Toyota RAV4 2011, Spacious, Comfortable and Easy to Drive

So many compact crossover SUV on the market today, it's hard to remember the brand creates the idea of SUVs, car-based small. But by then the Toyota RAV4-based small Celica that create segments about 15 years ago, beating the rival Honda CR-V for the punch.

2011 Toyota RAV4 in the selling price from $ 21.925 crossover closer to the middle in terms of exterior dimensions. But Toyota has found a way to offer all that room (with seating for seven) while still providing an impressive fuel efficiency. Indeed, larger RAV4 today supported by the available 269 horsepower V6 is actually exceed-fuel-economy ratings than the original RAV4 with a 120-hp four-cylinder - this gives 1 mpg over the EPA-rated combined driving.

One of the strengths RAV4 is its ability to easily make the transition from the family runabout accommodate the pack mule. There is useful storage space throughout the interior and rear seats fold down to create a spacious cargo hold more than the Ford Edge medium. Passenger space is also quite good, with an optional third-row seating that can accommodate a pair of children. Add the V6 is strong but frugal and you can see why the RAV4 has been a favorite of Edmunds over the last few years.

The 2011 Toyota RAV4 is a midsize crossover SUV. There are three trim levels available: base, Sport and Limited. Each one is available with front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of either a four-cylinder or V6 engine.

The base RAV4 comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, a limited-slip differential (front-drive models only), air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The base V6 4WD adds 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels.

The 2011 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that delivers 179 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Fuel economy for this model with front-wheel drive is 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined, and 21/27/24 with 4WD.

A 3.5-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission is optional for all trim levels of the RAV4. It produces 269 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, the RAV4 V6 4WD delivers a time from a standstill to 60 mph of 7.2 seconds -- quick for the segment. The V6 achieves an impressive 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive RAV4, and these ratings change only by 1 mpg less for EPA highway when the 4WD model is selected.

Every RAV4 trim level can be matched with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. In 4WD models, power is sent to the front wheels until tire slippage is detected and then power is also directed to the rear wheels. The torque split can be manually locked at 50 percent front/50 percent rear for driving in poor traction conditions, such as gravel or snow. With the optional tow package, the RAV4 V6 can pull as much as 3,500 pounds.

Specification

Exterior

Length: 181.9 ins. Width: 71.5 ins.

Height: 66.3 ins. Wheel Base: 104.7 ins.

Ground Clearance: 7.5 ins. Curb Weight: 3360 lbs.

Gross Weight: 4430 lbs.

Interior

Front Head Room: 40.8 ins. Front Hip Room: 53.8 ins.

Front Shoulder Room: 57.1 ins. Rear Head Room: 39.7 ins.

Rear Shoulder Room: 55.3 ins. Rear Hip Room: 52.4 ins.

Front Leg Room: 41.8 ins. Rear Leg Room: 38.3 ins.

Luggage Capacity: 36.4 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 73 cu. ft.

Maximum Seating: 7

Performance Data

Performance

Base Number of Cylinders: 4 Base Engine Size: 2.5 liters

Base Engine Type: Inline 4 Horsepower: 179 hp

Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm Torque: 172 ft-lbs.

Max Torque: 4000 rpm Maximum Payload: 1070 lbs.

Maximum Towing Capacity: 1500 lbs. Drive Type: FWD

Turning Circle: 34.8 ft..

Fuel Data

Fuel

Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal.

EPA mileage estimates: (City / Highway / Combined)

Automatic: 22 mpg / 28 mpg / mpg

Range in Miles:

Automatic: 349.8 mi. / 445.2 mi. / Mi.