2011 Toyota RAV4 (Review)

For more than fifteen years, the Toyota RAV4 has maintained a reputation of being one of the most affordable and reliable SUV's available. It was one of the first crossover vehicles on sale in the U.S. and has only gotten better since its inception. Over the years the RAV4 has become a popular choice with families and young adults.

The 2011 Toyota RAV4 has 4 doors, seats up to 7 passengers, and is available in 12 popular trims, ranging from the Base I4 4X2 to the Limited V6 4X4. The Base I4 4X2 is fitted with a standard 2.5-liter, 179-horsepower engine that attains 22-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway, is equipped with a 4 speed automatic transmission, and has a starting MSRP of only $21,925.00.

The RAV4 features a vehicle anti-theft system, power door locks, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, a vehicle stability control system, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, brake assistance, airbags, child safety door locks, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

In terms of interior comfort, fit, and usefulness, the RAV4 scores very well. The interior is spacious, stylish, with ergonomic front seats that are plush, wide, and comfortable, along with lumbar adjustment and adequate headroom for taller drivers and passengers; however the second row seats are not as comfortable as the front row and have a stiff feel to them. Nevertheless, the second row is spacious with plenty of stretching room and about 38-inches of head clearance for backseat passengers. Under the second row seating area, there is additional cargo space and access to a third row seat. When not in use, the third row seat neatly folds into a small compartment in the floor, leaving a completely flat loading area.

When I first set my eyes on the RAV4, I was very impressed with the sleek exterior and style of the car. Painted in the color of Barcelona Red, the RAV4 stands out and attracts a lot of positive attention. I am a rather conservative person and the vehicle really matches my personality perfectly.

One thing that I noticed is that the cargo door of the RAV4 swings open horizontally, rather than other SUV's, in which the rear door opens vertically. Some people may not be fond of a swing style cargo door in the back of an SUV and may prefer a lift back style, but I like the way it gently swings open and I have discovered that it seems to make loading and unloading items easier.

There is a wheel cover and a full size spare tire on the rear door, and the rear window has a little windshield wiper that works well, especially if you are driving in the rain or the snow.

The RAV4 has a hidden, carpeted storage area in the trunk. I love to put pillows in the compartment and anything else that I want to hide away from view.

When I first sat in the driver's seat, I loved the way the seat was positioned and felt. It supported my back and provided lift and comfort. I am 5'4 and the driver's seat is the perfect height for me, because I can actually see over the hood of the car while driving. The steering wheel is easy to handle while driving and for an additional $475, the RAV4 Base I4 4X2 can be equipped with an integrated backup camera monitor. It does not have a navigation system, which comes in handy when you are driving somewhere unfamiliar and you don't know where you are going, but the RAV4 has many other wonderful features that are some of the best in the industry today.

The heating and cooling systems work perfectly and the hot/cool air is distributed evenly throughout the vehicle. There are two generously sized cup holders under the dashboard console with two removable, washable inserts and a cup holder is located on the side of each back door.

The RAV4 handles well on freeways as well as on winding roads and maneuvers through high traffic areas with ease. In stop and go traffic it handled like a dream. With a fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, the RAV4 has great gas mileage and picks up easily while driving.

One day while parked in a store lot, a woman approached me, knocked on the passenger side of the window, and said, "I like this car. It is beautiful!" I replied to her and said, "Thank you, Toyota makes it."

The RAV4 is a wonderful SUV for men and women, families, young adults, and anyone that wants a reliable vehicle that is stylish, comfortable, affordable, and can easily take you where you need to go.

Toyota makes great vehicles and the RAV4 is one of them.

Way to go RAV4!