Whilst far removed from anything that could be considered exciting or lively, the Toyota RAV4 is nevertheless a stable, straightforward and incredibly easy vehicle to spend time driving."-CarBuzz
2017 Toyota RAV4 Engine & Transmission
Running point on the performance front of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a familiar 2.5L naturally aspirated Inline-4 engine, that is able to push out a decent 176 hp @ 6,000 RPM and also 172 lb-ft of torque. This when coupled to the standard 6-speed automatic transmission unit is able to transfer the power to either the front wheels or to all the wheels without hindrance.
The Toyota RAV4 compact SUV produces a decent amount of torque considering the car's entry-level SUV nature. This allows it to also have the segment-best acceleration times too. Having said that, overtaking maneuvers are not an issue at all for the RAV4. Eventually, there also seems to be a RAV4 hybrid in the works for later this year.
Models
|
2017 Toyota RAV4
|
2017 Ford Escape
|
2017 Honda CR-V
|
2017 Mazda CX-5
|
MSRP
|
$24,410
|
$23,750
|
$24,045
|
$24,350
|
Engine
|
2.5L NA I4
|
2.5L NA I4
|
2.4L NA I4
|
2.5L NA I4
|
Transmission
|
6-speed automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
CVT automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
Horsepower
|
176 hp @ 6,000 RPM
|
168 hp @ 6000 RPM
|
184 hp @ 6400 RPM
|
187 hp @ 6000 RPM
|
Torque
|
172 lbs.-ft. @ 4,100 RPM
|
170 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
|
180 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM
|
185 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM
|
The Mazda CX-5 just inches ahead of the CR-V and RAV4 in terms of power and torque figures. Whereas, the Ford Escape's I-VCT engine lacks in power when compared to the competitors, and that is to be seen in its acceleration times too.
2017 Toyota RAV4 0-60 MPH Acceleration
With the mediocre 176 hp 2.5L NA Inline-4 engine running point on the compact SUV's performance duties, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is able to sprint from 0-60 MPH in just 8.3 seconds, all the while crossing the quarter-mile mark in just about 16.7 seconds. This makes it the fastest SUV in the segment, despite its 3455 lbs heft. Also, the 6-speed automatic transmission unit delivers precise shifts for the SUV to be able to achieve those speeds.
Models
|
2017 Toyota RAV4
|
2017 Ford Escape
|
2017 Honda CR-V
|
2017 Mazda CX-5
|
0-60 MPH
|
8.3 sec
|
9.1 sec
|
8.6 sec
|
8.7 sec
|
Quarter mile
|
16.7 sec
|
16.8 sec
|
16.7 sec
|
16.7 sec
|
Compact SUVs are not meant to provide you with extraordinary acceleration figures, and thus, which is evident from the RAV4's competition. In the budget SUV segment, the Ford Escape with a 168 hp Inline-4 engine turns out to be the slowest, owing it all to its segment-leading 3526 lb curb weight.
2017 Toyota RAV4 Ride & Handling
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is boosted with a competent though not the most powerful engine in the segment that offers best-in-class 0-60 acceleration results and also aids in an inspiring ride and handling dynamics. In the compact SUV segment, the handling of the RAV4 is quite impressive as the steering offers good grip and confidence to take on corners, whereas the 3455 lb curb weight also aids in sufficient body roll too.
Often dubbed as a soft-roader, the 2017 RAV4 should be able to take on the beaten path quite easily, but its hard-hitting suspension lets it down completely. Further, driver-assist features like the steering assist include tech such as the lane departure warning which adds more confidence to the riding experience. Moreover, the effortless transmission of the 6-speed automatic only adds to the experience.
2017 Toyota RAV4 Braking
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with one of the smallest brake discs in the segment. With an 11.5-inch front disc and 10.8-inch back ones, the 2017 RAV4 is able to come to a dead stop from 60 MPH in a rather poor 125 ft. Compared to the competition, it isn't impressive at all. The braking performance is below average for this compact SUV despite the latest and advanced braking tech included onboard.
Model
|
2017 Toyota RAV4
|
2017 Ford Escape
|
2017 Honda CR-V
|
2017 Mazda CX-5
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
11.5 |
12.8
|
11.1
|
11.77
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
10.8
|
12.0
|
10.2
|
11.9
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
3455
|
3526
|
3358
|
3527
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
125
|
112
|
117
|
126
|
Some other competitors in the segment like the Ford Escape, and the Honda CR-V offer commendable braking performances in the entry-level compact SUV segment as they come to a stop in just 112 and 117 feet in the 60-0 deceleration test respectively.
2017 Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity
As and when equipped with a decent 2.5L NA I4 engine, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 offers an average towing capacity of 1500 Ibs which is acceptable as most competitors in the segment offer almost the same towing capacities.
Model
|
2017 Toyota RAV4
|
2017 Ford Escape
|
2017 Honda CR-V
|
2017 Mazda CX-5
|
Towing Capacity (lbs.)
|
1500
|
1500
|
1500
|
2000
|
Being a compact SUV, 1500 lbs of the RAV4 is well beyond acceptable, but the Mazda CX-5, with its best in class power figures from its similar 2.5L I4 engine is able to tow along 2000 lbs, thus deeming it to be the segment-best SUV.