The fully independent suspension, with a wider front and rear track, is more responsive, while bump suppression is admirable for such a short wheelbase vehicle. Add a tighter low speed turning radius, down to only 35.4 feet, and you now have a RAV4 that drives as nice as it looks. Everybody is packing more power into their vehicles nowadays and the new RAV4 is no exception. Toyota took the RAV s 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine and completely revised it. The new motor is quieter at cruising speeds, but can raise quite a din when you ply the upper rpm range.
Power is ample for everyday driving and fuel economy is above average for comparable vehicles.
I averaged 23 mpg in fairly aggressive driving over a week s time, including some snow driving. Toyota decided not to offer a V-6 option in the new RAV4 even as several competitors have done so. CR-V will surely come with a larger engine option. Considering the price advantage the RAV4 enjoys over these rivals, this strategy makes sense. Gauges are big, round dials clearly visible through the thick-rimmed three spoke steering wheel.