Toyota Car Toyota: RAV4

2012 Toyota RV4

Part of what separates a crossover vehicle from a typical SUV is it’s power. Crossover fans have come to expect an attractive ride that couples the storage room of a minivan with the power of a full sized sports utility vehicle. The Toyota Rav4 2012 model continues to bring people what they want in a crossover. The 2012 Rav4 is available in a four cylinder model that comes with a respectable 179 horsepower. This is somewhat less powerful than some other crossovers but the four cylinder model makes up the majority of 2012 Rav4 sales. The four cylinder engine should have enough power for most common tasks but anyone interested in a sporty vehicle should look into the six cylinder alternative.

The six cylinder version of the 2012 Rav4 brings all the horsepower that crossover fans could want. Under the hood we find a six cylinder 3.5 liter engine which promises to give this crossover plenty of power. The six cylinder model boasts a very impressive 268 horsepower which is really quite a lot of power for such a compact car. This should be enough power to keep rolling in some tough situations that would be sure to stop a minivan in it’s tracks.

The four cylinder models of the 2012 Rav4 are shipped with a four speed automatic transition. Many people in the market for a sports vehicle want a manual transmission but most crossover fans seem to prefer an automatic transmission. The six cylinder Toyota Rav4 2012 models, on the other hand, are shipped with a five speed automatic transmission. While this doesn’t seem like much on paper, the six cylinder, five speed 2012 Rav4s have much more power and ability than their four cylinder counterparts. Even though the V-6 models seem to perform better than their weaker brethren, it still won’t accomplish sport heavy tasks such as serious off road use.

The 2012 Toyota Rav4 is proving that the crossover is often the perfect compromise between the need for space and the desire for a powerful vehicle. With cabin space that can rival a full size SUV, the Toyota Rav4 2012 should fit a whole load of groceries, a small team of soccer players or the entire family with room for luggage. The optional six cylinder engine is bringing with it all the power that you would expect from a sporty crossover and promises to keep you moving in a variety of conditions. If you’re looking for a stylishly designed vehicle with plenty of room and lots of muscle then the 2012 Rav4 could be the perfect option.

Posted in: 2012,RAV4

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 gets a new 4-cylinder engine and slightly freshened exterior styling. This compact crossover SUV comes in Base, Sport, and Limited trims. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a locking center differential. RAV4 seats five, but an optional 3rd-row bench on Base and Limited increases seating capacity to seven. Two engines are offered. A 179-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder replaces a 166-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Carried over from 2008 is a 269-hp 3.5-liter V6. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 4-cylinder, and the V6 has a 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb with the 4-cylinder, 3500 lb with the V6. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Hill ascent/descent control is standard on seven-seat 4-cylinder models and on all V6 RAV4s. All have a side-hinged cargo door. Sport models have a sport suspension. Leather upholstery and a navigation system are optional on the Sport and Limited.

Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.

New or significantly redesigned models include the GMC Terrain, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Source: Consumer Guide