Toyota RAV4

Angular Front Exterior View - 2010 Toyota RAV4 FWD 4-door 4-cyl 4-Spd AT (Natl)

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Shopping for a 2012 Toyota RAV4? MSRP: $22,650 - $28,650

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The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV built by the Japanese automaker since 1994. The vehicle, however, didn’t reach the U.S. until two years later, when it was one of the first U.S.-market crossovers, paving the way for rival models like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute.

The RAV4 entered the market during the height of the SUV craze--at a time when new car buyers were seeking vehicles with the taller ride height, four-wheel drive capability and extra storage space of a full-size SUV but with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a regular car. But over time the RAV4's appeal has stayed strong, as it's added an available third-row seat and become more family-focused.

The first generation of the RAV4 originally borrowed a host of Corolla and Camry components and came with a 120-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. In 1998, the RAV4 was slightly restyled on the front and rear fascias, and a soft-top two-door was made available in some markets. The second-generation of the RAV4 arrived in time for the 2001 model year and came packing a more potent 148 horsepower 2.0-liter engine. A facelift was implemented for the 2004 model year, consisting primarily of new bumper designs, and the 2.0-liter engine was upgraded to a 161 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder mill.

The RAV4 was subsequently updated again for the 2006 model year, this time receiving an all-new platform and the choice of four- and six-cylinder powertrains. No major changes have been implemented since then except the introduction of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the base engine in the 2009 model along with some slight styling revisions. Of note was the introduction of a Sport Appearance Package that dropped the side-hinged rear hatch for one with a conventional layout--with a cleaned-up look omitting the hanging spare tire and wheel.

The Toyota RAV4 remains available with either the base 179 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or the top-spec 269 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. A manual transmission option is not offered on the RAV4, so instead the four-cylinder model makes do with a four-speed automatic while the V-6 model gets a five-speed auto. Fuel economy comes in at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the four-cylinder model and 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the V-6.

For 2012, Toyota revamped its sound systems in the RAV4, and all models included Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. Limited models also got HD Radio with iTunes tagging, text-to-voice, and satellite radio.

Angular Rear Exterior View - 2010 Toyota RAV4 FWD 4-door 4-cyl 4-Spd AT (Natl)

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