Car Reviws |
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport, an AW Drivers Log: Posted: 06 Jan 2011 06:46 AM PST  The four-cylinder engine in the Toyota RAV4 is rated at 179 hp.
NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: This is a solid people hauler and with big tires and a Christmas red paint job, very apt for the season. The I4 was respectable. I wouldn't have guessed it was just 179 hp, and it's adept at basic passing and lane merging. The steering is a touch light but makes this blocky vehicle easy to direct. Inside is a clean, uncluttered cabin, and this tester was sharply appointed with black materials, which present well. The outside is fairly bland, exactly what is expected in the midsize-crossover segment. It fits in with the Ford Escape and a host of other vehicles that offer roominess and an elevated road view. Consumers like that demeanor; it's reassuring and positive. The comfy suspension and just a bit of road view help, too. I took a crew of four to a restaurant literally in the middle of nowhere, and the two in back were not upset by their setting. I'd take a RAV4 with the V6 and four-wheel drive if I lived out in the boonies, but the four-banger and FWD are fine for urban commuting. ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER TARA KLEIN: The sharp styling of the RAV4 was only the first thing that appealed to me during my overnight. I knew this small SUV was going to be fun considering the sporty vibe and stance. I hopped in prepared for my winter-weather drive, feeling confident this would comfortably and safely get me home. As I was backing out of the parking spot, I spotted the backup camera in the rearview mirror. Genius! This location proved to be perfect, minimizing the amount of places to constantly check while in reverse. The RAV4 Sport was also incredibly smooth when maneuvering on the expressways and handled all conditions with efficiency and ease. Obviously, the cargo area is a huge benefit of any SUV, but in the RAV4, you get a lot of space without trading off the comfort and feel that one gets in a car. I was not towering over other vehicles; I felt planted and secure. The interior was well composed and followed the sporty, utilitarian concept. Every control was easy to find and the design was uncomplicated, featuring curved lines and shapes that were visually pleasing. I can see a large variety of people taking a look at the RAV4 for their everyday ride, whether they are a SUV lover, a car fan or simply looking for a reliable vehicle that carries a bit of spunk. 2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport Base Price: $24,435 As-Tested Price: $28,357 Drivetrain: 2.5-liter I4; FWD, four-speed automatic Output: 179 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 172 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm Curb Weight: 3,435 lb Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 24/23.4 mpg Options: Touch-screen DVD navigation system including AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, satellite radio and traffic compatible ($1,550); power moonroof ($900); appearance package including unique rear door with chrome accents, run-flat tires, unique RAV4 and sport badging, stainless-steel exhaust tip, color-keyed power heated outside mirrors with turn-signal indicators and folding feature, rear-step bumper protector, chrome-accented shift lever with leather inlay, chrome interior door handles, chrome parking brake tip and vent trim, unique door-sill covers ($577); auto-dimming rearview mirror ($475); roof rack ($220); tonneau cover ($90); auto on/off headlights ($70); daytime running lights ($40) |
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