All-new RAV4 blends styling, fuel efficiency in compact SUV
Toyota’s all-new 2013 RAV4 brings bold new styling, technology and a fuel efficiency to one of the most popular vehicle classes in the country.
Some of the major changes Toyota engineers made include switching from a side-hinged rear door to a roof-hinged rear liftgate. Also, a space-saver tire is stored underneath the cargo floor. The changes provide easier access to the cargo area and give the 2013 RAV4 a more compact, contemporary design.
Under the Hood
The 2013 RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque.
Fuel efficiency is impressive with an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway for two-wheel-drive models, and 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for all-wheel-drive vehicles. The optional V6 from the previous generation has been discontinued.
Toyota engineers equipped the RAV4 with a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift – a significant upgrade from the four-speed transmission previously offered.
Both fifth and six gears in the transmission are overdrives, which work with the engine in "eco mode" to get maximum fuel efficiency.
MacPherson struts provide front suspension, and the rear suspension is handled by a double-wishbone setup.
All-wheel-drive models detect when a wheel loses traction and automatically divert power to the other wheels.
Comfort and Convenience
The 2013 RAV4 has more interior space than ever. Toyota designers paid attention to the smallest details, including making the front seats thinner to give rear-seat passengers more legroom.
A 60/40 second-row seat allows for multiple seating and cargo configurations, and the RAV4 can carry more than 73 cubic feet of cargo.
Technology is right at the driver’s fingertips, with steering wheel-mounted controls for the display audio system, which has a 6.1-inch LCD touch screen. Standard with all display audio systems are a backup camera and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity for seamless linking of mobile devices.
GPS navigation and Toyota’s Entune infotainment system are optional, and the highest-end audio setup is a 576-watt, 11-speaker system.
The instrument cluster has been redesigned and includes crisp blue illumination to ensure drivers have easy access to all gauges and controls. The front passenger seat also now has more room thanks to a thoughtfully designed dash.
Safety
Eight standard airbags protect drivers and passengers in the 2013 RAV4. Also on the RAV4, as with every Toyota, is the Star Safety System, which includes traction control and enhanced vehicle stability control.
The vehicle is stopped with four-wheel disc brakes, including an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and smart stop technology.
Blind spot monitoring is available, warning drivers when vehicles or other obstructions are in the blind spot. Additionally, the backup camera that comes standard with the display audio system includes lines on the screen to estimate parking space and distance to objects.