    2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD. Click image to enlarge |
For 2013, RAV4 drivers now have a choice of Normal, Eco or Sport modes activated by pressing a dash-mounted button. Eco mode causes the transmission to shift earlier and reduces throttle input to save fuel while Sport mode sharpens throttle response, delays shifts and firms up the steering feel for better performance. The difference in performance between these three modes is not dramatic but Sport mode does tend to keep the engine revs up for better throttle response. As well, in models equipped with all-wheel drive, an electronically controlled coupling near the rear differential helps improve handling by sending more torque to the rear differential when cornering. In Sport mode, as much as 50 percent of the engine’s torque can be sent to the rear wheels to improve cornering and reduce understeer.
To further improve handling, ground clearance has been reduced from 190 mm (7.5 in.) to 159 mm (6.3 in.) thereby lowering the RAV4’s centre of gravity. For easier manoeuvring in tight spaces, the RAV4’s turning circle has been reduced from 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) to 10.6 m (34.8 ft.) (except for Limited models with 18-inch tires 11.2 m/36.7 ft.). Overall, we found that the RAV4’s stiffer suspension, lower ride height, improved all-wheel drive system, and a tighter turning circle provided sharper, flatter handling, improved body control and increased maneuverability when parking and u-turning; but ride comfort suffers over sudden pavement breaks, uneven road construction, potholes, sewer covers, and other less than smooth road surfaces. Still, the highway ride over smooth pavement is very comfortable. Our XLE model was equipped with Michelin Latitude Touring 225/65R-17 inch all-season tires which provided a good blend of comfort, grip and quietness in dry summer weather conditions.
In winter, we expect that the RAV4’s reduced ground clearance will make it more difficult to navigate snow-covered side streets, but we’re glad to see the driver-selectable differential lock button which locks up the diff for a 50/50 front/rear torque distribution at low speeds (up to 40 km/h). This feature can be very useful when the vehicle is stuck!
Though it has the same wheelbase as the last model, the 2013 RAV4 is shorter in overall length, lower in height and has less ground clearance and a lower step-in height. All four door openings are large making it easy to get in and out but there is a small lip to step over. The upright seating positions and tall roof provide generous head and legroom for four adults, though a third rear passenger can squeeze into the middle-rear seat. The driver sits up high and the steering wheel is positioned low with good visibility to the front and rear. A tilt/telescopic steering wheel and manually height adjustable driver’s seat are standard in all RAV4s (power in Limited), but we were disappointed to see no lumbar adjustment on the XLE. The front seats are comfortable with prominent side bolsters while the rear seats are firm and a bit low relative to the window ledge.
