6th - 2012 Toyota RAV4
The current RAV4 is the oldest member of the group. Its current design landed for the 2006 model year and practically has not changed since then. This explains, in large part, why the 2012 Toyota RAV4 ends up in last place.
The current RAV4 is the oldest member of the group. Its current design landed for the 2006 model year and practically has not changed since then. This explains, in large part, why the 2012 Toyota RAV4 ends up in last place.
Be that as it may, The RAV4 still scored high in the space and accessibility section. Its large, wide and upright body make for the second-largest trunk with the second row in place, and the most capacious when the rear bench is dropped. The conventional-style rear door still gets mixed reviews to this day: some love, some hate.
All agreed that the 179 hp 2.5L was a strong mill, but all equally agreed that the 4-speed autobox is a tragedy. Its energy-sapping gearing left the Toyota with the second worse acceleration time in spite of sporting the largest displacement engine of the group. We’re convinced that a 6-speed unit would have helped tremendously, but perhaps not enough to lift the RAV4 out of the bottom spot.
The ride was considered decent by the group where neither total comfort nor sportiness could be found. When loaded with four adults, the suspension had a hard time coping with the added weight. Steering was light with only one passenger, but got excessively heavy with four bodies. What were most frightful were the brakes. Laden or not, pedal travel was excessive and response slow and quite nearly scary on a downhill pass.
Numerous points were also lost based on aesthetics. In fact, of all categories in which we entered points, the RAV4’s styling received the lowest score. Overall interior and exterior design received comments such as: dated, outdated, not pretty, and bloated.
Despite physical attributes and a 4-speed handicap, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 still held its own as a generally functional family vehicle. Unfortunately, all of the players in this test are as good if not better at being functional family vehicles. It’s high time Toyota addressed the RAV4.
The current RAV4 is the oldest member of the group. Its current design landed for the 2006 model year and practically has not changed since then. This explains, in large part, why the 2012 Toyota RAV4 ends up in last place.
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| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
The current RAV4 is the oldest member of the group. Its current design landed for the 2006 model year and practically has not changed since then. This explains, in large part, why the 2012 Toyota RAV4 ends up in last place.
Be that as it may, The RAV4 still scored high in the space and accessibility section. Its large, wide and upright body make for the second-largest trunk with the second row in place, and the most capacious when the rear bench is dropped. The conventional-style rear door still gets mixed reviews to this day: some love, some hate.
All agreed that the 179 hp 2.5L was a strong mill, but all equally agreed that the 4-speed autobox is a tragedy. Its energy-sapping gearing left the Toyota with the second worse acceleration time in spite of sporting the largest displacement engine of the group. We’re convinced that a 6-speed unit would have helped tremendously, but perhaps not enough to lift the RAV4 out of the bottom spot.
The ride was considered decent by the group where neither total comfort nor sportiness could be found. When loaded with four adults, the suspension had a hard time coping with the added weight. Steering was light with only one passenger, but got excessively heavy with four bodies. What were most frightful were the brakes. Laden or not, pedal travel was excessive and response slow and quite nearly scary on a downhill pass.
Numerous points were also lost based on aesthetics. In fact, of all categories in which we entered points, the RAV4’s styling received the lowest score. Overall interior and exterior design received comments such as: dated, outdated, not pretty, and bloated.
Despite physical attributes and a 4-speed handicap, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 still held its own as a generally functional family vehicle. Unfortunately, all of the players in this test are as good if not better at being functional family vehicles. It’s high time Toyota addressed the RAV4.
 |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux |