2011 Toyota RAV4 4x2 Sport
PLUSES: Cabin room and comfort, cargo room, third row seat available in base and Limited models. Decent 4 cylinder power as well as handling on twisting roads.
MINUSES: Ride a bit too firm at times. Mileage low for a compact SUV crossover, especially with 2WD. And $810 for freight?
It did as advertised, transporting folks on a jaunt up to Minnesota and back via interstate roads that twisted and turned, rose and fell without giving those in the cabin a case of the wiggles or jitters.
Considering it was a two wheel drive version of the Toyota RAV 4 crossover sport utility vehicle being piloted in the wintertime through the snow belt, and not the even more sure footed all wheel drive version, the fete seemed a little more remarkable---though truth be told the interstate was clean and snow free all the way up and back.
If there was a disappointment, it was that while the RAV4 had great road manners and the base 2.5 liter, 179 h.p. four cylinder engine was able to climb up and over the various hills that appeared along the way without sputtering, the fuel consumption did little ease the drain on the gas budget. The RAV4 is rated at 20 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway with 2WD, but fell short of the expected more than a 400 mile range before need to pause and refill the tank.
A 3.5 liter, 269 h.p. V-6 is optional and promises to zip up and over any inclines with even greater ease, but the mileage rating falls to 19/27.
Toyota is obviously aware that RAV4 could contribute more to fuel conservation by creating a battery powered RAV4 EV that's undergoing testing this year prior to anticipated sale in 2012. The production model has a target of 100 miles travel range in real world motoring in a wide range of climates and conditions before need to pause and recharge.
The lithium metal oxide batteries are being supplied by Tesla Motors, which is also marketing its own battery powered luxury cars.
No word yet on how long it would take to recharge the battery pack, what the vehicle would cost, or how many Toyota would build. But the automaker has said it isn't going to commit to any one single alternative fuel strategy, but rather "a portfolio approach that includes a long-term commitment to hydrogen fuel cells, plug-in hybrids and battery electrics, all driven by the further proliferation of conventional gas-electric hybrids, like Prius."
Toyota has said that coinciding with the RAV4 EV in 2012 it will launch a Prius plug in hybrid and a small EV commuter vehicle. It will also launch its first commercialized hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in calendar year 2015, while adding seven all new hybrid models to its portfolio by the end of 2012.
So stay tuned for better mileage---and more gas conservation.
Back to RAV4, which is offered in base, sport and top of the line Limited in 2WD or 4WD, with four cylinder or V-6, and with an optional third row seat in base and Limited models that holds two added people, though sacrificing luggage and gear space in the cargo hold to do so. We tested the 2WD sport with four cylinder engine.
We tested the Sport version with its upgrade to sports tuned suspension and 18 inch all season radials which delivered very good handling in and out of the twists and turns, though at times when the pavement got rough, ride felt a little too firm. And too much road noise filtered back into the cabin from those radials.
But you can't beat the security that the standard stability control with traction assist offers, along with roll sensing side air bag curtains.
Cabin is comfortable and second row seats slide for and aft to increase leg or cargo room. Second row seat backs also fold flat to increase capacity for gear or groceries. Rather than a hatch lid that swings up, the rear door is side hinged and swings open left to right, which could create a problem loading or unloading if someone parks too close behind.
There's great storage under the rear cargo floor, and second row seat backs fold by pulling release levers in the cargo hold. A net also holds some objects in rear door, while dual glove boxes in the dash, a small container in the center console, and a compartment under the center arm rest provide some added storage space. There's two power plugs-in the dash and the arm rest
Base price is $23,625 with four cylinder. Add $1,930 for V-6, and $1,400 for AWD.
Standard equipment includes rear spoiler, rear privacy glass, 18 inch alloy wheels, fog lights, air conditioning, power windows/mirrors/locks, but manual seats, 10 cup and bottle holders, and rear window defogger.
New for 2011 is an Upgrade Value Package offered at a discounted price on base four-cylinder and V-6 models that adds a six-CD audio system with XM radio; steering wheel audio controls; 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels; color-keyed door handles; Daytime Running Lights; roof rack; privacy glass; power tilt/slide moonroof; upgraded fabric interior; and, on two-row models, a rear cargo area tonneau cover. Our Sport model lacked the packaged, but added some of the items, such as a roof rack for $90 and power moonroof for $900.
2011 Toyota RAV4 4x2 SportWheelbase: 104.7 inches
Length: 178.7 inches
Engine: 2.5 liter, 179 h.p., four cylinder.
Transmission: 4-speed automatic.
Mileage: 22 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway.
Base price: $23,625.
Price as equipped: Add $220 for roof rack; $475 for auto dimming rear view mirror with integrated backup camera; $1,550 for DVD touch screen navi, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio with traffic data; $40 daytime running lamps; $70 auto on/off headlights; $577 appearance package with run flat tires, Sport badging, color keyed power and heated outside mirrors, chrome door handles; $900 power moonroof; $199 bodyside moldings; $199 carpet floor and cargo mats; and $810 freight.