Hot, hot, hot! No, this isn't a commentary about last summer in Chicago, or conditions at the summer Olympics in Atlanta. It's a description of the latest, red-hot, automobile growth market; the "mini" sport utility segment. Toyota debuted its 1996 RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle; four-wheel drive) earlier this year, building on the success of other, "mini" competitors, including Jeep Wrangler, Geo's Tracker and Suzuki's Sidekick and X-90 . Toyota's RAV4, available in two and four-door configurations, come with dual air bags and five-speed manual transmission standard. Four-speed, electronically-controlled automatic transmission is offered. The only powertrain sold is a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter 16-valve engine, delivering 120 horsepower. Besides RAV4, Toyota manufacturers two additional sport utilities (SUVs); the mid-range 4Runner, and large Land Cruiser. Like standard-sized SUVs, RAV4 offers substantial headroom and a high seating position, providing excellent road visibility. Entering and exiting RAV4 is as easy as maneuvering into many conventional sedans or coupes. Toyota's RAV4 differs from its mini rivals, and most standard-sized sport utilities because of its drivetrain mechanics. It's loosely based on the Toyota Celica platform, rather than a reworked truck design. Two-wheel, or permanently engaged, four-wheel drive is available. Two-wheel drive RAV4s incorporate front-wheel, rather than rear-wheel drive; much more effective on snow and ice during not-so-hot months. Wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) of four-door RAV4's measure 94.9 inches, eight inches more than a two-door version. Overall length checks in at 162 inches (four door) and 145.9 inches (two door). Both measure 66.7 inches in width. Interestingly, its a pinch wider than Toyota's mid-range 4Runner, which is 66.5 inches wide. Toyota opted for a sturdy steel roof, rather than soft-top designs. Two-door RAV4s have optional, removable aluminum dual sunroof panels for open-air enthusiasts. Retail price of our test-drive, bright purple, four-wheel drive, four-door RAV4 with automatic transmission and four-wheel drive was $18,098. With optional anti-lock brakes, cruise control, digital clock, power windows and door locks, the bottom line was $22,598, including a $420 destination charge, The lowest-price version, a two-wheel-drive, manual, two-door checks in at $14,948; about $2,000 more than the starting price of a two-wheel drive, Geo Tracker or Suzuki Sidekick. Exterior wise, RAV4's sleek, compact, aerodynamic look incorporates oval headlights and a wide stance. Rounded front bumpers integrate into the hood, creating a soft, yet spunky appearance. Inside, the 50/50 split rear seat backs fold down. The entire seat then folds forward, opening up additional cargo space. Headlights activate from the left-hand side turn-signal stalk. Intermittent front and rear windshield wipers operate from a right-hand side stem. Cruise control is also found on the steering column's right side. A single cup holder, located between the front bucket seats, is accessible by front and rear passengers. On the road, rack and pinion power assisted steering along with MacPherson front struts and large tires enhance handling characteristics; keeping RAV4 notches above either the Geo Tracker or Suzuki Sidekick. However, the four-cylinder powertrain don't enhance heavy trailering duties. Maximum recommended towing capacity is 1,500 pounds. Sport utilities handle spare tire storage differently. Some plop them in the rear cargo area, robbing interior room. Others, like Ford's Explorer, stow it out of sight, in the underbelly. Others, bracket the fifth wheel on the rear door. While this ladder design provides an aggressive exterior look, it can impede roadway feedback. If the spare is mounted too high, vehicles can disappear from rearview mirror perception behind the tire, especially at night. Even though Toyota situates its full-size spare on the swing-out back door, rearview sight blockage is minimized. RAV4 gets away with this because there's virtually no rear bumper, so the tire situates below the window. The jack stores, out of harms way, under the front passenger seat. The fuel tank holds 15.3 gallons of unleaded fuel. Our test car, with 7,100 odometer miles, clocked in at 26 miles per gallon in combined driving. Gas mileage estimates of RAV4s with four speed automatic transmissions, is 24 mpg city, and 29 highway, not much different than the 24/30 figures of manual-transmission RAV4s. In the not-so-distant future, expect more manufacturers to jump on the mini SUV band wagon. But in the mean time, the Japanese-built, 1996 RAV4's exterior good looks and car-like qualities drive it to the head of its class. Keep in mind well-equipped, four-cylinder, four-wheel drive RAV4s are priced not far from base Ford Explorers and Chevrolet Blazers; both of which have more powerful (and less fuel efficient) V-6 engines, air conditioning and anti-lock brakes standard. Four-door, four-wheel drive Blazers, with automatic transmission, start at $23,252. On the flip side, suburbanites using SUVs mostly for commuting and leisurely weekend excursions, while not heavily participating in off-road activities, could find a two-wheel drive, RAV4 a tempting, economical choice. |