

Produced in partnership with California-based Tesla, the Rav4 EV is the first all-electric crossover. They easily fold flat with a quick flip of a lever. The 60/40 split second row seats move forward and backward to a significant degree, adding to passenger and cargo convenience. The second row seats fold flat to expose a generous 73 cu ft cargo area that is set low enough to minimize lifting. Storage versatility is a selling point with the Rav4. Although it is designed to primarily accommodate smaller kids, the addition of the third row boosts seating capacity to seven. The 2012 model adds touch-screen audio controls and the benefits of Toyota's Etunes internet streaming technology.įamilies with younger children may find the optional third row seat to be an advantage.

The suspension offers a crisp and solid ride. Electric-assist steering adds to the precise responsiveness of this crossover. The benefits of both traction control and stability control appear on all Rav4s. With front wheel drive, the with the inline four gets 28 mpg on the highway. It is mated to a four speed automatic transmission. The standard four cylinder engine is rated at 179 hp. With front wheel drive, the V-6 Rav4 goes from zero to sixty in a respectable 7.2 seconds. 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 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. Its combination of power and fuel economy is a plus.

A strength of the 2012 Toyota Rav4 is the optional 3.5 L V-6.
