I'm kinda digging the new RAV4 and also liking the quick V-6 they are putting in it now. Anyone own or drive in the new one yet?? My wife has an 03' Camry and I would prefer a little sport utility and the GS instead of 2 cars.

 

I’ve test driven it twice and think it’s a great ride. You get 21/28 mpg (from web site for 4WD) and a 0 to 60 of 7 seconds! The build quality looks typical Toyota good, there’s extra space under the trunk mat, and the handles to make the rear seats fold down are simple and seem very functional.

My girlfriend has a Vibe/Matrix AWD and I can totally see getting one of these next!

Edit: I thought the sticker on the 4WD I test drove said 23/28 MPG, but I fixed my post with data from Toyota's web site.

 

I have the previous gen Rav4 and love it. But I would love to test the new one out myself. Toyota quality is top notch. Best small suv you can buy in my book.

 

I really like the new exterior design, and can't beat the V6 they're now offering. Sadly though, I think the front dash / center console looks like it came out of a Yugo.

And why don't they offer nav!

 

One negative I found about the car... In typical Japanese fashion the rear door is hinged on the passengers side which means if you're parked next to a curb, you have to walk around the door and onto the street to load anything up. And the glass on the rear door is a solid, immovable piece, so to gain access to the trunk is all or nothing with the rear door.

 

I love the new Jaos body kits for the rav4.

http://jaosusa.com/vehiclesearch.asp...ue=Toyota+RAV4

 

And a side opening rear door is still more of a pain than a hatch. But with the full size spare bolted to the outside of the door on the rav4, I guess it would be too heavy as a hatch anyway.

 

I believe they do that because many roads in the US are arched in the middle and lower on the edges near the sidewalks.

with the doors swinging towards the sidewalk they tend to stay open to ensure they don't close.

also- when the drive gets out - he/she can just go around and open the door with the handle closest to him/her.

 

Are these on the lots yet??? If so, I may go test drive one at lunch.

 

Alex, Right Toyota on Frank Lloyd Wright has them on the lots. I sat in one this weekend.

My gf just bought her rav 4 a year ago and is totally bummed she didn't wait. The new one is bigger inside - has sliding rear seats that also recline. They collapse forward and provide a relatively flat area for cargo storage with storage compartments in the floor of the rear cargo area.

I would call it more of a mini highlander than a big rav 4 now since it does seem a lot bigger.

the old rav 4 was a lot smaller but so was the price tag - the new rav 4 in the same trimline costs 4k more than what my gf paid.

 

Thats the old Rav4.

Never been in it, but I've seen a few running around the area. They were all Red Sport models. Look nice.

 

lol. I see you dont have much experiences with Yugo. I see them everywhere, my friend has one.

 

I took a look at them at lunch today.....very nice for the $$$. Most of the ones they have in stock are 4x4 4 cyl which Im not interested in. Would like to find a 4x2 Limited or Sport with the V-6.

 

keep in mind V6 was just released this month official, which is why there arent many around...

 

Aaaaaaaaah......that would be a good reason for the V-6 not existing on the lot.