By Autoreviewman
Well equipped, high quality and superbly built the RAV4 is one of the best CUVs in this sector. Engine power is via a 2.5 Litre, 4-cylinder unit, although there is also a hybrid RAV4 available. Transmission on the four cylinder model is via a six -speed, automatic, super electronically controlled transmission (Super ECT), with Active Torque Control System.
Interior wise, the 2018 RAV4 uses better-quality materials, including more soft-touch surfaces Our tester was a 2018 Upper range XLE model that came standard with such amenities as: All Wheel Drive, (AWD), Trailer Sway Control, vehicle Stability, Control (VSC), Traction Control System (TRAC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Drive Mode Select, (Sport, Eco and Normal Modes). Our tester also came the Trail pack option ($2,075) that adds an enhanced trailering capacity, a higher ride height thanks to a higher suspension set up, the exterior also adds: 18” black alloy wheels and black halogen headlamps, Trail black hood decal, front & rear Trail badged mud guards, Trail body mouldings, Trail badged door scuff plate, and Trail trim badged trunk. Have to say the Trail Edition does look very cool, inside and out!
Interior wise, there is funky, sporty looking black finished cabin with metal-look details and premium cloth seats with raised stitching – very nice! There is also: a leather-wrapped steering wheel and unique interior trim panels leather wrapped heated steering wheel, with tele, tilt and steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth controls, voice recognition controls, Bridgestone tires, 18″ black alloy wheels, 120V/100-watt power outlet, Trail Badged shift knob, and Trail badged all weather floor mats As usual, safety is very high on the RAV4, in fact with any Toyota. Standard on all new RAV4s is Toyota’s Safety Sense P package. Safety Sense P includes lane-departure warning with steering assist, radar cruise control, pre-collision warning with emergency autonomous braking, radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. Toyota’s very good decision to make this high end safety equipment standard on all RAV4s is an excellent move and will win it many family buyers I predict. On the road, the RAV4 has the smooth ride and inoffensive driving manners that it is so loved for. There is not a whole lot to complain about the RAV4. The Trail edition offers some extra distinction in the lineup and the higher ride height means it really can hit mild trails! Highly recommended as an excellent family CUV.
2017 Toyota RAV4 AWD XLE Trail Edition. MSRP $31,125. Price as tested with options, Freight & PDI ($1,785) Total MSRP $37,112.
