review 2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited

<h4>Compact crossover vehicle seats up to seven passengers - The RAV4 was one of the first vehicles to combine the versatility of a sport-utility vehicle with car-like ride and handling. The name stands for “recreational active vehicle:” a phrase which should resonate with readers of this web site. Buyers can choose between two or three rows of seating, depending on how many passengers they need to carry.</h4><br/><h4><a href="http://carspondent.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/RAV43.jpg"><img align="left" alt="2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited" border="0" height="164" src="http://carreview.tk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/RAV43-300x200.jpg" style="background-image: none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px;" title="2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited" width="244" /></a></h4><br/><h4>2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited</h4><br/><h4>The newest model is available with a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 engines and front or all-wheel drive. The six-cylinder engine costs a little more, but achieves fuel efficiency close to the four. Given the means to afford the premium, I’d recommend it for the extra power and performance it offers.</h4><br/><h4>The V-6 RAV4 comes with a five-speed automatic transmission, as opposed to a four-speed box with the four-cylinder model. This accounts for the larger engine’s enhanced fuel economy. In addition to adding a large overdrive gear, the five-speed automatic minimizes shift shock during hard acceleration.</h4><br/><h4>Buyers can choose from three grades: a base model, Sport, and upscale Limited. The front-wheel drive Limited starts at $26,835, not including an $810 delivery charge. The V-6 engine is standard, as are 17-inch alloy wheels with a full-sized spare. The spare tire is mounted on the rear door, where it’s easy to reach.</h4><br/><h4>Comfort and convenience features include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, a fold-flat feature for the second-row seats, satellite radio and keyless start.</h4><br/><h4>A premium option package on the test car adds leather upholstery, upgraded audio system, Bluetooth interface, heated front seats, power moonroof, eight-way power driver’s seat and a 120-volt power outlet ($3480). The test car also includes a towing prep package which I’d recommend against, since the RAC fails to meet the ALV minimum 3500-pound towing standard ($160). Carpeted floor mats cost $199, bringing the MSRP to $32,179.</h4><br/><h4>A new extra value package discount reduces the MSRP by $2000, bringing the price as tested to $30,179.</h4><br/><h4><strong>Designed for the busy urbanite</strong></h4><br/><h4><a href="http://carspondent.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/RAV44.jpg"><img align="left" alt="2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited" border="0" height="164" src="http://carreview.tk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/RAV44-300x200.jpg" style="background-image: none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px;" title="2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited" width="244" /></a></h4><br/><h4>2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited</h4><br/><h4>The original RAV4 was basically a Toyota Camry with two-box architecture. For busy city dwellers, the idea of combining Toyota’s bulletproof midsized passenger car chassis with a more versatile cargo area is an appealing idea.</h4><br/><h4>This past week, the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year finals gave me the perfect opportunity to test all of the things the RAV4 does best; that is hauling multiple passengers and their gear. Over seven days, I carried up to four passengers, luggage, sign posts, groceries, cases of beverages and more. Since I was making multiple runs between program headquarters and the airport, fuel economy was important. So was maneuverability and visibility around the vehicle.</h4><br/><h4>The seamless manner in which the RAV4 performed its daily tasks is testimony to what a great vehicle it is. When life gets complicated, the RAV4 makes things simpler, which is exactly what a compact crossover is supposed to do.</h4><br/><h4>The two-row car easily holds up to five adult passengers. Since there is no floor tunnel, the middle passenger in the second row has enough legroom for trips around town.</h4><br/><h4>The cargo door is hinged to the side, making it easier to open. With the second-row seats folded flat, the RAV meets our bicycle-friendly standards.