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Let's Go Places...in the new Rav4

By Cathy Droz

If you didn’t see the Superbowl commercial this January for the 2013 Toyota RAV4, you missed some pretty funny and out of the A-Frame thinking. It’s Penny from the Big Bang Theory granting wishes to the average American family, the requests are quite funny and cleverly interpreted. One of the wishes is the removal of the spare tire from the liftgate of the RAV4… presto we see the new look, no tire. Funny, some consumers have been asking about that over the years, I guess we just didn’t have Penny’s phone number.
The new 2013 Toyota RAV4 has more to cheer about than just the spare hidden and liftgate engineered so perfect for short people. The Toyota team offers just three models this year and with good reason; who needs 15 different versions of a basic good product? There is the LE Model, XLE and Limited. The prices range from about $23,300 to $27,000 and you should test all trim levels to see if you need all the amenities or feel the differences when driving. You may also want to check your budget.
The interior of the “crossover” has a soft touch interior which is available with French stitching and an audio system with a standard 6.1 inch touch-screen and Multi-Information Display. The Smart Key Fab is available to keep safe in your pocket or purse. You can lock and unlock the doors and liftgate with one touch and start the vehicle with the push of a button.
The Limited model has display audio with navigation and Entune, 11JBL, GreenEdge speakers in seven locations. The leather steering wheel incorporates also Bluetooth and Multi-information Display controls leaving all hand held devices unnecessary.
I was not sure to include the next item as interior or exterior but it is my favorite. It’s the adjustable Power Liftgate. At 5’2 and vertically challenged I like height adjustment features. Well thank you RAV4, your engineers decided to position the liftgate to the ideal height of your customer. All you do is press and hold the button on the liftgate, listen for the beeps and you’re done. Every time I would go to the liftgate is rose to my custom height. This is crucial with families and sport enthusiasts who’s hands are always full and don’t have to put everything down twice, just click the fob and close it without tippy toes or rotator cuff injury appointments needed. I was also impressed with the storing of the spare tire and the tonneau cover that is part of securing the cargo area. I’ve always been perplexed as to what to do with the tonneau cover when I didn’t want it in the car… this fits in to a molded spot just for that purpose, right in front of the spare under the tire well and carpeting.
On my long drives with the RAV4, I drove the back roads and the highways to see if the 24/31 I was quoted was accurate and I would say it was right on for the front wheel drive models. This may be easier to achieve also as the RAV4 has 6-speed automatic and easy to switch buttons ECO Mode and Sport Mode. Once minute I was in ECO mode and then I felt like a “in touch with the pavement” ride so I pressed Sport.
With all the new bells and whistles, Toyota has remained loyal to its commitment to safety and the new RAV4 is no exception. Standard on every new Toyota is the star- safety system with its group of six advanced safety features including Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology.
Because I drive with the grandchildren so often, it is very important that a car has an excellent child safety seat process. The RAV4 has LATCH, which stands for “Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.” It has lower anchors on the outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all second-row of seating. The crossover comes with 8 standard airbags which is also increased since last year’s model.
I test drove all of the trim levels and then drove last year’s model. You will be surprised as to how the vehicle has been improved. Not just the liftgate going from side to side to up and down but the comfort of the seats and two tone seat color choices that should be on pintrest. All of this and ToyotCare which includes the 24/7 roadside assistance.
I found this vehicle to be the SUV/Crossover perfect for the young family, empty nester, pet transporter or single person who is active in sports and road trips. Once I drove it and studied it, I can see where Toyota gets the slogan… Let’s Go Places! I’m ready, how about you… Oh! Do we need to call Penny?
For more reviews go to www.twofortheroadusa.com
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This article appears in the March 2013 issue of Inland Empire Fun
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