2013 Toyota RAV4 (Credit: Toyota)
One more boring Toyota bites the dust.
The newly redesigned 2013 Toyota RAV4, unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, isn’t so jazzy that it oozes excitement, but it looks more appealing than the model it replaces.
Toyota is methodically reinvigorating its entire lineup, and the compact crossover is the latest model to get updated with fresh styling and changes to the chassis that promise a more dynamic driving experience.
If the new Lexus GS and Toyota Camry are any indication, the 2013 RAV4 should be significantly better to drive than the previous modelâ€"which was already good, despite being boring.
This RAV4 also looks sportier thanks to a front end with totally different styling. The headlights and grille are reminiscent of those on the new Camry. From the side view, an upswept window line also lends sporty flair. But this makes for smaller rear windows, which diminish visibility. The rear is also chunkier as a result.
Changes to the engines that buyers can choose leave the RAV4 without its most sporty one. The V6 that was optional before has been discontinued. Now the RAV4 only comes with a four-cylinder engine that makes 176 horsepower, according to preliminary specs. That’s 3 hp less than the old four-cylinder.
A six-speed transmission replaces the old four-speed and helps improve fuel economy. Environmental Protection Agency estimates for the front-wheel-drive RAV4 are 24 miles per gallon city and 31 mpg highwayâ€"that’s 2 to 3 mpg better than before. With all-wheel-drive, the numbers drop to 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highwayâ€"an improvement of about 1 to 2 mpg.
2013 Toyota RAV4 (Credit: Toyota)
The steering and suspension on the new RAV4 have been tuned for better handling characteristics. There is even a Sport mode that quickens steering and throttle response, and shift timing. Showing just how far Toyota is going to create a sporty driving experience, it has even added a feature normally found only on high-performance cars: in Sport mode, downshifts are accompanied by a blip of the throttle to match engine revs to the lower gear.
RAV4s equipped with all-wheel drive get a further boost in Sport mode with what Toyota calls Dynamic Torque Control. The system enhances cornering performance by sending more power to the rear wheels when the vehicle is turning.
Besides Sport, there are two other modes that can be used with all-wheel drive, called Auto and Lock. In Auto mode, the all-wheel-drive system runs more efficiently by sending power primarily to the front wheels while disengaging the rear axle. The system reverts to all-wheel-drive instantaneously when needed. In low-speed Lock mode, the RAV4 has full-time all-wheel drive. Once past 25 miles per hour, the system reverts to Auto mode.
This new all-wheel-drive system is ingenious in the way it can improve handling dynamics, traction and fuel economy depending on the mode selected.
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 offers less than the previous model in some areas, though. For example, a third row seat is no longer available, which brings seating capacity to a maximum of five. Compact crossovers with seven seats are few and far between, so Toyota has lost a key competitive advantage by not offering the option of a third row. But the company says less than 5 percent of RAV4 buyers opted for the third row anyway.
The upside is that cargo capacity has increased by two cubic feet and the cargo floor is lower for easier access. The side-hinged tailgate has been replaced with a door that swings up like on most other crossovers. The spare tire has also been relocated from the rear door to under the cargo floor.
2013 Toyota RAV4 (Cedit: Toyota)
As expected, the new RAV4 gets a full compliment of safety features and other gadgets, with eight airbags, a back-up camera and Bluetooth connectivity all standard. Blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert and GPS navigation with Entune multimedia system are optional.
The redesigned RAV4 is another clear example of how serious Toyota is about making vehicles that are more exciting. And it also shows how competitive the compact crossover segment has become as each new model debuts with so much more capability than before.
The lack of an optional V6 engine and third row seating are setbacks that likely will be missed by a small percentage of buyers. Overall, Toyota seems to have improved the 2013 RAV4 in key areas that buyers in this segment will appreciate. The 2013 model goes on sale in January.
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