The Toyota RAV4 is getting old.
After virtually kick-starting the small SUV scene back in the nineties, it's experienced two revisions and been joined by a slew of competitors from around the globe.
The 2010 model year sees Toyota's 'bread and butter' utility vehicle nearing the end of its third generation-- though it’s continuing to perform in a constantly-evolving and increasingly-tough playing field. In fact, RAV4 is still used as a benchmark by engineers building competing products. Toyota should be flattered.
Choices, choices
For 2010, shoppers are presented with a recently-facelifted body and numerous models and options. Both two and four-wheel drive are available, as are both a four and six-cylinder engine. Standard, Sport or Limited trim levels are available, too-- depending on the level of luxury and style desired.
RAV4 4WD V6 Sport
Powerplant options consist of a 2.5 litre, 179 horsepower four-cylinder unit, or a 3.5 litre, 269 horsepower V6. A four or five-speed automatic is standard.
The tester was a V6-powered RAV4 Sport 4WD, which featured unique badges, chrome accents, heated leather seating and a redesigned rear door without the trademark spare tire mounted to it. Run-flat tires are included, in case the business-end of a nail finds its way into your treads.
Over some 1,500 km of driving through Northern Ontario in late February, the tester’s automatic 4WD system quickly kicked in at any sign of front-wheel slippage to engage the rear wheels for additional traction. Drivers should have zero issues with grip on snow if they install winter rubber.
A relative rarity in this marketplace, RAV4 also includes a push-button 4x4 lock setting for additional pre-emptive grip. This is useful when the snow-plow leaves 3 feet of winter at the end of the driveway, or when faced with a steep grade or some deep mud on a trail.
Furthering the RAV4’s intentions of delivering actual off-road capability, ‘Downhill Assist Control’ system was included on the tester, too.
After virtually kick-starting the small SUV scene back in the nineties, it's experienced two revisions and been joined by a slew of competitors from around the globe.
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| Standard, Sport or Limited trim levels are available, too-- depending on the level of luxury and style desired. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
The 2010 model year sees Toyota's 'bread and butter' utility vehicle nearing the end of its third generation-- though it’s continuing to perform in a constantly-evolving and increasingly-tough playing field. In fact, RAV4 is still used as a benchmark by engineers building competing products. Toyota should be flattered.
Choices, choices
For 2010, shoppers are presented with a recently-facelifted body and numerous models and options. Both two and four-wheel drive are available, as are both a four and six-cylinder engine. Standard, Sport or Limited trim levels are available, too-- depending on the level of luxury and style desired.
RAV4 4WD V6 Sport
Powerplant options consist of a 2.5 litre, 179 horsepower four-cylinder unit, or a 3.5 litre, 269 horsepower V6. A four or five-speed automatic is standard.
The tester was a V6-powered RAV4 Sport 4WD, which featured unique badges, chrome accents, heated leather seating and a redesigned rear door without the trademark spare tire mounted to it. Run-flat tires are included, in case the business-end of a nail finds its way into your treads.
Over some 1,500 km of driving through Northern Ontario in late February, the tester’s automatic 4WD system quickly kicked in at any sign of front-wheel slippage to engage the rear wheels for additional traction. Drivers should have zero issues with grip on snow if they install winter rubber.
A relative rarity in this marketplace, RAV4 also includes a push-button 4x4 lock setting for additional pre-emptive grip. This is useful when the snow-plow leaves 3 feet of winter at the end of the driveway, or when faced with a steep grade or some deep mud on a trail.
Furthering the RAV4’s intentions of delivering actual off-road capability, ‘Downhill Assist Control’ system was included on the tester, too.
 |
| Drivers should have zero issues with grip on snow if they install winter rubber. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |