Overview
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 takes on the sharper creases and some chunky styling cues from the FJ Cruiser and Toyota's trucks. The RAV4 come with only a few minor changes to standard equipment and option packages for 2012.
The RAV4 is a compact crossover that was introduced into the US market in 1996, two years after it hit the roads in its mother country. Intended to be a vehicle that harnessed the best qualities of an SUV, such as cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive and the handiness of a sedan, the RAV4 was an instant hit. It is Toyota's best selling SUV in the US. One of its highpoints is the optional all-wheel drive; in fact, its initials stand for "recreational active vehicle with four (4 in the name) drive".
The Toyota RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle expands the availability of some key, high-value features first offered on select grades. The new Upgrade Value Package for the Base models adds popular options at a special value price. The 2012 Toyota RAV4 comes in the following distinct grades - Base, Sport and top-of-the-line Limited and with a choice between the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which returns 30 mpg on the highway or a V6. Both engines can be teamed with either front-wheel drive or electronic on-demand four-wheel-drive. The roomy RAV4 offers an optional third-row seating on Base and Limited grade models. Adding to these is the RAV4 EV which is powered by batteries and some powertrain components from Tesla Motors. The RAV4 EV returns back after a long gap as the original RAV4 EV was last seen in 2003. The second-generation RAV4 EV can reach a range of about 100 miles.
The Upgrade Value Package is available on Base grade four-cylinder and V6 RAV4 models. It adds a six-CD audio system with XM Radio (subscription required); steering wheel audio controls; 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels; color-keyed door handles; Daytime Running Lights (DRL); roof rack; privacy glass; power tilt/slide moonroof; upgraded fabric interior; and, on two-row models, a rear cargo area tonneau cover.
Powertrain And Performance
The engine choices are a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 179-horsepower mated to a four-speed automatic transmission reaching 30 highway mpg and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates a power of 269 horses, attached to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The V6 engine models, which can tow up to 3,500 lbs, are given Hill-Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control, features that are useful for the kind of use this model is normally put to. The V6 RAV4 can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in under seven seconds, yet has estimated EPA fuel economy MPG ratings of 19 city/27 highway for 4x2 models and 19 city/26 highway for 4x4 models.
Build And Styling
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 takes on the sharper creases and some chunky styling cues. The exterior of the 2012 RAV4?s grille and tail lamps are updated. It gets a choice of 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch alloy wheels. Among its other exterior features, side-opening rear door with hold-open feature; roof-mounted antenna with integrated XM antenna and prewire; washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wiper; rear-step bumper protector; power mirrors; automatic headlamps and integrated fog lights may be made mention of.
Among the interior amenities, the important features are defroster-linked CFC-free dual zone automatic air conditioning; auxiliary audio jack on center console; fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable driver's seat; fabric-trimmed 60/40 split, reclining, fold-flat second-row seats an AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA playback capability; amber-illuminated tri-dial Optitron cluster; integrated XM satellite radio receiver; power windows; multi-function center console and dual sun visors with vanity mirror.
The base model comes with the backup monitor system with rear-view camera and monitor integrated into the electrochromic mirror. The comprehensive Sport Appearance package, introduced for 2009 4x4 V6 models, is available on the Sport grade 4x2 and 4x4 models equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Sport grade models feature a new optional JBL audio system with steering wheel audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.
Safety Features
The Star Safety System which includes traction control; enhanced vehicle stability control; electronic brake-force distribution; anti-lock brake system; driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags; front-row and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags and brake assist, is given as standard. Also standard is an anti-theft system and front active headrests.
