Toyota Test Sit: 2010 Toyota Corolla LE and 2010 Toyota RAV 4

Like many Americans, I'm big: too big. At 6'2" and around 380 pounds, I've often found it a challenge to fit in smaller more economical cars. For many years, I have been shut out of one of the most popular economy cars - the Toyota Corolla. I've ridden in them on a handful of occasions over the past 20 years, but I've always ended up as a passenger with my knees rammed up against the dashboard.

When we retired our Ford Explorer, we decided to try a more economical SUV. We ended up with a 2006 Toyota Highlander. It's a capacious mid-sized SUV and fits us well. However, we always liked the looks and the fuel economy offered by the Toyota RAV4. Unfortunately, when we were in the market, the Toyota RAV4 was too small for me. When I recently ended up in a Toyota Showroom, I tried again with the 2010 RAV4.

Once again, I was lured in by the compact dimensions and aerodynamic style of the RAV4. According to the window sticker, the RAV4 delivers 19 miles per gallon city and 27 miles per gallon highway with a 3.5 liter V-6. I opened the door, moved the seat back, and slid behind the RAV4's wheel. The 2010 Toyota RAV4 had a nice looking interior and good headroom without having to rake the seat back. But, before I could get excited, I felt my right knee pressed up uncomfortably against the bottom of the RAV4 dashboard. I was disappointed by my Toyota RAV4 sitting experience. Ultimately, I can't justify buying a 2010 Toyota RAV4 because it makes me feel like a coach class airline passenger.

I sauntered over to the 2010 Toyota Corolla LE prepared for more disappointment. However, I ended up pleasantly surprised. This generation of Toyota Corolla is designed from grown ups. Unfortunately, the loaded 2010 Toyota Corolla LE had a grown up sticker price of just over $20,000. But, the big news for us big guys is that we finally fit! Of course, I reclined the seat just slightly (probably 5 to 10 degrees), but I fit into the 2010 Toyota Corolla LE without any problem. For once, I have multiple Toyota passenger car choices. While I'd love to get a 2010 Toyota Camry some day, it will be nice to have the choice to get a 2010 Toyota Corolla for daily driving.

While much has been made of recent Toyota design scandals, I enjoyed the new Toyota Corolla design. Now, if I can just get another inch of knee room in the next Toyota RAV4. Just one more inch!