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Winding Road

WR Fleet: 2007 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4×4

Written By: Steven J. Ewing

Filed Under: All News, Crossovers, Toyota, Winding Road Fleet Blog March 30th, 2007 10:27 AM

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2007 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4×4
Price as tested: $27,944
Miles driven during test: 41.9

At a glance, the Toyota RAV4 doesn’t seem like an appropriate partner for an enthusiastic drive down scenic, speed-friendly roads. But after only a short drive in the baby Toy, I’m still nostalgic with thoughts about how fun our little cute-ute was. Equipped with Toyota’s 3.5-liter V-6, our tester proved to be quite fast, its handling was tight, and its steering responsive – all elements one looks for in a drivers’ car.

While I was unable to put the RAV4 to a true off-road test, I am reminded that a majority of the people who drive RAV4s will only drive them on-road, perhaps experiencing some unpaved roads here and there. For these scenarios, our Toyota was a truly splendid and fun crossover vehicle.

(Click through to the jump for more of this WR Fleet review)

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Our test vehicle came well-equipped (but not gushing) with interior and exterior options, bringing our as-tested price to $27,944 – a number that still shocks me, remembering that the RAV4 used to be one of the best buys in small SUVs. Then again, this is a much bigger RAV4 than the ones before it, and our tester was well-equipped.
Would I drive it again? You betcha. I’d be curious to know how the RAV4 performs on rough terrain, but for the time being, I know not to steer away from this crossover with a true emphasis on “sport.”

Pros -

  • Engine: The V-6 really moves the RAV4. Acceleration is remarkably quick, and the five-speed automatic will downshift on a whim to provide ample power when needed.
  • Ride height: While you don’t have to jump into the cockpit of the RAV4, the high-set seating position provides for great visibility at all times.
  • Interior appointments: Even though our test car was outfitted in cloth upholstery and standard plastic trim all around, the vehicle’s interior felt solid and refined.

Cons -

  • Exterior appearance: While the RAV4’s shape is still functional, I find the design to be relatively dated, and the odd-angled slope of the rear window allows for a funky-looking D-pillar (something Toyota isn’t shy to, it seems).
  • Price: A fully-loaded RAV4 Limited 4×4 can run upwards of $30,000. We’ve frowned in disgust about this same thing with the Ford Escape. Our test car was about as well-equipped as anyone could ever need and manages to squeak by at just under $28K.

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4 Comments

John Carder March 30th, 2007 12:42 PM Link

Yet another SUV that doesn’t even offer a manual transmission. And it’s a unibody. I know they’re selling them, so it must be what some people want.
Body on frame works much better if you drive a washboard dirt road every day (I know, I do and have done for 22 years). I
f you’re going down a long steep grade (Colorado mountains), you may find that the auto tranny gives you two choices: cook the brakes or creep down.
About five years ago, Toyota announced that there would no longer be a 4-Runner with a stick. Several of my neighbors ran out and bought 4-Runners with sticks. They still have them.
The choices are getting pretty slim for a “real” SUV (body on frame, manual transmission, real ground clearance). The Nissan Xterra, and ?? I suppose the FJ Cruiser qualifies, but have you ever seen an SUV with worse visibility? It’s almost as if the designers decided to see how many blind spots they could make and still give it windows.

Jeff March 30th, 2007 12:57 PM Link

Or low range, John.

LandCrusher March 30th, 2007 5:07 PM Link

Don’t despair! Though I do feel your pain.

There is always Jeep. Frankly, I believe the silly pillars on the FJ will get redesigned soon. And, the old Toyo’s last a loooong time, so you can always find one. Just go to a big city and get one that hasn’t been off road, but has 80k - 100k on it. That’s practically new on a Toyota truck.

The CRX, and RAV4 offer a product that a lot of people want and something that all the new unibody players don’t necessarily offer - quality. Even though they are unibody and may show age, you know they can go the distance even if they will never be up to real off road use.

I have made my opinion clear on this. I don’t consider these new, cheaply built SUV’s to even be real crossovers. To me, a crossover is something like the Mazdas which have more car like styling. They present themselves as what they are, rather than trying to look like a truck. Fake is usually not a good thing.

Emilio July 21st, 2007 8:00 AM Link

You guys are crazy! This beast has sexy lines and tight performance.

Problems going down hills? Well, good Lord willing you’ll hit a patch of ice longer than your mullet, and then you can pop the marshmallows and see that great Toyota safety in action.

Oh, and this work of automotive art mastery DOES come with a 5 speed manual tranny. HELLOOOO! I mean, sure, not everyone loves a good tranny (wink wink) but, lets face it, Jeep is just a baby hummer. And who wants a baby hummer?

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