2010 Toyota RAV4 Review

Overview

The 2010 Toyota RAV4 takes on the likes of Honda CR-V; Ford Escape; Mitsubishi Outlander; Mazda Tribute and the Subaru Forester, most of which actually entered the market after seeing the success the RAV4 achieved. The RAV4 is a compact crossover that was introduced into the US market in 1996, two years after it hit the roads in its mother country. Intended to be a vehicle that harnessed the best qualities of an SUV, such as cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive and the handiness of a sedan, the RAV4 was an instant hit. It is Toyota?s best selling SUV in the US. One of its highpoints is the optional all-wheel drive; in fact, its initials stand for "recreational active vehicle with four (4 in the name) drive". This is compact four-door, five-passenger SUV that is made available in Base, Sport, and Limited trims. For 2010, the Toyota RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle expands the availability of some key, high-value features first offered on select grades for 2009.

Power and performance

Across the trims, the 2010 Toyota RAV4 offers an option of front-wheel or full-time all-wheel drives. The engine choices are a new-for-this-year 2.5-liter; inline-4; 179-horsepower producing engine that mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.5-liter; V6 engine that generates a powerful 269 horses and is attached to a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine models, which can tow up to 3,500 lbs, are given Hill-Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control, features that are useful for the kind of use this model is normally put to.

Body and styling

The exterior of the 2010 RAV4?s grille and tail lamps are updated. It gets a choice of 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch alloy wheels. Among its other exterior features, side-opening rear door with hold-open feature; roof-mounted antenna with integrated XM antenna and prewire; washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wiper; rear-step bumper protector; power mirrors; automatic headlamps and integrated fog lights may be made mention of. Among the interiors, the important features are defroster-linked CFC-free dual zone automatic air conditioning; auxiliary audio jack on center console; fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable driver's seat; fabric-trimmed 60/40 split, reclining, fold-flat second-row seats an AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA playback capability; amber-illuminated tri-dial Optitron cluster; integrated XM satellite radio receiver; power windows; multi-function center console and dual sun visors with vanity mirror. The base model now comes with the backup monitor system with rear-view camera and monitor integrated into the electrochromic mirror. This was introduced for the Sport and Limited grades for 2009. The comprehensive Sport Appearance package, introduced for 2009 4x4 V6 models, is available on the Sport grade 4x2 and 4x4 models equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in early 2010. The Sport grade models feature a new optional JBL audio system with steering wheel audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety Features

The Star Safety System which includes traction control; enhanced vehicle stability control; electronic brake-force distribution; anti-lock brake system; driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags; front-row and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags and brake assist, is given as standard. Also standard is an anti-theft system and front active headrests.