In 1996, Toyota launched the world’s first small SUV to use a car-like unitized chassis, the RAV4. It garnered a lot of praise because it offered more versatility than a car but wasn’t as cumbersome as a large SUV.
Due to its success, many of Toyota’s rivals created similar vehicles. As the popularity of these cars continued to rise, the RAV4 lost some momentum.
Today, customers have a magnitude of choices in this segment – every major manufacturer has something to offer. Toyota is seeking to reclaim some of that lost market share with the updated RAV4 with fancy new looks and surprisingly good handling.
Design
From the outside, the first thing people will notice is the RAV4’s sleeker and more athletic new look. The expressive front end leads to a more steeply raked windshield. A large, hatch-mounted spoiler frames the rear window, while the taillights jut out from the fenders.
The signature rear-mounted spare tire has been moved inside to a more conventional location, under the cargo floor. This allowed the Toyota to switch from their side-swinging tailgate to a traditional liftgate. While this move is somewhat surprising, the “switch” does make the RAV4 more functional and cleaner in design.
Aerodynamics have been greatly improved, helping to raise fuel efficiency. Exterior dimensions are slightly smaller than the previous generation – however, wheelbase remains the same.
The redesigned interior is probably the most welcome change. The drab cabin has been replaced by more refinement and a sportier feel. The overall feel is vibrant and even sporty, and it may surprise those who expect the RAV4 to have a humble interior design.
Prices remain competitive. The RAV4 is available in three trim levels; LE, XLE and Limited. All-wheel drive is standard on the Limited and available as an option on the others.
Performance
The only engine available is the same 2.5-litre four cylinder as before; it continues to produce an adequate 176-hp and 172 ft.-lbs. of torque. The optional V6 has been dropped, mostly due to weak demand.
The transmission has been updated, however.
The out-of-date four-speed automatic was switched out in favour of a new six-speed. Indeed, front-wheel drive models have a combined rating of 7.7L/100km.
While it’s unlikely the RAV4 will spend a lot of time off-road, the available AWD system features an electronic locking centre differential, capable of splitting torque 50-50 at low speeds.
Environment
The first thing you notice climbing into the new RAV4 is the wide, soft-touch dash. Even the entry level receives a two-tone interior design that is much appreciated.
Front seats are wide and easy to get into, while retaining good side supports during tough turns. And while exterior size is down, the interior feels larger, especially in the rear seats, which also recline.
From the driver’s seat, you will notice that all of the instrumentation is new.
The cargo area boasts a class-leading 1,087 litres of space with the rear seats up and 2,078 with them down. Tie-down hooks are standard to keep items from moving around.
Convenience options include a backup camera, heated side mirrors and programmable power liftgate that allows you to set the height the hatch opens to.
Lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are also available, but only at the Limited trim level.
Features
Ranging in price from $23,790 for the LE, to $31,700 for the Limited. The XLE sits in the middle, starting at $27,000.
Fuel efficiency numbers (L/100km) for FWD models are 8.7 city, 6.4 highway and 7.7 combined. AWD models are rated at 9.1 city, 6.8 highway, 8.1 combined.
Thumbs up
The redesigned RAV4 is roomier, more comfortable, more efficient and better looking. It’s a much better vehicle to drive.
Thumbs down
There’s a lot to like about the new RAV4, but it does remain somewhat conservative all around.
The bottom line
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is a marked improvement and should reclaim more of the market than ever.
