The Toyota RAV4, a leader in the compact sport utility market, merges the roomy, comfortable interior of an SUV with the economy of a fuel-proficient car. The smallest of Toyota’s big family of SUVs is a great blend of security, value, luxury, power and good gas mileage. RAV4 is Toyota’s acronym for Recreational Active Vehicle with four-wheel drive.
The RAV4 was one of the first crossover SUVs, a market that has become increasingly viable in recent years. The 4×4 market has not been quite the same since Toyota introduced the RAV4. Compared to first-generation compact SUVs, todays RAV4 benefits from numerous first-class features and many years of refinement. As the original compact crossover SUV, Toyota introduced it to Japan and Europe in 1994 and brought it to North America in 1996.
The base RAV4 is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that offers startlingly good acceleration, outstanding fuel economy and 179 horsepower. The optional 3.5-liter, 269-horsepower engine is one of the most powerful V-6 power plants in its class, providing first-rate performance, excellent fuel efficiency and 3,500-pound towing capability. The powerful engine gives the RAV4 an obvious edge over the competition in the compact SUV market. The brakes are sturdy and the steering is feathery, making the RAV4 effortless to drive.
The Toyota RAV4 is one of Kelley Blue Book’s “Best Resale Value” honorees in 2010. Car and Driver magazine selected the RAV4 one of its “Five Best Trucks” in 2007 and 2008, while IntelliChoice selected the 2007 model the “Highest Retained Value” in its class.
The interior of the RAV4 is tasteful and relaxing and its third-row seating option is uncommon for a compact SUV. The purchasing public was happy with Toyota’s shift from the RAV4’s original cute design to a more sophisticated look in 2006.
Prize-winning compact SUVs like the RAV4 deserve quality Toyota used parts. Cheap auto parts just won’t work. Quality foreign auto parts from a trusted dealer like All-Import Auto Parts is the route to take when repairing or upgrading your RAV4. They have the best car accessories and used auto parts online.