2007 Toyota RAV4

When the first-generation Toyota RAV4 entered the market in 1996, it changed the perception of compact sport utility vehicles. A decade ago, most large and not-so-large sport utility vehicles were based on body-on-frame designs used in trucks; great for off-road travel, but somewhat unrefined during on-road usage.
Since its inception, RAV4 has used unibody construction found in passenger cars resulting in a smoother-riding vehicle that’s easier on gas. Now, just about every automakers markets some type of unibody SUV.

In the 2006 model year, Toyota introduced the third-generation RAV4. As the competition has grown, RAV4 has grown in size and is substantially larger, even though it’s still classified as a compact. The 2007 version feels and rides more like a mid-size vehicle.

The third-generation RAV4 also adds an optional 3.5-liter V-6 engine connected to a five-speed automatic transmission cranking out 269 horsepower (one of the most powerful in its class) joining a standard 2.4-liter double-overhead cam four-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower. The third-generation RAV4 offers automatic transmission exclusively, no manual transmission is available. Also added was an optional third-row seat, a rarity in the compact SUV arena. The full-size spare tire is now mounted on the rear door (hinged on the right and opening from the left) helping make room for the optional third-row seat.
Three trim levels are available: standard, sport and top-of-the-line limited. Each is available with the choice of front-wheel or automatic, on-demand four-wheel drive.

Toyota dropped off a 2007 bright red sport trim with the up-level V-6 engine and two rows of seating for a week of testing. Starting price was $25,740. After factoring in options including a moon roof, daytime running lights and towing package, the bottom line added up to $27,784 including a $605 destination charge. The lowest-priced model, a standard two-wheel-drive four-cylinder starts at $20,850. RAV4 is no longer the budget leader in the compact SUV segment, but it’s more refined with better handling characteristics.

“Toyota took the consumers' feedback on an already great product and went back to the drawing board on the New RAV4,” said John Photopulos, marketing and customer relations manager at Arlington Toyota-Scion-Toyota Trucks. “There was no compromise on performance or gas mileage either, both are better on this version.”

Most notable in 2007 for RAV4 is driver- and front-passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags along with first and second row side-curtain airbags are now standard ( previously they were optional). Traction control, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes and brake assist also are standard so RAV4 is well equipped with safety features.

Inside, the instrument panel and dashboard are logically arranged. One snappy addition is a storage compartment above the glove box with a cover sliding open and close with the push of a button. While the test vehicle did not have a third row, I had a chance to sample the third row at the product launch a year ago and it’s best left for the pre-teen set.

The third-generation RAV4 is 14 inches longer than the second-generation with a roof gently tapering down to the cargo door (similar to what’s found in the Corolla-based Matrix five-door wagon/crossover).

Toyota’s RAV4 has always been a pleasure to drive. Now, the larger V-6 engine provides RAV4 with a performance edge when compared to its compact SUV competitors.