2010 Toyota RAV4

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Summary

The RAV4 is a compact SUV that doesn't squander a square inch of passenger room or cargo space. Should you buy a 2010 Toyota RAV4 or wait for the 2011 Toyota RAV4? The 2010 RAV4 is the smarter choice.

2010 TOYOTA RAV4 Full Review

Features and Styling

Status quo for the 2010 Toyota RAV4 in the wake of 2009's mid-cycle freshening. The current-generation RAV4 was introduced as a 2006 model, and the 2009 tweaks sustain it until 2012. Base, Sport, and Limited models continue. Base and Limited got new alloy wheels. The RAV4 doesn't quite stretch into the midsize-SUV category; within Toyota's lineup, that's the domain of the rugged 4Runner SUV and the Highlander and Venza crossovers. But the RAV4 is among the largest compact-class SUVs. Compared with the only two rivals that top it in sales, the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, the RAV4 is longer by 4 inches and 7 inches, respectively.

RAV4 base models with the four-cylinder engine come with 16-inch tires on steel wheels. V-6 Base models have 17s on steel wheels. Mechanical: The 2010 Toyota RAV4 reprises a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines. Too bad Toyota didn't also match most of RAV4's rivals by exchanging the four-cylinder's four-speed automatic transmission for a more-efficient five-speed automatic. No complaints about Toyota's strong 269-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, which is available in all three RAV4 models and links with a five-speed automatic. Unlike the 4Runner, the RAV4 isn't intended for hard-core off-roading. In severe low-grip conditions, the RAV4 has the edge on many competitors because its driver can press a dashboard button and maximize power distribution to the rear wheels up to 25 mph. Four-cylinder RAV4s can tow 1,500 pounds. A tow-package option for V-6 Sport and Limited models increases their trailer capacity to 3,500 pounds, from 2,000. 

The 2010 RAV4 features roster accounts for the only changes of note compared to 2009. The Sport Appearance Package that eliminates the outside spare tire is now available on all four-cylinder Sport models. Also for 2010, the base-model RAV4 is available with the rearview camera and monitor integrated into the inside mirror. This feature had been exclusive to Sport and Limited models. Finally, the Sport joins the Limited for 2010 with an available JBL audio system that includes steering wheel audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth cell-phone connectivity. However, USB interface for iPods remains unavailable on the RAV4; all models make due with a mini-jack outlet. Every 2010 RAV4 comes with Toyota's STAR Safety System, which includes the aforementioned traction control plus antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist. STAR also encompasses an antiskid system that activates individual brakes and retards engine power to combat sideways skids. RAV4s equipped with the V-6 engine or the third-row seat add hill ascent/descent control. RAV4s come with torso-protecting front side airbags as well as head-protecting curtain side airbags. A tilt/telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, remote keyless entry, and power mirrors, windows and locks are included in the base price. Leather upholstery with heated front seats and rear-seat DVD entertainment are extra-cost items exclusive to the top-line Limited model. Sport and Limited are available with a power sunroof and a DVD-based navigation system.

Optional Features

The 2010 Toyota RAV4 prices are unchanged from model-year 2009, though the bottom-line price on the window sticker climbs slightly thanks to an increase in Toyota's mandatory destination fee. Toyota's light trucks carry an $800 destination fee for model-year 2010, up from $745. The 2010 Toyota RAV4 base model with the four-cylinder engine is priced from $22,300 with front-wheel drive and from $23,700 with AWD. The 2010 RAV4 base model with the V-6 is priced from $24,335 with front-wheel drive and from $25,735 with AWD.

To the Base model, the 2010 Toyota RAV4 Sport adds a sport suspension, fog lamps, rear privacy glass, and the 18-inch tires with alloy wheels. The 2010 Toyota RAV4 Sport with the four-cylinder engine is priced from $24,000 with front-wheel drive and from $25,200 with AWD. The 2010 RAV4 Sport with the V-6 is priced from $25,930 with front-wheel drive and from $27,330 with AWD.

The 2010 RAV4 Limited models come with dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and keyless ignition with pushbutton start, plus other features. The 2010 Toyota RAV4 Limited with the four-cylinder engine is priced from $25,290 with front-wheel drive and from $26,690 with AWD. The 2010 RAV4 Limited with the V-6 is priced from $27,210 with front-wheel drive and from $28,610 with AWD.

Among options, the navigation system costs roughly $1,240-$1,550, depending on model. The third-row seat costs from $840-$940, depending on model.

First Drive 2010

Satisfied with perfectly acceptable power in low-demand driving conditions? The four-cylinder is your RAV4 engine. Torque steer is the annoying tendency for a powerful front-wheel drive vehicle to wriggle and wander during rapid acceleration from low speeds.           

First-time RAV4 drivers are apt to find the electronic power steering system gives unexpectedly quick response. Go for the Sport model if you want rewardingly sharp cornering response with well-controlled body lean. With their softer suspension settings and modest tires, RAV4 base and Limited models exhibit some noseplow and drift in fast turns. Dashboard and controls:

RAV4's dashboard design seems inspired by cliff dwellings. The airy RAV4 cabin furnishes head room aplenty in the first and second seating rows. Sport models generate tire roar, but the RAV4 otherwise isolates well enough from unwanted road, wind, and mechanical ruckus.

Toyota's decision to go with a big cargo door that opens from the right rather than swings up means you won't fight gravity to access RAV4's rear compartment.

How Green is it?

The four-cylinder 2010 Toyota RAV4 is rated at 22/28 mpg (city/highway) with front-wheel drive and 21/27 with all-wheel drive.

With 269 horsepower, the V-6 RAV4 is the most powerful compact crossover SUV in its competitive set. EPA ratings are 19/27 with front-wheel drive, 19/26 with all-wheel drive. Both RAV4 engines use 87-octane gas.

Safety

The 2010 Toyota RAV4 does fairly in government crash tests that award a maximum of five stars for occupant protection in frontal and side collisions (www.safecar.gov). RAV4 scores five stars for driver protection in both frontal and side impacts. The only crash test in which the RAV4 does not score five stars is in front-passenger protection, where it earns four stars. Both front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the RAV4 scored four of five stars in rollover tests. Toyota RAV4 owners surveyed by J.D. Power rate their SUV among the best in overall initial quality during the first 90 days of ownership.

The 2010 Toyota RAV4 went on sale in July 2009. By the way, Toyota says RAV4 stands for Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive.  

Conclusions

Making its debut as a 2006 design, the 2010 Toyota RAV4 represents the third generation of this popular crossover. The lineage dates to model-year 1996, and today's version is the largest and most-powerful RAV4 ever. For more information on the RAV4 visit Toyota.com Significantly altered power ratings are unlikely. RAV4 buyers would seem best served by a hybrid model positioned as a gas-saving alternative at a competitive price.