Topic: First Drive: 2013 Toyota RAV4

[Autos_Editor]

The 2013 RAV4 breaks from tradition in an attempt to stand out in the overcrowded compact crossover segment.

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[Blueprint]

The only thing missing from the features list of the LE are the heated seats - you have to get an XLE to warm your buns. Otherwise, great value in the pricing structure. Honda: chop 2k$ off the CR-V.

Honda did just that after introducing the 4th gen Odyssey, Toyota having just introduced a lower-priced Sienna the year before. Since the CR-V is recent, I expect incentives will be offered.

[Rupert]

A very nice vehicle and an alternative to the Crosstreck...with 2WD even. I like the large centred round dial speedo which makes a lot of sense. The article needs a rear seat folded view. Seems to tread on the Matrix's feet a little. Anyway, very nice indeed but needs to start at a lower price in 2WD...20/21. IMO. I would then like it a lot and probably many more others would also. As it is...I like it but it is just the wrong side of my purse strings and the restraining knot is hard to undo.
Suddenly everyone wants heated seats...git arrt. All heated seats should be a stand alone item IMO. I don't want them...never had them...don't need them. I doubt that I am alone. The features list should allow this item to be x'd out on it's own.

[easyrider]

it doesn't sound like this vehicle does anything really good. the interior is a mix of textures, mostly hard plastics, this is something other manufacturers get ripped for.

[hemusbull]

Injecting excitement or not, Toyota din't reach its goal with Scion. Even now Toyota lies on its laurels from 90es. In that context this vehicle here is an wellcome...

[Mike]

Injecting excitement or not, Toyota din't reach its goal with Scion. Even now Toyota lies on its laurels from 90es. In that context this vehicle here is an wellcome...

The FR-S is helping Scion's image greatly with the 'kids'.

[Snowman]

Injecting excitement or not, Toyota din't reach its goal with Scion. Even now Toyota lies on its laurels from 90es. In that context this vehicle here is an wellcome...

   How is Toyota resting on its laurels with recent ground up redesigned Camry, Corolla, Rav4, and Avalon? All are major improvements from the previous generation. The joint venture with Subaru in the FR-S produced an affordable enthusiast sports car.

[OliverD]

Injecting excitement or not, Toyota din't reach its goal with Scion. Even now Toyota lies on its laurels from 90es. In that context this vehicle here is an wellcome...

   How is Toyota resting on its laurels with recent ground up redesigned Camry, Corolla, Rav4, and Avalon? All are major improvements from the previous generation. The joint venture with Subaru in the FR-S produced an affordable enthusiast sports car.

No doubt all are competent cars, but none of them bring anything new to the table. Aside from its hybrids, Toyota is not an innovator.

[johngenx]

So, who has brought a truly "new" product out?  Five wheels?  Hover-car?  Tell us...

[Danno001]

it doesn't sound like this vehicle does anything really good. the interior is a mix of textures, mostly hard plastics, this is something other manufacturers get ripped for.

I am sure that I don't care if the things I don't touch are hard plastic. Elbow rests, and steering wheel should feel good to the touch, otherwise not on my radar map. If the RAV4 does everything on the top half of the competitive curve, it will do well and continue to be a strong competitor in this market. As well it is made in Canada eh - another plus.

[whaddaiknow]

The 2013 RAV4 breaks from tradition in an attempt to stand out in the overcrowded compact crossover segment.

Read More...

Seems like a solid appliance at the right price point. Loaded Limited for $31k. Ford, can you hear that?
Looks like Toyota has addressed the weakest points of the previous gen (rear door swinging in the wrong direction was simply stupid). If it's quiet, comfortable and fuel efficient, I'll take it out for a spin.

[redman]

Reading the article did little, but frustrate me.
I understand looks are subjective, but this vehicle seems to go against any perception of new. It's like it was designed as a new vehicle 5+ years ago.
It's new as it is different but will do nothing to change the perception of Toyota being stylistically boring and mundane.

The one excellent feature of the old Rav is gone the 6 cyl that trump many competitors 4 cyl in power and fuel economy. Why not the 6 cyl with the new 6 trans ?

Comments like "European 2.0L diesel engine in North America, we as North Americans don’t buy diesels in masse." wtf, that's because we don't have the opportunity or are given the premium shaft for diesel options, well beyond what other markets pay for the upgrade, thus negating any savings for the masses.

Tired of being patronized by the media and likes of Toyota and other manufacturers. We are simply being limited on what we can buy then being told we only buy what's available !!!

[hemusbull]

Snowman is joking friendly about "recent ground up redesigned Camry"...It's indistinctive outside and under the hood from previous Camry! Looks more like an evolution of the previous - and here is the problem...I consider revolutionary changed car as a "ground up redesigned" vehicle, for example current Sonata and Elantra are the best examples!

[Mike]

The one excellent feature of the old Rav is gone the 6 cyl that trump many competitors 4 cyl in power and fuel economy. Why not the 6 cyl with the new 6 trans ?

The V6 did not beat 4-cylinders in fuel efficiency.  It was thirsty, as it should be being a large V6.  When we tested it against other compact crossovers, it was way behind the 4-bangers in efficiency.

[redman]

The one excellent feature of the old Rav is gone the 6 cyl that trump many competitors 4 cyl in power and fuel economy. Why not the 6 cyl with the new 6 trans ?

