2012 Toyota RAV4

For those of you looking for a moderately priced compact SUV, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 is an excellent choice.

This vehicle offers great driving performance with the optional V6 engine, as well as top-ranking safety features for you and your passengers. A new additional option is the third row seat available for children, so you can seat up to seven passengers and have ample cargo storage space, unlike other compact SUVs.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $22,650.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gallons (60.1 liters) MPG: 22 city / 28 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 181.9 in. (462 cm) Wheel Base: 104.7 in. (265.9 cm)
Height: 66.3 in. (168.4 cm) Width: 71.5 in. (181.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 3360 lbs (1524 kg) Ground Clearance: 7.5 in. (19 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 37.2 cu ft (2nd row) Maximum Seating: 5/7 people
Performance
Engine: 4 Cyl. DOHC w/ Dual VVT-i Displacement: 2.5 Liter
Horsepower: 179 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 172 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 4-Speed ECT-i Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 1500 lbs (680 kgs) Maximum Speed: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:RAV4 3.5L V6 4WD MSRP: $26,085; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Option:RAV4 Sport 3.5L V6 4WD MSRP: $27,680; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Option:RAV4 Limited 3.5L V6 4WD MSRP: $28,650; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy

Performance

The standard model comes equipped with a four cylinder 2.5 liter engine that can produce up to 179 horsepower. You can upgrade the engine to a 3.5 liter V6 for towing purposes or off-road driving at 269 horsepower. Both engine options offer good fuel efficiency and even the larger V6 engine only uses slightly more fuel than the standard model.

Drivers can anticipate up to 22 miles per gallon in city traffic and up to 28 miles per gallon on the highway for the standard engine, which varies only slightly depending on whether you select the standard drivetrain of front wheel drive or four wheel drive.

The V6 engine performs efficiently, offering 19 miles per gallon in the city and up to 27 miles per gallon of the highway. If you’ll be driving on winding roads regularly, it’s a good idea to consider getting the sport model RAV4 with an enhanced sport suspension for even better handling. With these excellent performance options, the RAV4 offers larger engine options that make it stand apart from its top main competitor, the Honda CR-V.

Exterior

The exterior has the same angular front that many are familiar with, and five exterior color options of classic silver metallic, Barcelona red metallic, black, magnetic gray metallic, and super white. There are also handy roof side rails that allow extra cargo options.

Safety

The most highly rated feature of the RAV4 by some people is its overall safety. In independent government crash tests this RAV4 received four out of five stars overall and ranked a perfect five stars in side crash tests. More high ratings came from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, giving it perfect scores on both front and side crash tests.

This vehicle has standard front air bags and side air bags that protect the rear passengers, as well as other safety features common to many other Toyota vehicles, including:
– anti-lock brakes
– brake assist
– automatic smart-stop technology
– traction control
– electronically monitored brake-force distribution

Not only that, this RAV4 is further backed with a three year or 36,000 mile warranty, and a powertrain warranty of up to five years or 60,000 miles, so the reliability of this SUV is guaranteed.

Interior

The only setback on the new RAV4 is that its interior is not as refined as the Honda CR-V (MSRP $25,425; 23 city / 31 hwy). The CR-V can be little bit more expensive and offers less storage space and seating options, but its interior has been rated as slightly more comfortable and offers additional options like a USB port in the console and a rear view camera to monitor small children.

Competition

There are two other SUVs that the RAV4 may be compared to, the Chevrolet Equinox (MSRP $25,875; 22 city / 32 hwy), which has the best gas mileage, and the Ford Escape (MSRP $25,695; 22 city / 28 hwy).

In conclusion the 2012 Toyota RAV4 offers excellent value for your purchase, without compromising on safety or good driving performance.

Overall Rating
73 out of 100

What others say:

“Of all the modern compact crossover models for 2012, the Toyota RAV4 remains one of the better picks its size for daily family-hauling needs.”Car Connection

“RAV4s have responsive steering and fine straight-line stability but display some noseplow and body lean in fast, sharp turns. Sport models’ sport suspension is more adept at handling twisty roads. The brakes provide good stopping control and pedal feel.”Consumer Guide

“The cabin is reasonably quiet, the ride is fairly comfortable, and fuel economy is good. Handling is agile and secure.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Spacious, comfortable and easy to drive, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 is good choice for a small-to-midsize crossover SUV, especially if you want a V6 or a usable kid-size third-row seat. Yet newer competitors are definitely worth a look.”Edmunds

“In the hotly-contested field of compact SUVs, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 reigns supreme.”KBB

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