How do you decide which crossover to buy, given how similar most crossovers look? Well, you have to look under the skin.
If you do, you'll find some important differences.
What It Is
The RAV4 is a compact-size crossover similar to others in the same class, such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 (and CX-30). It differs from others in the class in several key functional respects, such as not coming standard with a very small engine that's heavily turbocharged to make up for it — or a CVT automatic transmission.
There are some other differences, too.
Prices start at $27,575 for the base LE trim, with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as a stand-alone option. A top-of-the-line Limited with AWD, an 11-speaker premium JBL audio system and a 9-inch LCD touchscreen lists for $37,280.
There are also Adventure ($33,770), TRD ($37,195) and Woodland ($33,025) trims in between. The TRD trim gets a number of functional upgrades meant to enhance this RAV4's capabilities when the pavement ends, such as more ground clearance, a revised suspension with different shocks than other RAVs come with, selectable terrain drive modes, plus chip-resistance fender flares and a more grippy set of tires mounted on wheels specific to this model.
This one also has a 3,500-pound tow rating — the highest in the class.
What's New
The Woodland hybrid variant is new. It's meant to offer buyers fuel efficiency (close to 40 mpg in city driving) and off-road capability. A new/larger (12.3-inch) main gauge cluster is available in higher trims and standard in the Limited trim.
What's Good
Something different, for a change.
Appropriately sized engine doesn't need a turbo to make up for not being appropriately sized.
Class-best maximum tow rating.
What's Not So Good
Heavy for its size (3,380 pounds for the standard model with FWD, 3,510 pounds with AWD).
No optional engine — or manual transmission.
Rival Mazda CX-5 (and CX-30) both offer an optional, much stronger engine.
Under The Hood
Every RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that isn't turbocharged — because it doesn't need to be. And the reason why it doesn't need a turbo is because it's big enough to not need one.
It makes 203 horsepower — not bad for a four.
Rivals like the CR-V and Rogue have much smaller (1.5-liter) engines that are less powerful and not appreciably more economical.
The RAV rates 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The Honda CR-V is 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The Rogue comes in at 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway.
These are differences without much distinction.
But the TRD RAV4 can pull a 3,500-pound trailer, versus the 1,500-2,000-pound maximum ratings common among the class.
And that's a difference with a distinction.
On The Road
Another thing about the RAV that's different is that its standard eight-speed automatic is a conventional automatic, meaning it has gears and it shifts up and down through them. It does not have the unnatural feel — and the straining sounds — that often characterize CVT automatics, which are common in the class because CVTs are slightly more "efficient" than transmissions with gears because CVTs are always in the right range.
Most of the RAV's rivals — including the CR-V and the Rogue (though not the Mazdas) — come standard with CVTs. But, as mentioned above, the mileage difference is negligible.
That said, the RAV is heavy for its size.
This compact-size crossover weighs around 3,300 pounds for the FWD model (as detailed above). It could use more engine to make up for that.
A manual would also help to make up for it, by leveraging the available power more effectively.
Still, there is enough power for most driving. The power-to-weight imbalance only becomes apparent when you need more power to get all that weight moving faster. But at least there's no CVT whine — and the RAV's four (same as the one in the Camry sedan) is known to be all but indestructible, even if abused.
At The Curb
The tested Adventure trim has an additional driver-selectable mode for Trails. It alters the eight-speed automatic's shift points to keep the engine's torque up, which helps the RAV slog through mud and so on.
If you choose the TRD trim, you'll get a suspension lift as well as more suspension articulation, and a set of knobby tires to go with it. This equipment allows the RAV to handle terrain that might be too much for lower-to-the-ground, paved-road-intended crossovers like the CR-V, Rogue and Mazda CX-5 and CX-30.
It also gives the RAV the goods to make it a possible cross-shop for the Subaru Crosstrek, which, until now, was pretty much the only small crossover that was designed to cross-over things.
The Rest
Hairs in the soup? None that stand out. And that is what makes Toyotas, in general, stand out. Rivals have strong points. Some have stronger points — for example, the Mazda's available stronger engine. But they also have weaker points — for example, the Mazda's much less cargo capacity and very modest maximum towing capacity.
That general goodness is why the RAV is a perennial bestseller.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of differences here.
You just have to look deeper to find them.
Eric's latest book, "Doomed: Good Cars Gone Wrong!" will be available soon. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
View the Toyota RAV4 this week.
View Comments