</h4><br/><h4>The engine has ample power for merging into freeway traffic, and accelerating off the line. Fuel economy during the week-long test drive was in line with the EPA’s estimates of 19/27 mpg for city and highway driving respectively.</h4><br/><h4>The electric power steering system is well tuned for the car, with plenty of low-speed assist and good on-center response at speed. The electronic unit has the advantage of saving weight over a conventional hydraulic setup. It also reduces parasitic power losses to boost gas mileage.</h4><br/><h4>A four-wheel independent suspension gives the RAV ride characteristics which are virtually indistinguishable from a sedan. Four-wheel disc brakes stop the RAV in a firm, linear fashion.</h4><br/><h4>A rearview camera on the test car projects a wide angle view to the back of the car into the rearview mirror. It does a good job of eliminating blind spots in the back corners and beneath the rear glass.</h4><br/><h4>Visibility to the front and sides of the car is quite good. I had no problems monitoring traffic in the adjacent lanes when driving on the highway.</h4><br/><h4><strong>Versatile interior</strong></h4><br/><h4><a href="http://carspondent.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/RAV4int.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Toyota RAV4 Interior" border="0" height="164" src="http://carreview.tk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/RAV4int-300x200.jpg" style="background-image: none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px;" title="Toyota RAV4 Interior" width="244" /></a></h4><br/><h4>Toyota RAV4 Interior</h4><br/><h4>While the RAV4 has all the creature comforts of a passenger sedan, it also functions as a mobile toolbox, with everything the owner needs to transport passengers and their cargo. Passengers in both rows of seating have ample access to cup and bottle holders. A dual glovebox provides secure storage inside the passenger compartment.</h4><br/><h4>Keyless entry and start saves the driver from having to fumble for the keys. A touchpad next to the door panel will open and lock the door if the driver has the key fob in his pocket. The device adds a measure of safety after dark for owners who work in urban areas.</h4><br/><h4>A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows small drivers to maintain a clear forward view and a safe distance from the front airbag. Redundant audio controls minimize driver distraction.</h4><br/><h4>Heated front seats on the test car keep the driver and front passenger comfortable in temperature extremes.</h4><br/><h4>The optional audio upgrade is MP3/WMA compatible, and also includes a 90-day trial subscription to XM satellite radio. The optional 120-volt outlet powers a computer and turns the RAV4 into a mobile office.</h4><br/><h4>The optional moonroof brings an abundance of ambient light into the interior. Optional daytime running lamps make the vehicle more visible on canyon roads and in low light situations.</h4><br/><h4><strong>Standard safety</strong></h4><br/><h4>The RAV4 comes with Toyota’s star safety system, which integrates antilock braking, traction and stability control in a manner which is invisible to the driver. All models come with front, side and side curtain airbags, active front headrests and tire pressure monitoring.</h4><br/><h4>The RAV4 is on display at Toyota dealerships nationwide.</h4><br/><blockquote><br/><h4><strong>Likes: </strong>A versatile crossover with the ride and handling of a passenger sedan. The extra value package, new for 2011, enables buyers to add a lot of premium features at a reasonable cost.</h4><br/><h4><strong>Dislikes:</strong> None</h4><br/><h4><strong>Quick facts:</strong></h4><br/><h4><strong>Make: </strong>Toyota</h4><br/><h4><strong>Model:</strong> RAV4 Limited</h4><br/><h4><strong>Year: </strong>2011</h4><br/><h4><strong>Base price:</strong> $26,835</h4><br/><h4><strong>As tested: </strong>$30,179</h4><br/><h4><strong>Horsepower: </strong>269 Hp @ 6200 rpm</h4><br/><h4><strong>Torque: </strong>246 lbs.-ft. @ 4700 rpm</h4><br/><h4><strong>Zero-to-sixty:</strong> N/A</h4><br/><h4><strong>Antilock brakes:</strong> Standard</h4><br/><h4><strong>Side curtain airbags:</strong> Standard</h4><br/><h4><strong>First aid kit:</strong> N/A</h4><br/><h4><strong>Bicycle friendly: </strong>Yes</h4><br/><h4><strong>Towing: </strong>No</h4><br/><h4><strong>Off-road:</strong> No</h4><br/><h4><strong>Fuel economy:</strong> 19/27 mpg city/highway</h4><br/></blockquote>

review 2011 Toyota RAV4 Limited

Compact crossover vehicle seats up to seven passengers - The RAV4 was one of the first vehicles to combine the versatility of a sport-utilit...

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