Toyota RAV 4

The interior is as luxurious as you’d like, no less than a sedan. Select RAV4 models get leather-stitched seats with dash treated with the same material, looks gorgeous to the naked eye. The cabin is intuitively-designed to enhance the overall experience of the occupants as well as the driver. There are a number of intelligent features arranged in an uncluttered manner, which makes it easy to operate and manage. Other bits on the select models inside the cabin include a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto air conditioning and push start button. An open storage space on the passenger side is ideal for your knicks and knacks that can be reached instantly on the go while split folding rear seats offer tremendous flexibility for the big luggage. While the VX and VXR models get an 8-inch touchscreen display in the centre with a navigation system and six speakers, the other two variants, the EX and the EXR, are blessed with four speakers but no navigation.   

The Toyota RAV4 can be regarded as one of the sophisticated models the automotive giant has ever produced. The RAV4 gets a strong and confident profile, with sleek chrome front grille flanked by LED headlamps for selected models, unique and large lower grille and gracefully-positioned fog lamps. The rear section is fairly wide sporting wrap-around tail lamps with LEDs on some variants, big lift-up tailgate with integrated spoiler and shark-fin antenna. Enhancing the looks are 17 and 18-inch alloy option wheels, roof rails and sunroof, again for selected models. The side sills and bumpers act as a protection layer for the refined RAV4 body. The door mirrors are controlled electronically which also get the integrated turn blinkers. You get a total of ten colour options with RAV4, including Blue Metallic, Orange Metallic, Dark Brown Metallic, Bronze Mica Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Black Mica, Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, White Pearl Crystal Shine and Super White.

The suspension assembly fitted on the RAV4 is a lot stiffer than before, which not only takes care of the road imperfections but keeps the RAV4 planted around bends and corners. While the body roll is next to negligible, the cabin keeps quiet with minimum interference from outside noise and wind. The electronic steering is light and provides optimum feedback, making the drive easy in the city as well as on the highways. Overall, the ride quality is satisfactory with a room for improvement.

All four variants of the RAV4 are powered by a four-cylinder, DOHC, Dual VVT-i, 2.5-litre engine that churns out a max power of 179.4PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 233.3 Nm at 4,100 rpm, mated to a 6-speed automatic Super-Intelligent ECT. It comes with the capability to store 60 litres of fuel. Expect it to return a fuel economy of around 13 kmpl. The intelligent transmission fitted on the crossover ensures that fuel economy doesn’t get hampered and the RAV4 delivers dynamic performance every time it hits the road. As a driver, you get a smooth shift feel while the occupants are treated with immense quietness. The RAV4 can travel from zero to 100 Kmph in just 8.6 seconds before attaining its top speed of 200 kmph.

Toyota is acclaimed for offering vehicles with an exceptional level of safety and RAV4 is no exception. The list of standard safety features across the range include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear fog lamps, tire pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, cruise control, vehicle stability control, rear corner parking sensors, hill start assist control and an anti-theft system with immobilizer. The higher end variants get advanced safety features like front parking sensors, rearview camera, downhill assist control and side/curtain airbags.

The Toyota RAV4 is a worth-buying model, simply due to its not-so-high price tag, easy-to-maintain and run characteristic and back of the most reliable brand in the world. Although a dash of style would increase its fan following and customer base, who are currently busy buying the stylish Kia Sportage.