length (shorter than a Camry), it is right at home on a sedan platform. This means a less-rigid ride than all of the SUVs on truck platforms provide.
With the rear seats down, this little ute gives 73 cubic feet of interior storage space. I’m guessing this is enough space for most buyers all the time and for some buyers 99% of the time. One time I had to move a ton of stuff. My car was not large enough. But I didn’t go out and buy a U-Haul for that one time every 5 years I have to load up a vehicle.
When I took a Toyota Kenosha test drive recently in the new Rav4, I made a point to test both the V6 and four-cylinder. Now to address the engine options. It’s true that the Rav4 comes with a four-banger or V6. I’ve read a bit too much out there encouraging buyers to go with the V6 because they will only be saving one or two mpg by rolling with four cylinders. The truth is that you’ll save at least 3 mpg city with the 4-cylinder and I would place the overall savings on highway fuel above the 1 mpg the EPA grants the Rav4 four-cylinder. If you need the V6 or really want it, I would say go for it. There is more power, and it would be the obvious selection if you intend to do any towing. However, I just want to make sure the 4-cylinder is represented well as a really zippy option with plenty of highway power. Plus, it’s a greener option, especially if you live in the city or have a stop-and-go commute.
Certainly, the Rav4 is one of my favorites. I took a Toyota Kenosha test drive of the new 2010 Rav4 recently, and the model is at the top of its game. It’s still not flashy and not fancy, but it certainly felt more luxurious than a $21,500 car should.
On my Toyota Kenosha test drive I was so impressed by the handling, I decided to drive a Camry that was on the Toyota dealership Kenosha lot immediately after to compare them. I won’t say the Rav4 beat out the Camry, but I would have to say it was just about a tie.