2014 Toyota RAV4

Available in three trims with a variation in drive layout for each of them, the RAV4 is a real asset with its decent towing capacity and payload. Its characteristics are tested against the repositories of the Honda CR-V, GMC Terrain, and the Ford Escape, all of which are as competent as the former. The price of the 2014 RAV4 begins at $24,435 for the base model.

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is quite a diversified SUV as it comes in three formats namely LE, XLE, and Limited which can further be subcategorized as per FWD or AWD power transfer. The trim structure is characterized by the different subsets of features that we can see throughout the strata. 

For instance, one gets manual air conditioning in the base LE which translates to Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning for the XLE and Limited trims. The narrative is also pretty much the same for the wheels as the 17" x 6.5” J wheels in the primitive stage get slightly bigger in the eldest sibling with a measuring of 18" x 7.5” J Alloy.

The stability and handling have been given consideration as well, as it comes equipped with a standard EPAS along with Driver Selectable Mode across all trims. We could be content with the safety-assist which includes the Driveline Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control in its realm. For comfort and convenience, the power-adjustability is standard except for the permutation of ways in which it can be flexed. The Limited adds some extra touches alongside such features as the Driver’s Seat Memory Function and SofTex Seat Trim. On the whole, the RAV4 seems to justify the affordability in many senses.

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Such diversification is a bane and a boon at the same time as it allows you to choose from myriads of options but then choosing one is a real task considering the value for money. Among all of them, we could reconcile with the XLE trim as it gets all the necessary features for one’s safety, long hauling practicality, and convenience. The performance is also at par with other trim levels. On the other hand, the base lacks many in the list, and the Limited sounds too much to bear. So it is advisable to go for XLE.

The Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5L I-4 engine which thrusts a power surge of up to 176 hp @ 6000 RPM and has a torque reach of 172 lb-ft @ 4100 RPM. The powertrain is standard across all the trims and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission either in an FWD or AWD layout. The unit has a usual mid-rev band which is the general rule of thumb in this Bodystyle. As a result, it is capable of accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph within 9 seconds and can hit the track with a consistent top speed of as much as 135 mph. The quarter-mile figure is not available for the same.

The rivalry is vivid among all as they are more or less on the same scale if it is a matter of acceleration but the Terrain gets a little better with its 2.4L I-4. Otherwise, it is RAV4 which convincingly outclasses them when left stranded on a straight stretch for pure high-speed maneuvering. One of the disappointing observations is that despite having a turbo-tuned powertrain and a lower-rev band, the Escape struggles in the domain where it should have led the pack without hassle.

One of the important aspects of this segment is the fuel economy and to our relief, the RAV4 manages to retain reputed status in its peers. A return of 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highways, and an overall mark of 25 mpg put it in the midst of some other respected SUVs. One can even go for 461 miles with its 15.9-gallon fuel tank when it is at its peak. Well, it is also speculative that we could achieve better figures with a turbo attached but for now, it is no less than guesswork on papers. 

As far as rivals are concerned, they all have a parallel mileage return but then fuel-tank capacity seems to bring about some twist and turn in the analysis. As the Terrain with its 18-gallon tank is capable of covering a range of more than 520 miles in a single fueling and that too with a considerable towing capacity which makes it the most desirable and practical choice. It, thus, sets a benchmark for others to follow. Meanwhile, the rest others are equally a viable and reliable option in hand.

For some, the ambiance and accents are sometimes a swaying point in their likeness towards specific machinery. In this regard, the base LE trim might not be worth mentioning as it is invariably deficient of the feel and touches that the higher trims own. The Limited trim has been given a SofTex lay-up on its seats along with the leatherette clouding on the door inserts, dashboard, gear shifter, and steering wheel. While the XLE misses out on the same finish except for the dashboard. Moreover, the cabin has been arranged with power-flexing seating as a standard with a variation from a 4-way to 8-way adjustability. One can also avail of the Entune Selective Service Internet Access in the Limited which is an added advantage.

High-cushioning and pin-point heightening for the seats with no visibility issue is something which is a general pattern that is being followed across all the aforementioned. In addition to that, there is plenty of room all around the cabin for both rows in each and every one of them. All are the potent contender of being a family-friendly SUV and can fit in 5 in a go with easy ingress and egress. They all have been given a considerable cargo volume as well where the RAV4 paves the way for others. Some of the interior features are:

• SofTex Seat Trim
• Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Heated Front Sport Seats

How intuitive is the 2014 Toyota RAV4’s infotainment unit?

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 has a melange of features at its disposal which includes the Entune Audio with a 6-speaker unit, Voice Activation, and Radio Data System as a standard. The list gets longer as we start to summarize for the higher trims as the XLE goes on to add Entune App Suite and SiriusXM Radio. The Limited has the best of all on offer with additional Real-Time Traffic Display and Navigation. Apart from the differences, the 6.1" touch-screen with integrated backup camera display is also spotted as normal in all siblings. Some of the infotainment features in the 2014 Toyota RAV4 are:

• Entune App Suite
• SiriusXM Radio
• Real-Time Traffic Display 
• Navigation Unit

The Toyota RAV4 is a fairly sober-looking SUV without any glitter glamor. The front has been adorned with a chrome-accented grille along with sharp and sleek projector-beam halogen headlamps. The bumper has been kept relatively higher both in the front and rear. A lip spoiler has been attached in the rear for dynamic purposes. When one looks at it from an isometric view, the muscular 18" x 7.5J Alloy wheels might fascinate a few to some extent. The fairy tale does entail the relevance of some extensions like the roof rails and rear power liftgate. Thus, its silhouette might not be appealing but definitely a functional one.

The description of dimensional limits drives us towards the handling dynamics which has never been a sound domain for this segment. The long and wide curvature causes wind turbulence at the rear and under the platform because of which it has some serious challenges to overcome while cornering. Since they have almost the same figures for their cuboidal design boxes, it becomes obvious that they will be rated close to one another without any specific favoritism irrespective of tech-assist. Some of the exterior features in the 2014 Toyota RAV4 are:

• 18" x 7.5J Alloy wheels
• Lip spoiler
• Galvanized Steel Panels
• Power Liftgate

The Toyota RAV4 offers pleasing safety assurance with its standard package of Driveline Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control along with a 4-wheel ABS which can counter unfavorable conditions while speeding on the rain-soaked tracks. The galvanized steel panels and side beams also negate the impact forces. But it is also a reality that the list could have been prolonged by the engineers with some extra offering. An NHTSA Rating of overall 4 stars might be complacent but the driver's compartment needs to have a little more reinforcement. Generous yet a scope of improvement sums up this domain for the RAV4. Some of the safety features in the 2014 Toyota RAV4 are:

• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Airbags
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Electronic Stability Control 

Utilitarianism in all respects with an impressive fuel economy and performance curve makes it a compelling choice. The cabin is spacious and comfortable for long trips and picnic outings for families. The new Toyota RAV4 can even go off-road and tow huge luggage without sweating a lot. Thus, we would keep it in our list for one of the first preferences.