2012 toyota Rav 4

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 resembles a champion nearing retired life: it's revealing its age, however it won't drop without a fight. That's due to the fact that this present RAV4 just obtained a lot fundamentally right from the moment of its launching in 2006. The challenging yet restrained styling has ended up being a component on our freeways, and also those crisp, straightforward lines continuously inspire modern crossover designs. The readily available 3.5-liter V6 engine offers the RAV4 the acceleration of a sporting activities car, yet it still provides solid gas economic climate. You could also obtain a third-row dive seat in case additional youngsters come along for the ride. In these areas and more, the RAV4 remains to be a compelling choice - 2012 toyota rav 4.

Certainly, though, some crevices have actually appeared in the RAV4's armor. The base 4-cylinder engine isn't really bad on its own, however you could just get it with a 4-speed automatic, which is an archaic item by current standards. Additionally, this course has actually seen substantially boosted indoor quality, leaving the RAV4's blocky, hard-plastic dashboard by the wayside. Toyota has done a good task of maintaining the RAV4 up to day technologically, however there's only so much a car manufacturer can do with a product entering its 7th year on the marketplace.

However we're still large fans of the 2012 RAV4, and also we wager you'll be able to get a great deal on one when the next-generation model begins showing up at car dealerships. The RAV4 is a reliable crossover that has remained surprisingly fresh. That's a formula we'll constantly back.


2012 toyota rav 4


Comfort & Energy

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 is available in three trim levels: base, Sporting activity and Limited. The base version keeps it basic generally, rocking 16-inch steel wheels (17-inch alloys with the V6), cooling, a tilting and telescoping guiding wheel, power accessories as well as intermittent windscreen wipers - yet there's a pleasurable shock in the form of the basic six-speaker audio system, which boasts iPod/USB and also Bluetooth connectivity.

The Sporting activity includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a bigger rear spoiler, foglamps and unique charcoal interior textile. The Limited has 17-inch alloys yet likewise gets a roofing system shelf, dual-zone automatic climate control and also keyless entrance with push-button begin. A fold-flat third-row seat is readily available on every RAV4, while other notable alternatives, depending upon trim level, consist of a sunroof, leather upholstery and also a power driver's seat. Just the Limited is qualified for the optional navigating system, that includes sophisticated conversational voice-recognition software program, a 6.1-inch touchscreen user interface and also the smartphone-based Entune mobile application system.

No 2 ways about it, being in the motorist's seat of the RAV4 seems like remaining in a time warp. On the silver lining, outward presence from the commanding, if a little level, front chairs is better compared to today's norm, considering that the RAV hails from a less complex time when great sight lines were considered a safety and security attribute. However the control panel - besides the crisp Optitron assesses - looks like someone's decade-old concept of "tough and also outdoorsy" - it's all heavyset shapes as well as hard plastics.

Do not get us incorrect: Toyota's been constructing this thing for a very long time, so we're confident everything is screwed together fairly well. It's simply not the cabin of a cutting-edge crossover.

The RAV4's 2nd row is installed less than the front seats. In fact, it's reduced enough that travelers with lengthy legs might find upper leg assistance lacking. Space is or else adequate, however, and also the seat likewise reclines and slides fore and aft. The optional third-row seat is purely for children or uncommonly small and also limber grownups, yet we're not complaining. In this class, it's uncommon for a crossover to have a third-row seat in all, as well as there's no question that this adds convenience to the RAV4's currently enticing bio.

Cargo area is another toughness at 12.3 cubic feet behind the third row, approximately 37.2 cubic feet behind the second row and also 73 cubic feet with all the back seats folded up down. That's some serious carrying capability for a small crossover.

Nevertheless, the RAV4's freight door is rested on the guest's side as opposed to in hatchback style on top, so it turns out to that side when you're packing things. If you're parked on the appropriate side of a street, you'll need to walk around the open door to access the cargo bay, as well as in a limited parallel-parking situation, that could be tricky.

Innovation

We prepared to ding the RAV4 for lagging the times in tech, however Toyota defeated us to the punch. Also one of the most fundamental RAV4 now comes with a common high-content audio system, consisting of iPod/USB as well as Bluetooth combination. Outstanding. We are disappointed in Toyota's decision to limit the brand-new Entune system - as well as the navigating system it comes bundled with - to the expensive Limited model, instead of making it offered across the lineup. For those going to pay for it, Entune will likely please with its capacity to integrate mobile applications like Pandora and also OpenTable into the 6.1-inch touchscreen screen. Simply ensure your smartphone strategy can manage all the information use.

Performance & Fuel Economy

The RAV4 has either front- or all-wheel drive and also either a 2.5-liter inline-4 or a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The 4-cylinder sends its 179 horse power and 172 lb-ft of torque through a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 cranks out its 269 hp and 246 lb-ft by means of a 5-speed automated. We actually don't mind the base engine at all, as it's peppy sufficient and also respectably smooth; it's simply the clunky old 4-speed automated that we have a problem with. To be reasonable, we cannot argue with the fuel economic climate, which checks in at 22 mpg city/28 mpg freeway with FWD and 21/27 mpg with AWD. Yet the V6 is so much better in every other respect, ripping via its 5 gears with equivalent parts rush and also refinement - as well as its gas economy actually isn't really far off the 4-cylinder's speed, at 19/27 mpg with FWD and also 19/26 mpg with AWD.

Safety and security

The RAV4 comes standard with stability control, six air bags, energetic front head relaxes, and four-wheel ABDOMINAL. The government hasn't already crash evaluated the RAV4 given that embracing its new approach in 2010, however the independent Insurance Institute for Freeway Safety and security provided the RAV4 its greatest mark of "Good" in every category other than the roofing stamina examination, where the RAV4 was deemed "Acceptable.".

Driving Perceptions

Thanks to carlike characteristics and also the superb exterior presence we discussed earlier, the RAV4 is an enjoyment to drive. It's an excellent size, big enough for three rows of seats yet little enough to really feel manoeuvrable in metropolitan locations. The steering is relatively sharp, as well as we didn't reconsider surrendering large pockets and even pesky visuals if required. If we needed a crossover for the city, the RAV4 would certainly be near the top of our listing - and also if we resided in a suv or country setting, we 'd grab a RAV4 V6 and appreciate a few of the best reasonably valued SUV acceleration on the marketplace.