2012 Toyota RAV4

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3360
City (MPG) 22
Hwy (MPG) 28
Horsepower 179@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 172@4000
Wheelbase 104.7
Length (in.) 181.9
Width (in.) 71.5
Height (in.) 66.3

As one of the first car-based SUVs, Toyota 's RAV4 helped define what has become an extraordinarily fast-growing segment.

First introduced for the 1995 model year, the RAV4 – Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel-drive - was redesigned for 2001 and then again for 2006. The current RAV4 was last given a modest refresh for the 2009 model year.

Now substantially larger than earlier RAV4s, the RAV4 boasts an available third row of seats and a powerful optional V6 engine.

Available only with four doors, the RAV4 offers standard front and available all-wheel-drive. Its base engine is a 179-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, while a 269-horsepower 3.5- liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic shows up on the options list. Both engines are available with either drive system.

The optional all-wheel-drive is an on-demand setup, meaning a press of a dashboard-mounted button automatically sends power to the rear wheels when needed for maximum traction. Hill ascent control prevents the RAV4 from sliding backward on a step incline, while hill descent control lets it creep down steep terrain at a low speed without requiring the driver to depress the brakes. Despite all of these features, the RAV4 is best considered a light duty off roader for unpaved gravel roads and snow, not serious rock crawling.

The RAV4 rides on a car-like unibody chassis with a fully independent suspension and it features power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Base models include 16-inch alloy wheels, but 17 and 18-inch wheels are an available upgrade. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard.

Base models come with standard steel wheels, color-keyed exterior trim, remote entry, air conditioning and power windows and locks. Two upgrade models are available, although both take slightly different paths.

The Sport model adds a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows and a number of interior and exterior appearance upgrades.

Limited models feature the softer Base model suspension but add luxuries like automatic dual-zone climate control, Smart Key with push button start, leather coverings for the steering wheel and shift knob and 17-inch alloy wheels. Heated leather seats are an option.

A third row seating package is available on Base and Limited models. It includes two rear seats that fold away into the trunk floor when not used. Although the RAV4 has grown dimensionally over the years, its rear seats are best reserved for children or for occasional short distance adult use.

Both the four-cylinder and V6 powertrains are available on all trim levels.

Key Competitors
Rivals to the RAV4 include the capable Honda CR-V , the efficient Chevrolet Equinox as well as the popular Ford Escape .

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style: SUV
    • Size: Compact
    • Market Segment: Standard
    • Weight: 3360 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 181.9 in.
    • Width: 71.5 in.
    • Height: 66.3 in.
    • Wheelbase: 104.7 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 7.5 in.
    • Front Track: 61.4 in.
    • Rear Track: 61.4 in.
    • Weight Distribution: TBD
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 7
    • Passenger Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume: 12.3 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): 73.0 cu. ft.
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: 57.4 cu. ft.
    • Leg Room: 41.8 in.
    • Head Room: 40.8 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 57.1 in.
    • Hip Room: 53.8 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: 32.0 cu. ft.
    • Leg Room: 38.3 in.
    • Head Room: 39.7 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 55.3 in.
    • Hip Room: 52.4 in.
    • Interior - Third Row
    • Leg Room: 30.0 in.
    • Head Room: 37.2 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 52.6 in.
    • Hip Room: 43.3 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 2.5L I4
    • Power: 179 hp @ 6000 rpm
    • Torque: 172 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
    • Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 28 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Front Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Wheels
    • Front: 16" Steel
    • Front Tires: P215/70R16
    • Rear: 16" Steel
    • Rear Tires: P215/70R16
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: 1500 lbs
    • Payload: 1070
    • Tongue Weight: 150 lbs

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    Options

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      Base Model

      • (FE) 50 state emissions

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      Base Extra Value Package

      • (FE) 50 state emissions
      • (QV) Value Package (4-cylinder models only) (savings of up to $570) [21] - includes 17-in. 5-spoke styled steel wheels with P225/65R17 tires, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), roof rack, and privacy glass on rear side, quarter and rear door windows

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      Three Row Seating

      • (FE) 50 state emissions
      • (QV) Value Package (4-cylinder models only) (savings of up to $570) [21] - includes 17-in. 5-spoke styled steel wheels with P225/65R17 tires, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), roof rack, and privacy glass on rear side, quarter and rear door windows
      • (TH) Fabric-trimmed 50/50 Split & Stow 3rd Row™ seats with fold-flat-into-floor capability and height-adjustable headrests [19]

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      Upgrade Value Package

      • (FE) 50 state emissions
      • (QT) Upgrade Value Package (savings of up to $850) [21] - includes AM/FM 6-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers and XM® Radio [5] (includes 90-day trial subscription), steering wheel audio controls, 17-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels with P225/65R17 tires, color-keyed door handles, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), roof rack, privacy glass on rear side, quarter and rear door windows, power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade, rear cargo area tonneau cover and upgraded fabric interior

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    Interior Colors

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    Exterior Accessories

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    Interior Accessories

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