BY H. THROTTLE
AUTOMOTIVE COLUMNIST
The RAV4 is one of the best-selling Toyota vehicles and there are many of the older rear-mounted tire models still purring down the highways with very satisfied owners.
Toyota has a reputation for manufacturing long-lasting, dependable vehicles. Recently a 2007 Toyota Tundra pickup reached 1 million miles with almost every component of the truck still functioning, except for the sun visor on the driver side and the odometer which had reached the six-figure limit.
The Toyota test vehicle in this weeks’ auto review is the RAV4 TRD off-road model with final assembly in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. The model has standard all-wheel drive and an assortment of outdoor features that are important for Colorado mountain driving adventurers.
The RAV4 TRD has all of the latest safety features that make today’s driving experience safer such as the 2.5 precollision system that prevents striking a forward object. Lane departure is a swift warning to sleepy drivers. The dynamic radar cruise system is much safer than the old locked-in continuous speed radar setting.
Because the TRD is designed for off-road driving it has special designed traction tires and matte-black 18” alloy black wheels. Also, it has a choice of normal or off-road setting for trail drives.
Highway drives include three modes; Eco, Normal, and Sport. The overall fuel economy averages 28 mpg. The power train features a 4-cylinder 2.5L engine that produces 203 horsepower with the impressive eight-speed Toyota transmission. A turbo-boost feature might be impressive for off-road and high-speed highways. The RAV4 reaches 60 mph in 8.66 seconds, about average for off-road vehicles.
The seats are very comfortable, spacious, and well-appointed with synthetic leather, and real leather covering the steering wheel. The front seats are heated and cooled with a power driver’s seat. The rear seats have a fold-down center compartment, two UBS ports, and folding 60/40 seats for greater storage capacity. The rear leg space is comfortable and can seat three passengers with tilting features.
A center nine-inch screen controls the vehicles functions and is easy to use. Appreciated dials can be used to tune the radio and control volume. There is a wireless charging pad and USB plug-in for smart-phones; five outlets overall along with 120/100-watt plug/ins and 2-12volt/120-watt outlets. Great for camping or charging present and future electric equipment.
The manufacturer’s suggested list price is $36,455 and off-road features pushed the price to $40,460. The vehicle has a 5-year/60,000 miles powertrain warranty.
This is a smart outdoor vehicle for Colorado outdoor sports enthusiasts and has many rugged mountain road features.