For 2013 the RAV4 has undergone some major reconstructive surgery. The goal is to infuse a bit more life into this compact crossover that helped define the segment 17-years ago. Gone are both the V6 engine and 3rd row seating options. Thankfully, so is the antiquated four-speed automatic which has been replaced by a six-speed automatic.

The RAV4 still represents good value by starting at $23,300 for a base LE front-wheel drive model. Our test vehicle arrived in mid-level XLE FWD trim sporting the Display Audio with Navigation 5 and Entune which brought the as tested price to $25,320.

Paired to the standard 6-speed automatic is a carryover of the 2012 RAV4’s 2.5 L four-cylinder engine. For 2013 the inline-4 produces 3 less hp, now making a total of 176 hp, while still retaining 172 lb-ft of torque. Even with a minor weight penalty, the 2013 RAV4 front-wheel drive is not only faster in a straight line, but also features improved fuel economy thanks to six-speed automatic; 24 MPG city and 31 MPG highway compared to the 2012 RAV4’s ratings of 22 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

After spending some time behind the wheel of the RAV4, an ever present engine drone began filtering into the cabin. We wouldn’t go as far to say it is a deal breaker for a potential consumer, but the odd baritone hum will take a bit of getting used to.

Toyota has gone to great lengths to give the new RAV4 a more distinctive exterior style. A new front fascia features chrome accents on the grill that protrude into the projection headlight clusters. Out back the most obvious change is the removal of the door mounted spare tire; it is now located inside the RAV4 underneath the cargo floor.

This allows for the RAV4 to finally have a conventional lift-back tailgate instead of the swing out design synonymous with this crossover. The rear window is recessed from the lower tailgate to add another distinctive styling touch.

Inside the RAV4 features a new dashboard design that is a mash-up of textures, materials and colors; some find it over-the-top, but we quite enjoy. The design leads to a lot of clever storage nooks and crannies up front, but do hide a few switches like those for the heated seats and Eco/Sport modes.

This isn’t to suggest Toyota has strayed from keeping the new RAV4 simple to use. All of the other controls for both the HVAC and infotainment unit are very easy to operate. The touchscreen system did draw criticism though as the screen is too dull, requiring us to crank the brightness to full so it would not get washed away in sunlight.


Like most Toyotas, the 2013 RAV4 excels at being a vehicle that nearly anyone can drive comfortably. Despite its somewhat large, boxy shape, the RAV4’s excellent sightlines, linear steering and predictable maneuvers make it easy to navigate through city streets for even a novice driver.

Like most new compact crossovers in search of a sporty drive, the new RAV4 features an overly stiff suspension setup that can become a bit jarring when crashing over larger bumps. Despite this, the overall ride comfort is good and it is not hard to find a comfortable driving position in the driver’s seat.


Despite featuring a generous 38.4 cu-ft of cargo space in the hatch, the rear seat area of the RAV4 is downright cavernous. Even with a 6-foot tall driver and passenger comfortably seated up front, two more 6-footers can easily lounge in the back seats thanks to a total passenger volume that exceeds 100 cu-ft.

Making the rear seat an even better place to be is a reclining function that has the seat cushion move in concert with the seat back when tilted, pleasing the slouchers amongst us.

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