A redesigned RAV4 arrives in February with a sole engine of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic. The tiny optional third-row seat is dropped. The outgoing RAV4 has a flexible, well-designed interior. The cabin is reasonably quiet and the ride is fairly comfortable. Handling is agile and secure. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder gets a good 23 mpg overall. The optional 3.5-liter V6 is quick and gets 22 mpg. The controls are simple to use, the rear seat is roomy, and a tiny third-row seat is optional. The side-opening rear tailgate requires a lot of space for cargo access. An all-electric version, developed by Tesla, is available in limited numbers and only in California. Toyota claims a driving range of about 100 miles and charging time of six hours on a 240-volt charger. It costs $49,800 before incentives.
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Toyota Blog Content
Mid-level 2013 Toyota RAV4 joins our test program
One of the more popular small SUVs, the RAV4 has been a top performer in Consumer Reports tests for years. To see how the new model compares against fresh competitors, we just purchased a typically equipped RAV4 for testing. With...
Who owns which car brands?
The auto industry has a very confusing family tree. The past few years have seen partnerships, sales, separations, bankruptcies, and entire divisions killed off, making it difficult to keep up with who owns which car brands. As automakers slim down...
Government proposes that electric and hybrid cars make some noise
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a minimum sound standard for electric and hybrid vehicles to help reduce pedestrian fatalities. Electric and hybrid vehicles are very different than their gas-only counterparts in that they are virtually silent...
CES 2013 video: Five top products of the show
The Consumer Electronics Show never fails to bring product innovation and evolution that we can (more or less) predict—and to deliver some great surprises, too. This year's top products are a mix of both. 1. Huawei Ascend Mate smart phone:...
New Toyota RAV4's headlight switch design is not so bright
Toyota's redesigned 2013 RAV4 small SUV has many nice qualities and one head-scratching quirk: Daytime Running Lights that don't automatically run in the daytime. A simple safety measure, daytime running lights (DRLs) make cars more visible during the day by...
