The Rav4 has certainly made a name for itself in the mid-size crossover SUV market. Benefits of these vehicles include a great V6 engine and an optional third row seat. There have been minor changes both inside and out for the 2010 Toyota Rav4 making it an even more refined vehicle. With room for possibly 7 people it is capable of acting like a full size SUV while retaining it's wonderful fuel economy. Compared with vehicles like the Ford Escape, the Rav4 has been more adept to change. The new model is probably one of the most modern looking in it's class.
Trim packages available include the Base, Sport and Limited. Front or all wheel drive is choice for all these packages along with either a 4 or 6 cylinder engine. Base models come with standard features like limited slip differentials on front drive models, AC, full power accessories, remote keyless entry, CD players, electric power driver seats, and cruise controls. Base models that have 4 wheel drive come with 17 inch alloy wheels that are only offered as optional equipment on 2 wheel drive models.
Sport packages have standard 18 inch alloy wheels. Other features include different exterior accents, suspension designed for highway driving, different location for spare tires than the rear door, run flat tires, heated mirrors, and leather steering wheels. As a mid-level package the Sport models offer enough amenities to compete with high-end models of vehicles like the Ford Escape and Chevy Trailblazer.
Limited Edition packages have a regularly tuned suspension system and are reduced back to 17 inch alloy wheels. they have heated mirrors as well, roof rails, remote ignition starters, dual climate controls, upgraded audio systems that have a 6 CD changer, and optional satellite radio. The limited edition is offered with the V6 engine only. Another set of interesting features for these packages is a hill start assist, and down hill start assist system to relieve the transmission.
It is important to note that all these vehicles were mainly designed for highway driving. Though they do have capable 4 wheel drive systems, they will fair better in poor conditions on the highway than in mud. Overall handling characteristics are very nice and offer a great ride quality and limited road noise.
The engines offered are a 2.5 liter four cylinder that give 179 horsepower and 172 pound feet of torque, and a 3.5 liter V6 that produces 269 horsepower and a whopping 246 pound feet of torque. The smaller engine gets a fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The larger engine comes in with 19 mpg city, and 27 mpg highway. Outfitted with a towing package these vehicles can haul up to 3,500 pounds.
The 2010 Toyota Rav4 comes with standard safety features like traction control, front head restraints, stability control, front and side airbags, and full curtain airbags. In crash tests these vehicles received mixed reviews. In frontal crashes, drivers safety got a perfect score, while passenger safety only received 4 out of 5 stars. Side impact tests were rather similar as well, receiving mostly perfect scores.
Rav4 models have become very popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer very classy bodies and interiors, along with more than capable 4 wheel drive systems. As a city vehicle they are well adept for parking in small places, and can hold their own out in the country as well. Consumers looking for an all around vehicle capable of handling poor driving conditions, and hauling a decent sized family should really enjoy owning one of these renowned Toyota vehicles.
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