Cars are, generally, built with a purpose in mind. From econoboxes to off-road giants and supercars, they're all engineered and manufactured with a goal. That goal or purpose is usually glaringly evident and one that makes itself immediately known to the buyer. However, such is not always the case. Sometimes you have to spend a little quality time with a car to truly understand what it's all about – a bit like getting to know a long-lost cousin you've just reconnected with for the first time in years.
I reconnected with the Toyota RAV4 recently. This is not a car I've gotten to know extremely well in the past, but it's one I thought I knew well. Turns out I was wrong.
From the outside, the 2011 Toyota RAV4 has definitely stepped up the style factor. While it might not be the most eye-catching crossover on the road today, it's definitely hip with the times and features stylized rear lights and a sculpted body that gives the RAV4 some much-needed character. While the front doesn't possess much aggression or attitude, it does sport modern headlights and a simple, sophisticated grille. Roof rails and a matching body-color tire cover complete the look and give the RAV4 an overall put-together look.
Inside, the simple, straightforward look continues. Toyota has successfully created a car that serves its purpose to a tee. It's not overly exciting, not forgettable, it just does what it's meant to do and that's it. And I commend them for this. The RAV4 isn't a car that dreams are made of – young boys aren't slapping posters of the RAV4 over their beds, but their parents are going to Toyota dealers and signing on the dotted line for the RAV4 because it's practical, affordable and it does the job.
But, I digress.
The middle stack, gauges and even the steering wheel has an almost truck-like feel to it. Everything is a bit rough-around-the-edges, and not in a bad way. I rather liked the radio position and the climate controls. The buttons and knobs are easily manipulated, and I could see even in the winter with gloves on – or on a worksite with gloves on – they would be just as easy to use. I especially liked the gauge cluster's uber modern brush-chromed frames. It gave the RAV4 a classier touch where everything else stayed a bit mundane and regular.
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| From the outside, the 2011 Toyota RAV4 has definitely stepped up the style factor. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
I reconnected with the Toyota RAV4 recently. This is not a car I've gotten to know extremely well in the past, but it's one I thought I knew well. Turns out I was wrong.
From the outside, the 2011 Toyota RAV4 has definitely stepped up the style factor. While it might not be the most eye-catching crossover on the road today, it's definitely hip with the times and features stylized rear lights and a sculpted body that gives the RAV4 some much-needed character. While the front doesn't possess much aggression or attitude, it does sport modern headlights and a simple, sophisticated grille. Roof rails and a matching body-color tire cover complete the look and give the RAV4 an overall put-together look.
Inside, the simple, straightforward look continues. Toyota has successfully created a car that serves its purpose to a tee. It's not overly exciting, not forgettable, it just does what it's meant to do and that's it. And I commend them for this. The RAV4 isn't a car that dreams are made of – young boys aren't slapping posters of the RAV4 over their beds, but their parents are going to Toyota dealers and signing on the dotted line for the RAV4 because it's practical, affordable and it does the job.
But, I digress.
The middle stack, gauges and even the steering wheel has an almost truck-like feel to it. Everything is a bit rough-around-the-edges, and not in a bad way. I rather liked the radio position and the climate controls. The buttons and knobs are easily manipulated, and I could see even in the winter with gloves on – or on a worksite with gloves on – they would be just as easy to use. I especially liked the gauge cluster's uber modern brush-chromed frames. It gave the RAV4 a classier touch where everything else stayed a bit mundane and regular.
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| The middle stack, gauges and even the steering wheel has an almost truck-like feel to it. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |