Pros: The 2015 Toyota RAV4 features a 4-cylinder engine for a fun, energetic drive while achieving excellent fuel efficiency. With your choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive models, and ample room for both cargo and passengers, the RAV4 is the perfect partner for any adventure. Toyota's strong reliability and high resale value are bonuses.
Cons: Some people don't like certain aspects of the new design, while others wish for more modern technologies or greater towing capacity (the lack of a high-output engine option doesn't help).
2015 Toyota RAV4 Price: The lineup consists of three trim levels including LE ($24,005), XLE ($28,340), and Limited ($33,350). The first two offer all-wheel drive for an extra of about $2,200.
2015 Toyota RAV4 Fuel Economy: Expect to achieve 10.0L/100km in the city and 7.6L/100 km on the highway with a FWD model. These numbers increase to 10.7L and 8.3L/100km, respectively, with an AWD model.
Improvements and Changes: Optional on the LE and standard on the XLE and Limited models is Toyota's advanced display audio system with a 6.1" touchscreen.
Powertrain: The lone engine on the menu is shared with the Camry, namely a 2.5L 4-cylinder featuring Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It produces 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Drive Mode Select lets you easily choose between Normal, ECO,and Sport modes.
Models equipped with AWD feature a Dynamic Torque Control system that enhances control and confidence on a variety of terrains. The system automatically shifts from two-wheel drive to four depending on driving conditions, and even allocates more power to the rear wheels to enhance cornering performance.
Cargo Capacity: The 2015 Toyota RAV4 has a 1,090-litre trunk that expands to 2,080 litres when you fold the rear seats.
Safety: Standard features include stability and traction control, disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, as well as smart stop technology, which automatically cuts engine power and allows the brakes to take precedence over the accelerator when both pedals are pressed at the same time. Let's not forget the eight airbags. Only the Limited model can be equipped with a blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning system.
Comparing the 2015 Toyota RAV4: As you know, the small SUV/CUV segment is probably the hottest right now. The RAV4 has to deal with a legion of contenders including the Jeep Cherokee, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.