For 2004, Toyota has thoroughly revised their compact sport utility RAV4 giving it a larger, more powerful engine, an exterior restyling, new safety enhancements and interior upgrades. The car-based RAV4 has been among the most popular models in its segment since it was introduced eight years ago. The 2004 revisions are designed to strengthen the brand's position in this segment, and to give customers even greater value. The 2004 RAV4 possesses unique styling, but shares some of its distinctive features with other Toyota vehicles. To us, the new RAV4 looks more rounded and less top-heavy than its predecessor. The freshened look and attitude continue inside, where the 2004 RAV4 features a redesigned steering wheel, instrument cluster and center dashboard area. The interior fabric choice is also new. Along with the new look comes expanded standard equipment including air conditioning, 3-in-1 AM/FM/cassette audio system with six speakers, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, power windows, power door locks and power mirrors, variable intermittent windshield wipers and more. Even better are standard steering wheel audio controls that permit the driver to adjust the radio without taking their eyes off the road. Toyota RAV4 remains one of the most versatile small SUVs available. Seating is comfortable with accommodations for a small family or four adults. Sitting up high gives RAV4 drivers a commanding view of the road. The 50/50 split rear seat slides, tumbles, reclines, folds flat and is removable to optimize cargo room. Six convenient grocery bag hooks keep your items from rolling around after a visit to the store. Under RAV4's hood is a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 161 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps boost torque at low- and mid-range engine speeds, giving the RAV4 sporty performance and power for confident highway merging. To match the added performance of RAV4's new engine, Toyota retuned the suspension and steering for crisper response, and added rear disc brakes. Two- and four-wheel drive models are available with a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Two-wheel-drive models send power to the front wheels. Four-wheel-drive models feature a full-time system that utilizes a viscous coupling center differential to split the power 50/50 front and rear. Wheel slippage at either set of wheels automatically transfers more power from front to rear, helping the RAV4 handle slippery driving conditions. In the area of safety, Toyota has significantly increased the active and passive safety technology available in the 2004 RAV4. RAV4 now includes new multi-stage front airbags that inflate according to impact severity and passenger weight. Front side torso airbags and first and second row curtain side airbags are newly available for RAV4. Formerly optional, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist is now standard on RAV4. The new Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system helps keep the vehicle going on its intended course by detecting front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting to control either condition with torque intervention and/or by braking individual wheels. Traction control (TRAC) is integrated into VSC and helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. A new standard tire pressure monitor warns the driver of a serious loss of tire pressure, a condition that can potentially lead to loss of stability and control. The RAV4 that I recently tested was a 2WD model with a 5-speed manual transmission. I drove it to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. While driving, wind gusts made me fully aware that this is a rather light vehicle, but I never lost grip with the pavement. On the way back from Detroit, I ran into poor road conditions with snow blowing across the slick asphalt. I witnessed several vehicles sliding off the road and thanks to the RAV4's Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control, I was able to make it back home unscathed. The RAV4 has me convinced that it's a serious player in the compact SUV segment. In fact, Toyota has a full line of extremely competent SUVs.
2004 Toyota RAV4
Engine: 2.4-liter (161 hp) I4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 24 city/30 highway
Base Price: $18,350
As Tested: $20,061 (includes $540 destination charge)
Website: www.toyota.com |
