by Mona Gallagher

Created on: January 30, 2008

Long known for quality and performance, the Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV delivers the goods as consumers expect, especially with the V6 engine. It has great design and style,and you can choose from three trim levels with either front wheel or 4WD. RAV4 comes with a standard four-cylinder 2.4L engine or an optional 3.5L V6 engine.

The V6 outshines the four-cylinder in value, comfort, handling and performance. The compact four-cylinder Toyota RAV4 gets 21/27 mpg; and is limited in interior space. The V6 gets 19/27 with the same ratings for highway driving. The difference in mileage is minimal, but the difference in performance is impressive.

The RAV4 compact SUV has 166 hp and 165 pound-feet torque. Though you can safely merge in traffic, the acceleration is a bit slower, as you would expect with a four-cylinder engine. The V6 engine is quick and energetic. In the 3.5L V6 engine you get a spacious interior while sacrificing very little fuel economy and you gain 100 hp.

With the V6, you get 269hp and 246 pound-feet torque. I have to ask the question, "why would anyone want to buy the four-cylinder with that small a difference in the fuel economy?" The answer may lie in the price of the Vehicle RAV4 2.4L, four-cylinder prices start at $21,100 while the V6, 3.5L starts at $24,535.

If it's solid fuel economy you're looking for in a 2.4L engine, you will find a more spacious family friendly compact SUV in the Honda CR-V with substantially better fuel economy. However, you have your heart set on a Toyota, go ahead and spend that extra $3400 and buy the V6 RAV4. It's family friendly with lots of roominess and cargo space and it's very energetic.

The RAV4 comes in three trim models: base, Sport and Limited. All trims and models can be equipped with front-wheel drive or 4WD and/or 5-speed transmissions. Front wheel drive gets slightly better fuel mileage, but the advantage of 4WD is that it is excellent in snowy conditions or light off the road driving. Who says a car has to be all work and no play?

Toyota RAV4 provides a great assortment of power equipment and entertainment accessories even in the lowest priced models, as you move to the next levels you find more exterior enhancements and the Limited is a luxury car with all amenities.

Standard safety features meet or exceed requirements: 4-wheel ABS (12),Child Seat Anchors (12),Head Airbags (12), Side Airbags (12), stability control (12), traction control (12). The RAV4 has a 5-star rating for front and rear occupants in side impacts and a good rating in the front and side impact crash tests.

The Rav4 is very stylish and competitive in the SUV market segment. While the compact four-cylinder is competent, the V6 takes your driving experience to a new level of comfort and handling. For the difference in the price, you will get a lot more performance from the V6 midsize RAV4.

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