Old becomes new- that’s the chapter in the RAV4’s storyline right now. Toyota’s compact crossover in current form has been around since 2006 (getting minor updates in 2009) but it doesn’t seem to suffer from old man knees; drivers keep coming back to veteran attributes like all-around comfort and solid small-time space. There comes a time, however, when all good cars must adapt to change, and the 2013 model year is that time for RAV4. The Ford Escape went through a similar process not too long ago, and spacecraft termed competition like the Equinox, CR-V, and CX-5 keep getting better. The crossover market continues to make cash register sounds and Toyota aims to keep their wallets fat, so for 2013 RAV4 will finally see the reconstruction it deserves.
Now that we’re up to speed, check out some of what makes the 2012 RAV4 so rad, and what you can look forward to when you get your hands on the redesigned 2013 Toyota RAV4.
2012 Toyota RAV4 Feature Highlights
Despite its age, the current RAV4 remains a bestseller for a few reasons. Owners love its versatility, and, after all, that is what being a crossover is about. Versatility in this case pertains to generous cargo space and room for seven passengers with the optional third row. Pair this setup with good safety scores alongside the available 3.5 liter V6 engine and you’ve got plenty of go to get the family around. And, though most RAV4 owners aren’t tearing it up off-road, the available all-wheel drive V6 is nice to have, especially when sustaining a respectable 22 MPG average.
All these RAV4 options translate to a term we’re not used to hearing very much: practicality. And there’s the big sales secret. The 2012 RAV4 starts at just $22,650 and you can grab an all-wheel drive V6 model for around $31,270.
RAV4 EV
As brought to your attention earlier, Toyota is delirious over the all-electric RAV4 EV and they’re hoping the craze is contagious. Everything sounds nice and clean until you get to the price; at $50,000 there will surely be a few eyes bulging outward. EV’s price kinda makes you feel a bit dirty, which is ironic considering the fact that it’s a road car and not really supposed to get dirty. Toyota is hoping that the EV’s fusion of versatility and efficiency (along with some new car smell) will counter sticker shock hesitation.
2013 Toyota RAV4 Future Highlights
Beyond EV and its electric powertrain, shoppers will have additional freshness to look forward to. Aesthetically, the 2013 gasoline RAV4 looks to become sleeker and more car-like, despite an increase in space. New look reaction depends on how much you like the Camry, as the fourth generation RAV4 takes a few stylistic cues from the sedan. Recent shots also show a new RAV4 fitted with very Lexus CT200h-like headlights, indicating that the redesign is an extended family affair.
As far as engines go on the gasoline front, it had been assumed that Toyota would be keeping both the base 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder options and subbing in new (better) transmissions for each, though some disgusting rumors keep popping up dealing with the demise of the 6-cylinder. That’s tough to swallow, as the North American market would likely stage some sort of uproar to prove V6 demand. We can only hope that the EV and a new hybrid model will tame MPG pundits.
The always popular 2012 RAV4 is available right now and cool Californians can check out the electric 2013 RAV4 EV, if so inclined, later this summer.
Take care of all your RAV4 needs at CarWoo!, the people’s auto buying site.
