A strength of the 2012 Toyota Rav4 is the optional 3.5 L V-6. Its combination of power and fuel economy is a plus. It is rated at 27 mpg on the highway. With the optional all wheel drive, the highway rating drops to 26 mpg; still excellent when compared to the fuel efficiency of other V-6 crossovers. The 269 hp engine will tow as much as 3,500 lbs with the addition of the towing package, thanks in part to the 246 lb ft of torque. With front wheel drive, the V-6 Rav4 goes from zero to sixty in a respectable 7.2 seconds.
The standard four cylinder engine is rated at 179 hp. It is mated to a four speed automatic transmission. With front wheel drive, the with the inline four gets 28 mpg on the highway. The benefits of both traction control and stability control appear on all Rav4s. Electric-assist steering adds to the precise responsiveness of this crossover. The suspension offers a crisp and solid ride.
The 2012 model adds touch-screen audio controls and the benefits of Toyota's Etunes internet streaming technology.
Families with younger children may find the optional third row seat to be an advantage. Although it is designed to primarily accommodate smaller kids, the addition of the third row boosts seating capacity to seven.
Storage versatility is a selling point with the Rav4. The second row seats fold flat to expose a generous 73 cu ft cargo area that is set low enough to minimize lifting. The 60/40 split second row seats move forward and backward to a significant degree, adding to passenger and cargo convenience. They easily fold flat with a quick flip of a lever.
Produced in partnership with California-based Tesla, the Rav4 EV is the first all-electric crossover. Its range is estimated at 103 miles. Its massive battery pack increases its weight by over 400 lbs above that of a V-6 Rav4. The EV qualifies for a $7500 federal credit. In 'sport' mode the EV goes from zero to sixty in under seven seconds. Although the EV is being produced thus far in limited numbers, its emergence as the very first all-electric crossover is noteworthy.