There are SUVs designed for off-road use — big, powerful machines built to cruise on pavement and transition effortlessly to tackle rough terrain There are luxury SUVs that serve as mobile palaces — stately islands of comfort that look down on other lesser vehicles and push them out of the way on America’s roads.
Smaller SUVs – crossovers that bridge the gap between cars and the larger vehicles already described — have no ambition to power through traffic or to drive over a mountain. They’re on this planet to serve as urban transport vehicles, moving human beings and modest cargos around cities and suburbs in some modest comfort.
The 2014 RAV4 is a major player in that crossover market — a prime choice for buyers looking for a little more passenger space and carrying capacity than modern sedans. Essentially, the crossover took the place of the classic American station wagon. While those old, often wood-lined, asphalt sailing aircraft carriers of decades past were long as a city block, the crossover extends its extra room skyward so its wheel base can fit into a single timezone.
The RAV4 puts 17-inch steel wheels on this little SUV-ish people carrier, adding a 2.5 liter, four cylinder engine capable of putting out 176 horsepower. At first glance, those numbers might not seem enough for even a crossover. They might to get the job done for an off-roading choice, but this is an urban purposed vehicle. A weeklong test drive of the RAV4 proved that no more engine is needed, even with a full load. And, that cargo carrying still manages 24-31 mpg.
Starting around $23,300, the RAV4’s trim levels upgrade with a power moonroof, fog lamps, dual zone automatic climate control and bucket seats.
The 2014 RAV4 offers Display Audio/multimedia with a 6.1-in. touchscreen. The sound system includes AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM with Bluetooth connectivity, USB and mini-jack. That same touchscreen offers access to the Satellite Navigation and Entune system on higher trim levels.
At the top of line, buyers get a power lift gate, eight way power driver’s seat, heated and cooled front seats and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Exterior styling fits with Toyota’s current safe, but not unattractive design language. It’ll be interesting in future if that look goes uptown with Toyota claiming its ready to be more visually aggressive.
Engine power, acceleration, handling and brake stopping distance all tested out adequately during the test — confirming its all-out effectiveness as urban transport. Line of sight is clear at all angles.
The only irritation experienced during the weeklong test was lousy reception on the car’s satellite antenna, but that’s a minor blip.
As long as you keep the RAV4 on the road and don’t expect it to do more than it’s designed to handle, this traditional crossover is an easy call in its class.
