Toyota sells a lot of RAV4s, and one look will tell you why. It’s a nice looking ute, appearing more SUV-like than most of its competitors

The RAV4 is one of the larger compact SUVs, bordering on midsize and capable of up to 7 occupants. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

thanks to a tough Toyota truck snout, upright stance and a fairly substantial overall size.

Yes, to call the RAV4 compact is stretching the concept. In fact it’s one of the larger compact crossovers on the market, only 165 mm (6.5 inches) shorter overall than the near full-size Highlander, albeit the RAV’s big brother is quite a bit wider. The benefit to the RAV4’s length is interior spaciousness, with the result being an optional third row available with the V6 4WD, as well as more cargo volume than most in the class at 1,015 litres (35.9 cu ft) behind the 60/40 split-folding second row and 2,074 litres (73.2 cu ft) available when that row is folded flat. On the negative for some is a rather heavy rear swinging door (with spare tire attached) that when opened blocks access to the sidewalk if parallel parked, but this issue doesn’t seem to ward off its many faithful fans. The RAV’s payload capacity equals 375 kilos (825 lbs),

The RAV4 offers traditional SUV styling cues, like its externally mounted full-size spare tire. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

whereas it’s capable of towing 680 kg (1,500 lbs) in four-cylinder specification or 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) when powered by the V6.

I had the four-cylinder, which better suited my needs of lower fuel costs while running errands and ferrying my kids around on the weekend, than towing anything. The base 2.5-litre, 16-valve, DOHC engine moves along quite well too, thanks to 179-horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. In today’s world of five- and six-speed transmissions, or varying-speed CVTs and high-tech multi-speed sequential-manual type transmissions for that matter, the inclusion of a regular old four-speed automatic seems like a throwback, but it worked well just the same and

Optional rims add flair to the RAV4. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

delivered reasonably good fuel economy at 9.7 L/100km in the city and 7.2 on the highway in 4WD trim.

Yes, my tester came with four-wheel drive, but don’t confuse it with the kind of four-wheel drive that also gets the 4x4 moniker and is capable of serious off-road duty. The RAV4, when so equipped, gets a four-wheel drive lock mode that allows for greater traction, and its 190-mm (7.5-inch) ground clearance, while not as high as most off-roaders, is more capable of going over rough terrain than a number of other more car-like cute utes.

I suppose it’s a bit ironic that a nameplate that was once responsible, along with Honda’s CR-V, for coining the cute ute

The RAV4's cabin is nicely appointed. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

phrase has replaced its cuddly persona with an aforementioned Toyota tough truck design, and as said it’s hardly the diminutive little urban crawler than it used to be. Then again, its long 2,660-mm (104.7-inch) wheelbase allows it to scoot down the highway with none of that back and forth bobbing the original short-wheelbase RAV4 experienced. Its heavier curb weight, at 1579 kilos (3481 lbs) in base 4WD trim yet probably closer to the 4WD Sport model’s 1,613-kg (3,556-lb) weight due to the addition of the Touring Value Package, helps to give it a softer ride and the fully independent MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension does a much better job of soaking up bumps than its forebears, not to mention managing curves, which it does quite well for the class. I found it quite easy to maneuver around parking lots too, due to a relatively tight 10.6-metre (34.8-foot) turning circle.

My tester’s Touring Value Package, which

Comfortable seats with good support. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Toyota says includes $1,030 of no charge options in 4WD trim, pushes the RAV4’s price to $28,995 and includes an upgraded audio system with a 6-CD changer, integrated XM satellite radio and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, plus a power tilt and slide glass sunroof, premium fabric seats, rear privacy glass, a cargo cover, colour-keyed door handles, wheel locks, and 17-inch wheels on P225/65R17 all-season tires. These items get added to the base model’s power windows with auto up/down driver’s side capability, keyless remote entry, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Optitron gauges, variable intermittent wipers with a de-icer, intermittent rear wiper, brushed metallic trim, air conditioning, cruise control, auxiliary input, etc. If I had to find fault I’d point out hard plastics with few soft touch surfaces, but in this segment few offer much better.

Standard

Second-row seating is spacious. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

safety features include four-wheel discs with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA) for good stopping power, plus Toyota’s new brake override system called Smart Stop Technology (SST), that will automatically cut the throttle (gas pedal) under braking, therefore eliminating the chance of unintended acceleration. The RAV4 also comes standard with electronic traction and stability control, the latter item the most important safety feature since airbags.

On that note the RAV gets a full array of airbags, including side-thorax bags up front and curtain-type airbags for the driver and all window passengers, which altogether allow for “Good” ratings from the IIHS, their highest mark, in frontal offset and side impact crash tests and an “Acceptable” score in roof strength tests, but oddly

Loads of cargo space, but the swinging rear door blocks way to the sidewalk when parallel parked. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

the NHTSA gives the RAV4 3 stars out of 5 for a frontal crash, and 4 stars for side and rollover crash tests. How one U.S. governmental safety organization gives it close to a top rating and the other’s tests result in mediocre marks, I don’t know. It must come down to varying types of tests being conducted, but normally these two independent organizations are more equal when compared, the NHTSA almost always a little less optimistic. Either way, I expect these grades will improve with the next generation RAV4, due very soon as a 2012 model.

The RAV4 is a top seller year after year, so it appears that Toyota knows the compact crossover game well. It’s a well-built, nicely outfitted, great looking SUV that can be loaded right up with leather seats, proximity sensing remote entry and pushbutton start/stop, top-tier audio, a powerful V6 engine and more if you want to spend the money, but the just-over-base model Toyota equipped me with offers a lot of features for great value, and that’s what today’s customer is opting for more often than not. Factor in that it’s made in Canada, and the RAV4 not only makes financial sense for individuals and families at the microeconomic level, but our country’s macroeconomics benefit too.

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