The Toyota RAV4 is no exception.
For 2011, the little CUV mostly marks time and continues in Base (starting at $21,925), Sport ($23,625) and Limited ($24,915) trim levels, with a choice of front or 4WD drivelines and four-cylinder or V6 engines.
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For those used to any Toyota product of the last decade, the current RAV has an air of familiarity. It's decently put together with good fit and finish, fairly precise panel fit and the paint largely devoid of orange peel – something at still afflicts some rival vehicles.
Toyota RAV4 Limited models boast a unique front fascia and deeper grille, which lends a more distinctive and somewhat aggressive look.
TOP QUALITY INTERIOR BUT STANDARD EQUIPMENT LACKING
In terms of interior fit, comfort and practicality, the RAV4 scores quite highly. The front seats are typical Toyota, fairly wide and comfortable with adequate fore/aft and lumbar adjustment. Base and Sport trim RAVs come with a rudimentary sound system and lack features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, standard cargo cover, second row HVAC and satellite radio – items that now come standard on many rivals. For second row riders, seat comfort is decent as is stretching space. Aided by a fairly square roofline, there's more than 38-inches of head clearance for the second row and almost 39-inches of leg space, enabling two 6-foot plus adults to sit in quality comfort – there's plenty of space for three kids. The second row seat also handily stows in a 60/40 format providing a welcomed amount of additional cargo space as well as access to the third row seat – a rarity in this segment.
HOT ROD V6 BUT FUEL ECONOMY LAGGING
On the road, the RAV displays fairly pleasant driving characteristics. Rated at 269 horsepower and 246 ft-lbs of torque, it turns the RAV into a sleeper - with gutsy acceleration and an accompanying soundtrack. In fact, Toyota rates the acceleration of the V6 model in the six second range! A $160 tow prep package is also offered on the V6, that includes a heavy-duty cooling system, transmission cooler and alternator, enabling the RAV to tow up to 3,500 lbs, making it ideal for towing small boats or watercraft.
As for fuel economy the four-cylinder manages around 22-mpg in town, 28-mpg on the highway for front-drivers and 21/27-mpg for 4x4s.
COMFORT-ORIENTED RIDE
Handling is fairly predictable, though at higher speeds through the turns or during quick lane changes, there's noticeable body roll and front-end understeer – something we do normally expect from a Toyota. 4WD versions offer improved grip, but for maximum road contact it's best to step up to larger wheels and tires. The RAV's priorities remain very much tarmac biased. The steering offers decent on center feel during highway driving but under sharp directional changes or fast corners feels a little spongy At slow speeds, however, it's fairly light touch and the RAVs impressive turning circle makes city parking a doddle. Toyota offers a hill start assist and descent control feature that helps hold the vehicle on hills. While a solid package, there are two important drawbacks to the RAV, namely fuel economy and price.
the 2011 Toyota RAV4 ranks 3 out of 23 Affordable Compact SUVs. Reviewers call the 2011 Toyota RAV4 one of the most practical and family-friendly SUVs you can buy. The 2011 Toyota RAV4, reviewers say, continues that tradition.
The optional third-row seat also helps the RAV4 stand out. While the RAV4 launched the segment, the competition is starting to catch up. Several other options in the class offer nicer interiors, more interior features and lower prices. If you like the RAV4, reviewers say you’ll likely be happy with it. The RAV4 is most often compared to the Honda CR-V. Hovever, compared to a four-cylinder RAV4, the CR-V is tough competition.
It beats the RAV4’s base highway fuel economy and has a more up-to-date interior, with more standard features.
Details: Toyota RAV4
All-wheel drive (which Toyota calls four-wheel drive) is optional. For 2011, the RAV4 sees few changes. If you’re interested in the RAV4, make sure you check out our Toyota Deals page to see what discounts and incentives are available on a RAV4.
There's no manual gearbox to be had; V-6 RAV4 models have a five-speed automatic, while four-cylinder models make do just fine with a four-speed auto. In either case, the RAV4 is offered with either front- or four-wheel drive. The larger engine gives the 2011 RAV4 the ability to sprint with hot-rod-like authority or pull off astonishingly quick passes. All the while, the RAV4 handles surprisingly well for such a tall, soft-riding vehicle. The optional AWD system uses electronic control to send power rearward when slippage in front is detected, and offers a true 50/50 fixed power split with a 4WD Lock mode.
The 2011 Toyota RAV4 misses few marks for comfort. With well designed seating, good seating comfort, and top-notch assembly quality, along with a tight, quiet cabin, the RAV4 has covers all the bases. The only minor gripes pertain to interior materials and third-row seating space. The interior of the 2010 Toyota RAV4 features an attractive two-tier instrument panel, good seats, a nice upright driving position, and plenty of storage spaces. The top Limited model can be optioned like a luxury model, with leather seating areas, heated front seats, and the SUV-requisite rear seat DVD entertainment system to keep the kids entertained.
For 2011, a new Upgrade Value Package adds a bunch of popular equipment to Base four-cylinder or V-6 models.