By Jennifer Geiger
Cars.com National December 18, 2012
Small
families looking for efficient, versatile vehicles are flocking to the
compact crossover class, where automakers are keeping it fresh and
competitive with frequent redesigns and new models.
After six years with minimal changes, the 2013 Toyota RAV4's redesign is an awkward dance of two steps forward, one step back.
The
updates are big: The RAV4 loses its available V-6 and third row of
seats, upgrades to a six-speed automatic transmission and swaps its
swing-gate cargo door for a more conventional roof-hinged liftgate. The
RAV4 is an improvement over the previous version, but only by a baby
step. The smoother ride and greater fuel efficiency are leaps ahead, but
cuts to the second row and cargo area set it back. The RAV4 is up
against several comfortable, refined, efficient compact crossovers,
including the jack-of-all-trades Honda CR-V, the mileage king Mazda CX-5
and the popular Ford Escape.
Styling: Toyota Stew
The new
RAV4 is about an inch shorter from bumper to bumper than its
predecessor, but it seems like it's shrunk even more because the spare
tire has been relocated from the rear to under the floor. Its front end
also got an extreme makeover — attitude style.
Toyota says the
RAV4's new look is emotional, aggressive and easily recognizable. I
agree on all points, especially the last one. Its new tough-guy
character is an amalgamation of the Toyota lineup, highlighted by
Camry-inspired headlights, a Highlander-like integrated spoiler, and a
grille and front bumper that share similarities with the Sienna minivan.
On
the way to the press preview, my cab driver told me he'd never buy a
current-gen RAV4 because of its "feminine" styling. Not anymore.
Chrome-accented upper and lower grilles combine with wraparound,
imposing plastic fangs for a more aggressive appearance. The overall
look isn't as dynamic as the CX-5's, but it will probably be better
received by shoppers than the chunky, angular CR-V.
A Focus on Efficiency
Toyota
thinks few people will miss the energetic V-6 — especially because only
around 15 percent of RAV4s were so equipped — but customers who did
want it will have a tough time acclimating to the four-cylinder, which
is the sole engine for 2013. Though it's not quick, power from the
carryover 176-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine is adequate with front- and
all-wheel drive, and it builds steadily thanks to a responsive six-speed
automatic transmission that replaces last year's outdated four-speed.
Two
new driver-selectable modes alter accelerator response, transmission
timing and steering feel — one to benefit fuel economy, the other to
enhance performance.
The first, Eco mode, should be called
conservation mode. When activated, it feels like you're bucking a sudden
headwind. Throttle response is dulled, and output from the climate
system is limited to conserve fuel. It's most noticeable in stop-and-go
traffic, where takeoffs are markedly slower.
On paper, the modest
power is worth it, as fuel-economy ratings are up for 2013:
Two-wheel-drive models are EPA rated at 24/31 mpg city/highway, a boost
of 2 city mpg and 3 highway mpg. City mileage is 1 mpg better than the
CR-V (23/31), but the RAV4 still trails the impressively efficient base
CX-5 (26/35).
Sport mode takes the opposite tack: A boost of
power kicks in immediately and the transmission snaps off quicker
shifts. The system also dials back the electric power-steering assist
for a more connected-to-the-road feel. Sport mode makes the RAV4 feel
more engaging to drive overall.
I drove the 2013 back-to-back
with the four-cylinder 2012, and while power feels similar, the ride is
definitely improved — smoother with better road isolation. Jump up from
the standard 17-inch wheels to the Limited trim's 18s, however, and
you'll feel and hear much more road than you want to: The ride becomes
noticeably harsher, and tire noise is also a problem.
Toyota says
a new acoustic windshield makes for a quieter cabin, and I agree for
the most part. Wind noise is well-checked, but road noise is hard to
ignore. The engine also contributes: It can sound loud and coarse,
especially when pushed.
Materials & Controls
The old
RAV4's interior was nice but nothing special, and the new one toes the
same line. It isn't a huge leap ahead in terms of materials; there's
still hard plastic throughout, including the door armrests on all but
the top Limited trim level. A new protruding dash panel and the center
console armrest are the lone areas of cushiness.
