The Toyota RAV4 thread

[ifcar]

Driving for the week:



Anything I should be looking for in particular?

More photos/info at link:
http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-national/a-week-the-2010-toyota-rav4-limited-introduction

[FoMoJo]

Anything I should be looking for in particular?

Actual mileage.

[GoCougs]

With a 0-60 time of ~6.5 sec tell us how many SN95 Mustangs, TSXs, 3ers, ricers, diesel pickups, and other macho types, you embarrass with a bit of stoplight/on-ramp acceleration shenanigans...

[cawimmer430]

Remember. Every morning, BEFORE DRIVING THE TOYOTA.




It helps. 

[CALL_911]

I've always liked the RAV4 a lot. What I want to know is:

1. Is it worth getting the V6?
2. Why would you get a Highlander over the RAV4?

[ifcar]

I've always liked the RAV4 a lot. What I want to know is:

1. Is it worth getting the V6?
2. Why would you get a Highlander over the RAV4?

The throttle in my test RAV is really touchy. There's a lot of play and then a lot of zip, and a lag and then jolt if you dig in. I don't remember this from a previous RAV4 V6 I've driven though. And for better or for worse, the engine also doesn't sound like it does in any of its other Toyota applications -- noisier and rumblier, giving it more of a 4Runner than a Camry note.

This RAV4 does have the surprisingly good handling and -- besides the engine -- quiet ride that have been endearing in the past, and plenty of room.

You'd buy a Highlander for an upgraded interior, much smoother and quieter ride, more space, and more substantial seats. You wouldn't buy a Highlander if you prioritize steering and handling in any way.

[Mustangfan2003]

Can they make the grill any uglier?

[The Pirate]

Can they make the grill any uglier?

[VTEC_Inside]

[ifcar]

Some extra RAV4 details:

http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-national/a-week-the-2010-toyota-rav4-limited-fuel-economy

http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-national/a-week-the-2010-toyota-rav4-limited-going-and-stopping

http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-national/a-week-the-2010-toyota-rav4-limited-interior-details

[CJ]

I drove one of these on Saturday.  It was a Sport AWD, or whatever Toyota calls it.  The thing's pretty quick.  Interior isn't too bad, but the cruise control placement is.  On every car there, there was an empty spot on the steering wheel...where the cruise control could go.  But no!  Toyota decided to put the same fucking control that's in our 10 year old Camry.

[CALL_911]

I drove one of these on Saturday.  It was a Sport AWD, or whatever Toyota calls it.  The thing's pretty quick.  Interior isn't too bad, but the cruise control placement is.  On every car there, there was an empty spot on the steering wheel...where the cruise control could go.  But no!  Toyota decided to put the same fucking control that's in our 10 year old Camry.

That cruise control stalk works. It's simple and intuitive. Why bother changing it?

[Laconian]

That cruise control stalk works. It's simple and intuitive. Why bother changing it?

I say the same thing about AT shifters, but BMW keeps fiddling with those...

[ifcar]

I liked the cruise control setup. I hadn't previously been in a long enough drive in a cc-equipped Toyota to use it, and it was instantly intuitive and easy to control without looking.

[CJ]

Opposite of the radio controls, there's a lack of controls and just a blank piece of silver plastic.  There needs to be something there.  On this Rav4, there's something there, but not on a Corolla.

[sportyaccordy]

With a 0-60 time of ~6.5 sec tell us how many SN95 Mustangs, TSXs, 3ers, ricers, diesel pickups, and other macho types, you embarrass with a bit of stoplight/on-ramp acceleration shenanigans...

I'd love to see this thing try to beat a TSX/3er around a turn

Hell I'd love to see your car try to beat a TSX/3er/ricer around a turn. I've seen relatively mediocre setup Civics turn on a dime

[ifcar]

Opposite of the radio controls, there's a lack of controls and just a blank piece of silver plastic.  There needs to be something there.  On this Rav4, there's something there, but not on a Corolla.

Not on the xD, either, or (I believe) on the base RAV4.

But it only looks bad in a picture. It's not something that's at all evident from the driver's seat; it's just not where you're looking.

[thewizard16]

That cruise control stalk works. It's simple and intuitive. Why bother changing it?

I agree. I much prefer the stalk to the cruise control buttons some put on the wheel. I think the stalk is easier to use overall while driving than some of the button systems, and it is, as ifcar said, very intuitive. It is an old design, but a good one I think.

[Cookie Monster]

I have no idea how to use a cruise control stalk.

[ifcar]

I have no idea how to use a cruise control stalk.

Push down on the tab on the end to turn it on and off. Pull the stalk toward you to cancel. Push it up or down, as indicated, to set/decrease or resume/increase.

[CALL_911]

I say the same thing about AT shifters, but BMW keeps fiddling with those...

Good point. It's stupid that they messed with those.

[thewizard16]

I have no idea how to use a cruise control stalk.

It'd take you all of one second to understand/use in a vehicle with it. It's a nice design. I hated the cruise control buttons on the Altima steering wheel because I always had to move my hand awkwardly to set it or make speed adjustments. Part of that could have just been because I'm so used to the CC stalk though.

[ifcar]

It'd take you all of one second to understand/use in a vehicle with it. It's a nice design. I hated the cruise control buttons on the Altima steering wheel because I always had to move my hand awkwardly to set it or make speed adjustments. Part of that could have just been because I'm so used to the CC stalk though.

The best button setups have a little switch right at the thumb position. But this works very well too.

[omicron]

The accelerator has a substantial dead zone when you first start to press it, then suddenly jerks into action. Not only does this resist starting smoothly from a stop, but it also leaves the car jerking back and forth during slight low-speed changes.

Dislike.

[WookieOnRitalin]

It'd take you all of one second to understand/use in a vehicle with it. It's a nice design. I hated the cruise control buttons on the Altima steering wheel because I always had to move my hand awkwardly to set it or make speed adjustments. Part of that could have just been because I'm so used to the CC stalk though.

The Saab has one on the stalk on the left side of the steering wheel. I got pissed the first 5 minutes on the highway cause I was wondering how it worked. Then I figured it out quite easily. Now the thing is so simple, I love it.

It has a slide button that clicks into place (I use my left middle finger to do this) to turn on cruise. CC light pops up beneath tachometer.  Then on the end of the stalk, is an up and down button. To set speed, you click up button with same finger. Once set, then you can use the up and down toggle to either increase or reduce cruising speed. So easy.

[MrH]

Miata's cruise control is better.  Simple on/off button on the wheel, cancel button, then a rocker switch for +/- and resume/set

[Speed_Racer]

Subaru's used to have a separate mini-stalk like on the Toyota - not sure if they still do. I'm a fan of the Miata system, especially since you don't have to turn it on each time you restart the car (like on Subarus).

[MrH]

I always turn it off anyways if I'm not using it.  The light bothers me.

[Cookie Monster]

Miata's cruise control is better.  Simple on/off button on the wheel, cancel button, then a rocker switch for +/- and resume/set

This is how all the cars I've driven work (except for the 7, I have no idea how to use that ).

[Cookie Monster]

Push down on the tab on the end to turn it on and off. Pull the stalk toward you to cancel. Push it up or down, as indicated, to set/decrease or resume/increase.

Oh, ok, that's simple enough. Thanks.

I prefer the steering wheel buttons though.