The V6 did not beat 4-cylinders in fuel efficiency.  It was thirsty, as it should be being a large V6.  When we tested it against other compact crossovers, it was way behind the 4-bangers in efficiency.

Here are a few examples : The Rav 6cycl either beat many 4 cyl competitors or came very close in mpg while still having a lot more HP and torque

2012 Rav 4 3.5 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 5-spd AWD, 22mpg combined

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD  2.4 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 4-sp 20mpg combined

2012 Acura RDX 2.3 L, 4 cyl, Automatic (S5) combined 19mpg

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 4motion 2.0 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 23mpg combined (close enough)

2012 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 2.4 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 6-spd 23mpg combined (close enough)

2012 Dodge Journey FWD 2.4 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 4-spd 22mpg combined
Source : http://www.fueleconomy.gov

[dragonfly]

 I don't get it...The car was designed by extremely conservative designers with a very skewed sense of style..I think it's ugly...and...how in hell did they increase their 0-60 times by 1.3 second with a less powerful engine and more weight? That's a substantial increase in acceleration, regardless of the extra 2 speeds in the transmission.. It looks like a rat and I think I smell one also.  Sounds like another episode of "the Emperors new RAV4"...Jack

[JRM]

I like the looks of this vehicle with it's crisp lines and bold new interior.  It's a welcome change from the overstyled designs of many of it's competitors.  Hopefully it is quieter than the previous gen. and is screwd together tighter, especially in the cargo area, where sqeaks and rattles were abundent.  The 6 speed auto should address much of the power train deficiency and brings it up to date with competitors.  If I were looking for a CUV, I'd take a close look at this one.   

[Solstice2006]

The one excellent feature of the old Rav is gone the 6 cyl that trump many competitors 4 cyl in power and fuel economy. Why not the 6 cyl with the new 6 trans ?

The V6 did not beat 4-cylinders in fuel efficiency.  It was thirsty, as it should be being a large V6.  When we tested it against other compact crossovers, it was way behind the 4-bangers in efficiency.

Here are a few examples : The Rav 6cycl either beat many 4 cyl competitors or came very close in mpg while still having a lot more HP and torque

2012 Rav 4 3.5 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 5-spd AWD, 22mpg combined

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD  2.4 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 4-sp 20mpg combined

2012 Acura RDX 2.3 L, 4 cyl, Automatic (S5) combined 19mpg

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 4motion 2.0 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 23mpg combined (close enough)

2012 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 2.4 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 6-spd 23mpg combined (close enough)

2012 Dodge Journey FWD 2.4 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 4-spd 22mpg combined
Source : http://www.fueleconomy.gov

I think Mike is talking about true competitors from the comparo.  An ancient body on frame Suzuki Grand Vitara is not a direct competitor, with low range gearing, the aerodynamics are way different, more truck like than car like.  The RDX was never known for fuel efficiency, which is why the turbo was dropped for the 2013 year.  The Equinox is 8 inches longer, weighs over 200lbs more, is far roomier, and has more cargo room than the Rav4, again not a direct competitor. 

Why not bring up the real competitors?  Like the Sante Fe, the Escape, the CR-4, the Rogue (I think it's the same size)

[easyrider]

Injecting excitement or not, Toyota din't reach its goal with Scion. Even now Toyota lies on its laurels from 90es. In that context this vehicle here is an wellcome...

   How is Toyota resting on its laurels with recent ground up redesigned Camry, Corolla, Rav4, and Avalon? All are major improvements from the previous generation. The joint venture with Subaru in the FR-S produced an affordable enthusiast sports car.

No doubt all are competent cars, but none of them bring anything new to the table. Aside from its hybrids, Toyota is not an innovator.

True dat. New Corolla isn't even out yet

[carcrazed]

The one excellent feature of the old Rav is gone the 6 cyl that trump many competitors 4 cyl in power and fuel economy. Why not the 6 cyl with the new 6 trans ?

The V6 did not beat 4-cylinders in fuel efficiency.  It was thirsty, as it should be being a large V6.  When we tested it against other compact crossovers, it was way behind the 4-bangers in efficiency.

Here are a few examples : The Rav 6cycl either beat many 4 cyl competitors or came very close in mpg while still having a lot more HP and torque

2012 Rav 4 3.5 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 5-spd AWD, 22mpg combined

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD  2.4 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 4-sp 20mpg combined

2012 Acura RDX 2.3 L, 4 cyl, Automatic (S5) combined 19mpg

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 4motion 2.0 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 23mpg combined (close enough)

2012 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 2.4 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 6-spd 23mpg combined (close enough)

2012 Dodge Journey FWD 2.4 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 4-spd 22mpg combined
Source : http://www.fueleconomy.gov

I think Mike is talking about true competitors from the comparo.  An ancient body on frame Suzuki Grand Vitara is not a direct competitor, with low range gearing, the aerodynamics are way different, more truck like than car like.  The RDX was never known for fuel efficiency, which is why the turbo was dropped for the 2013 year.  The Equinox is 8 inches longer, weighs over 200lbs more, is far roomier, and has more cargo room than the Rav4, again not a direct competitor. 

Why not bring up the real competitors?  Like the Sante Fe, the Escape, the CR-4, the Rogue (I think it's the same size)

   You beat to me to it.  2 of the 5 redman mentioned are turbo engines.