06/06/2013
2013 Toyota RAV4 Overview.
The Toyota RAV4 got a complete redesign for 2013, going back to the drawing board and returning with mechanical upgrades, new styling inside and out, and more standard features.
The old RAV4 sorely needed an update; its styling, features, and fuel economy had left it behind much of the compact crossover competition, like the Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5. These concerns have been addressed in the new RAV4 which (thankfully) looks decidedly different from the outgoing version. Splayed across the front of the 2013 RAV4 is a version of Toyota’s swept back grille, flanked by large headlamp clusters and plenty of creases and folds that are a stark contrast to the blandness of the old RAV4. Also changed for 2013 is the rear, which now has a vertical open/close liftgate instead of the side-hinge gate on the previous crossover. The liftgate is powered on the Limited trim.
Under the hood, the 176-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is the same as last year’s but there is no longer a V-6 option. Several other competitors in the segment also dropped the V-6 in the last several years thanks to a new focus on efficiency. However, although the engine is the same what’s behind it has changed: the archaic four-speed automatic transmission has been replaced with a six-speed automatic that is smoother and improves fuel economy. All-wheel drive is optional.
The new RAV4 breaks 30 mpg on the highway, coming in at 24/31 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive. Equipping all-wheel drive drops each of those figures by two, respectively.
The RAV4’s spare tire has moved from the liftgate to under the cargo floor, but it hasn't impacted cargo room at all, which expands to 38.4 cubic feet. Fold down the second row seats and you get an expansive 73.4 cubic feet of cargo room. For 2013, the third-row option has been removed so the RAV4 seats up to five passengers in all configurations.
Interior materials have gotten a serious upgrade thanks to the redesign and the dash, center console, and instrument panel are also brand new. The look is modern and less stodgy than other Toyota interiors, which is a welcome change. Also welcome is the addition of new standard features, including a backup camera and a 6.1-inch touch-screen that houses audio controls. Dual-zone automatic climate control, the Entune multimedia/voice-recognition system, navigation, heated front seats, and an 8-way power driver’s seat with memory are optional.
The 2013 RAV4 comes with eight standard airbags, to go along with electronic stability control and antilock brakes. Newly available safety technology includes blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alerts.
