4×4 Toyota Rav4

The Toyota Rav4 is a compact crossover SUV that features four wheel drive. The name Rav4 stands for "Recreational Active Vehicle featuring 4 wheel drive". The Rav4 is the smallest of Toyota's sport-utility vehicles, and one of their first crossover SUV brands. It was introduced to the US market in 1996, aimed towards 4x4 and SUV enthusiasts who needed the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle. Edmunds Review rates it quite favorably, noting it's handling and high quality. However, it's not as aggressive and powerful as some other 4x4 SUVs, and doesn't handle off-roading as well either.

4x4 Toyota Rav4

Current models of the Toyota Rav4 come with either a 179-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 269 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. Due to it's lighter weight than many other comparable SUVs, it has a high fuel economy, and really lets a V6 engine do it's job. It's rated for towing up to 3,500 pounds, which is pretty good for a lightweight, small SUV. It's also well designed. It boasts more cargo room and cabin space than many midsized SUVs, and features a handy swing out tailgate. It's rugged enough for packing full of camping gear or carrying hikers, but sporty and responsive enough to handle city driving easily.

The Toyota Rav4 features a true four wheel drive system, not a mislabeled all wheel drive system. All wheel drive systems usually only adds the extra power to the wheels after a slip is detected. The Rav4 has full power on all four wheels at all times, making it more maneuverable and stay on the road better. Although four wheel drive can reduce the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, it's preferred by many people that want better control and more freedom to travel over different terrain types.

The Toyota Rav4 is also a winner when it comes to price. It's not the least expensive of all crossover SUVs, but it's got a full set of features for the price. Options like the V6 engine or the third row seats can raise the affordable base price quite a bit, but for those willing to buy used, fully featured versions of the Rav4 can be found for less. It's also got impressive safety features. It offers dual front, front seat mounted side impact, and side curtain airbags in the standard package. It's also got stability and traction control, which is important on lightweight 4WD vehicles.

The Toyota Rav4 offers quite a package for anyone interested in a crossover 4x4 SUV, especially those looking for a vehicle that can handle city traffic as well. It lacks the off roading capabilities of other 4x4 SUVs, but has a higher fuel economy and a more compact footprint that larger SUVs.