The Toyota RAV4 kicked open the market for small car-based sporty-utility vehicles when it arrived in 1996 and continues to hold a strong position in that market.
The first RAV4 was in the slow lane with only 120 horsepower. But its affordability, cute styling, economical operation and carlike nature made it an instant hit.
The second generation RAV4 arrived for 2001 and kept up sales momentum with a slightly larger body featuring a nicely sculpted look. The interior was roomier and horsepower was raised to 148 from 127.
All the while, the compact RAV4 has had Toyota's shining reputation for quality, durability and high resale value. But Toyota has continued to use a two-liter, four-cylinder engine that has a sophisticated design, but is noisy when worked hard. And a driver must work it hard most of the time to safely merge, pass or keep up with traffic, which often moves swiftly.
Among rivals are the Ford Escape, which offers a 201-horsepower V-6, and the Honda CR-V, which has a 2.4-liter, 160-horsepower four-cylinder.
The latest RAV4 engine still produces 148 horsepower and is best suited to in-town use. Acceleration is lively to 55 mph, except with heavier loads, but the 65-75 mph passing time is only fair. Steady freeway highway cruising is no problem--although it's hard to keep a steady pace with heavy traffic and erratic drivers.
The best performance is gotten with the standard, decent five-speed manual gearbox. It doesn't soak up as much power as does the responsive four-speed automatic transmission, which costs extra.
The $16,525-$18,975 four-door RAV4 comes with front- or all-wheel drive that has no low-range gearing because this Toyota isn't designed for tough off-road driving. However, about half of RAV4 buyers get the all-wheel-drive system, mostly for better grip on slippery roads.
Only 87-octane gasoline is needed, and fuel economy is pretty good. With front-drive it's an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway with the manual and 24 and 29 with the automatic.
Figures with the all-wheel-drive version are 22 city and 27 highway with either transmission because such a drive system increases driveline drag and adversely affects economy.
The biggest news for 2003 is a $2,067 Sport Package that gives the RAV4 a racier look. The package contains a special grille, aerodynamic multireflective headlights with blackout trim, nonfunctional hood scoop, gray fender flares and tubular stainless steel roof rack.
The package also features comfort and convenience items such as air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/cassette/CD player with six speakers--along with power windows, door locks and mirrors.
That package highlights the fact that the base RAV4 is only moderately well equipped, with such items as front bucket seats, console, split/folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, intermittent wipers and rear-mounted full-size spare tire.
Side air bags aren't offered, which is a drawback in an increasingly safety conscious SUV market, But anti-lock brakes are available for $300 and feature electronic brake-force distribution, which optimizes brake pressure at all wheels for greater control under braking, especially when cornering.
Also extra is $840 leather upholstery, but it requires ordering the $2,153 Upgrade L package. That package has air conditioning, cruise control, upgraded audio system, power windows, door locks and heated mirrors, color-keyed bumpers and bodyside moldings, integrated fog lights, privacy glass and hard-shell spare tire cover.
Stand-alone options include $985 air conditioning and a $900 power sun-roof, which requires the $1,433 Quick Order Package, Sport Package or Upgrade L Package. Remote keyless entry, which has become almost mandatory for most drivers, costs $230, and must be ordered with the $760 Power Package, which contains power door locks and windows.
For those on tight budgets, such as young car buyers, the trick to buying a RAV4 is to keep a watchful eye on option prices--or they'll end up with a costly little sport-ute.
The RAV4 is generally fun to drive, with quick steering, nimble handling and big 16-inch wheels. Sweeping through curves causes some body sway, but the RAV4 maintains confident footing. An all-independent suspension provides a supple ride, although irregular pavement elicits some bounciness partly because the RAV4 has a short 98-inch wheelbase. The brake pedal is touchy, but stopping distances are commendably short.
It's easy to get in and out of the front of the RAV4, but rear-door openings should be wider. Four 6-footers sit high and fit comfortably--as long as a driver doesn't shove his seat back too far. Front seats are supportive, but should provide more thigh support. A low, wide rearview mirror can block vision under some circumstances.
The interior is fairly quiet for a small sport-utility, aside from the engine noise. The black-on-white gauges are easily read, and radio and climate controls are nicely sized and easily reached, as are the driver's power window controls.
The turn-signal lever operates with exceptional smoothness. Front cupholders are positioned for no-spill use. The glovebox is tiny, but at least the small console bin is deep. All doors have storage pockets, and rear windows roll almost all the way down. Grab handles can be found above all doors except the driver's.
The cargo area is fairly large with a low, wide opening, and the entire rear seat flips forward or can easily be removed to significantly expand that area. The tailgate has no separate-opening window through which small items can be tossed. It swings toward the curb, complicating curbside loading, and can be clumsy to use with the outside-mounted spare tire.
The engine compartment is a picture of neatness, with easily reached fluid filler areas, but the hood utilizes an old-fashion prop rod.
The solidly built RAV4 still has a lot going for it, but a larger, quieter engine with more punch would be nice.
TOYOTA RAV4
Prices:
$16,525-$18,975
Likes:
Fun to drive. Good fuel economy. Racy new Sport Package option.
Dislikes:
Engine noisy when pushed. Average highway performance. Options cause price to rapidly escalate. |