2013 Toyota RAV4

2013 Toyota RAV4 In the late 1990s, the Toyota RAV4 essentially created the "cute-ute" craze, dominating the new segment for years. Not anymore. Recent monthly sales reports show the top two spots usually occupied by the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape. Toyota is hoping its fourth-generation 2013 Toyota RAV4, which is slightly smaller than its predecessor but bears sharper styling and features a host of upgrades, will help fix the situation. Part of the original RAV4's charm was its diminutive footprint. The small Toyota was easy to maneuver and fairly fun to drive, yet still provided the high seating position and versatile interior Americans love so much about SUVs. Though it doesn't go all the way back, the 2013 RAV4 does take a step toward its roots.

2013 Toyota RAV4

2013 Toyota RAV4

 2013 Toyota RAV4

2013 Toyota RAV4

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2013 Toyota RAV4

While it retains its predecessor's 104.7-inch wheelbase, the 2013 RAV4 is 2 inches shorter overall than the outgoing model (179.9 inches) and about an inch lower (65.4 inches). One thing that grew, albeit slightly, is the width, which now sits at 72.6 inches versus the 2012 model's 71.5. The maximum passenger capacity drops from seven to five via the elimination of the third row.   Under the hood, Toyota is no longer offering the 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 that made the third-gen RAV4 so entertaining. Instead, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder essentially carries over, producing 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque (3 fewer horses than the outgoing model). Thankfully, Toyota finally ditched the dated four-speed automatic in favor of a new six-speed gearbox equipped with Eco and Sport modes. The automaker says the front-drive 2013 RAV4 is expected to receive a 24/31 mpg city/highway rating from the EPA, improving on the 22/28 mpg rating for the outgoing model. All-wheel-drive RAV4s should achieve 22/29 mpg, a 1 and 2 mpg improvement, respectively, over the third-gen. No word if Toyota will mimic the Escape by offering additional powertrain options or will stick to a single engine choice like the CR-V.
Toyota says the new RAV4 will provide a "more dynamic" driving experience, thanks to a retuned suspension and electric power steering. Then there's the Sport Mode, which wakes up the car with sharper throttle response and revised steering tuning. In the "S" mode, drivers can hear engine revs rise with a "blip," not a feature we'd expect on a crossover. All-wheel-drive RAV4s in Sport Mode and in Lock Mode below about 25 mph can send up to 50 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels.   Available in LE, XLE, and Limited trim levels, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 starts in LE form with 17-inch steel wheels, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, power side mirrors, power windows, eight airbags, Bluetooth, rearview camera, and 60/40 split/folding second-row seats. Upgrade to the 2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE and you'll be riding on 17-inch alloy wheels and sitting in bucket seats with side bolstering. Given the success of the Camry's SE trim, we wonder how much time will pass before the automaker to offers a RAV4 SE.At the top of the 2013 RAV4 lineup is the Limited model, which comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, programmable power liftgate, SofTex fabric with French stitching on the seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The front seats of the RAV4 Limited are heated, and the driver's seat has memory settings and power lumbar. We've already seen the SofTex material in other Toyota vehicles including the Prius and Tacoma. On the new RAV4, it covers the center armrest as well as parts of the door and dash panels. Along with a more modern center stack that features a standard 6.1-inch touch screen, the SofTex gives the new crossover a slightly more upscale appeal, something definitely lacking on the outgoing model. With the weight savings Toyota engineers found by using high-strength steel, the automaker added an acoustic windshield and additional sound-deadening materials. Check every option box and you'll have added a 576-watt, 11-speaker sound system with a navigation system, a blind-spot monitoring system, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert that operates when the vehicle is reversing at speeds below 15 mph.
Current Toyota RAV4 owners may be pleased to know that the crossover no longer uses a side-hinged liftgate door. Open the conventional, roof-hinged tailgate and you'll find 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space that expands to 73.4 cubic feet with the second row folded down. With the rear seats in their upright position, that's 1.2 cubic feet larger than the outgoing RAV4 and the current Honda CR-V, and 4.1 cubic feet more than the Ford Escape. Towing capacity on the Toyota and Honda is 1500 pounds, while the Ford can tow up to 3500 pounds with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Competitors like the Escape and CR-V may pose a threat to the RAV4's sales, but with updates to the crossover's interior, design, and transmission, Toyota may be ready to reclaim the sales crown in a segment it defined and has occupied for nearly 20 years.