The interior
gets points for layout and design, however, with a more modern, handsome
look. A color-blocked, two-tone theme is attractive across all trim
levels, as are houndstooth-patterned plastic trim pieces. Midline XLEs
get bolstered sport seats, and uplevel Limited versions get imitation
leather seats and classy-looking French stitching on the dash. For 2013,
Toyota's Softex imitation leather replaces last year's real stuff.
The
previous gen's climate buttons have been replaced by large, clear dials
that are a bit closer to the driver for easier control. A long vent
high on the dash is also new to the setup, and Toyota says it helps heat
and cool the backseat quickly.
The multimedia interface should
look familiar, as it's similar to the old optional unit. All RAV4s now
come with a 6.1-inch touch-screen radio and a backup camera; Bluetooth
is again standard. Optional on XLEs and Limiteds are navigation and
Toyota's Entune multimedia system. On the Apps menu, I tested the
Pandora internet radio interface and found it intuitive. Same goes for
the regular radio controls. Most functions are controlled through the
touch-screen, but there's also traditional knobs for volume and station
tuning.
The optional navigation system was easy to use, though
it's not in the most logical menu. Rather than a button that says "Nav,"
the maps and directions are in the "App" menu. The screen size is fine
for most radio functions, but when reading the map it seems small.
Passenger & Cargo Room
Four
average-sized adults won't have a problem getting comfortable in the
RAV4. The backseat is predictably firmer and flatter than the front
seats, but it's not uncomfortable … unless you're in the middle seat,
which is too narrow for an adult.
By the numbers, front and rear
headroom and legroom are mid-pack. Out of the four, the Escape (with
43.1 inches) offers the most front legroom when compared with the RAV4's
42.6. The Mazda CX-5 handily beats it and the others when it comes to
second-row legroom, however, with 39.3 inches compared with the RAV4's
37.2 inches.
However, there are a couple things missing from the
back half of the cabin. The old RAV4's second row reclined and slid
forward and back to benefit cargo or passenger room. The new one only
reclines. The old model also had two release levers in the cargo area to
send the seats down with one pull; these are also gone. The seats still
fold fairly easily in a 60/40 split, but the seat-mounted levers are
less handy. The CR-V and CX-5 have the one-pull handle setup.
The
optional third-row seat also pulled a disappearing act; Toyota said
only 5 percent of buyers went for the option. Yes, it was comically
cramped back there, but the availability of in-a-pinch extra seating
made the crossover more versatile.
With 73.4 cubic feet of
maximum cargo space, the new RAV4 offers more than the old one, but
barely. (The outgoing model had 73 cubic feet with the seats folded.)
Either way, it's still more than the CR-V (70.9), Escape (67.8) and CX-5
(65.4). With the seats up, the RAV4 wins again with a couple more cubic
feet of luggage space than the others.
The cargo area is also
nice and tall, with a comfortably low lift-in height, and Toyota ditched
the side-hinged gate for a conventional liftgate. The spare tire had to
go somewhere, though: it's now in what used to be a vast under-floor
cargo compartment.
Yes, this is it Toyopet Corona MkII (T60) 1970 belongs to Edwin Utomo output. Men
who live in around Bogor, West Java was first fell in love with the
Toyopet Corona MKII berkelir yellow because he looks classic and rare. Beginning
of the story starts in the month of July 2012 when the last, for the
first time see Edwin Toyopet Corona MkII (T60) is in a garage owned by a
person who resides in the Matraman, East Jakarta.
Although
the condition of the paint is a bit faded due to too long parked in the
garage, engine off total, as well as the legs of the original wheels
and unconditioned minimal damaged quite badly, but Edwin finally
determined to buy it. No
other consideration is not because the car is rare, unique-looking
classic nan, complete and original interior, emblem reads "Toyopet"
still attached to the grill, and also supported the sale price is still
quite reasonable.
