The fierce battle for sport-utility-vehicle supremacy continues in each segment of the genre: mini, midsize, huge and luxury. The focus of this road test is on one of the first to enter the mini-SUV market (nicknamed the "cute 'utes"): Toyota's RAV4, which arrived as a 1996. "RAV4" stands for Recreational Active Vehicle-4-wheel drive. And yet, it is mysteriously available in a two-wheel-drive version. Toyota's archrival, countryman Honda, introduced their mini-ute, the CR-V, for 1997. And various others, such as Subaru, Suzuki and Kia, have jumped in as well.
Relatively unchanged in this, its fourth model year, the RAV4 is still powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine whose output has increased over the last few years to 127 horsepower. This is weak when compared to Honda's '99 CR-V, whose four-banger has been pumped up by 20 horses to 146. And the Toyota's power is 23 percent less than the Subaru Forester's 165 ponies. In its favor, the little Toyota weighs about 300 pounds less than its competition, so it has a bit less weight to lug around. The RAV4 is available in both two- and four-door body styles, with the two-door being a convertible of sorts, (the hardtop two-door has been dropped). The tested vehicle was a four-door, four-wheel-drive, five-speed manual model. The 4WD RAV4s have full-time four-wheel drive, so there are no levers to pull or buttons to push to engage 4WD, as it is done automatically.
Finished in black and sporting optional 16-inch alloy wheels, this RAV4 was a hit with its intended market, the younger crowd known as Generation Y. My nieces and nephews thought it was a "phat ride," which is a good thing.
The interior is somewhat Spartan. This is not meant to be synonymous with cheap, as the fit and finish are up to Toyota's typically high standards. Those looking for a more luxurious interior can now spring for leather seating in their RAV4, a new option for '99. The tall roofline affords plenty of headroom, but the short wheelbase (even the four-door's is actually a few inches less than Toyota's own Corolla) means that those riding in the back won't have a lot of legroom. The driver enjoys a high seating position with clear sightlines all around, aided by the expansive glass area and slim roof pillars. Only the view to the rear is partly obstructed due to the spare tire mounted on the rear door.
Coupled with the five-speed stick, the performance around town is peppy enough, provided you don't mind stretching each gear out to get the most out of the 127 horses. The engine doesn't seem to mind the exercise, as it is smooth right up to redline. On the highway, cruising ability is fine, but passing maneuvers demand a downshift, right foot to the floor, and some patience. Fuel economy, an oxymoron when used in reference to the larger SUVs, was a respectable 23 miles per gallon for the nearly 400 miles we put on the RAV4.
Handling was not clumsy, a surprise for a vehicle with such a short wheelbase and tall ride height. Actually, the bantamweight 'ute was fun to drive, as the small dimensions made city driving and parking a breeze. Taking on-ramps at a fast clip is not encouraged, as the body leans in turns taken at higher speeds. Imagine trying to go around a corner fast in a four-wheeled phone booth and you'll get the idea. Keep in mind that the "sport" in sport-utility vehicle means being able to carry sporting equipment, such as bikes, camping gear and skis (sorry kids-snowboards) to sporty locales, such as lakes and mountains. The "sport" designation does NOT mean sports-car-like handling. Braking performance is about average for this class, with a stop from 60 mph taking 136 feet. Antilock brakes are optional, but only on the four-door version.
Ride comfort is not one of the RAV4's strong points, and the Toyota loses ground to some of the competition in this regard. In fairness, the ride was not harsh, nor that choppy for such a short and light rig. At highway speeds, wind noise is noticeable, no wonder considering the RAV4's lack of aerodynamic efficiency. No problem, just crank up the REM CD.
Serious off-road work is not on the RAV's resume, as there is no "low" setting for the 4WD system. Toyota realizes that most buyers are not actually going to go trail bashing and will be using the RAV4 as their daily commuter. Duties such as taking the mountain bikes or skis to favorite locations is not a problem, and those who live in foul-weather regions, such as the Northeast, will appreciate the grip that the 4WD provides.
Considering Toyota's bulletproof reliability record and overall high quality, a RAV4 wouldn't be a bad selection at all, but there are some other choices out there with an edge in performance, passenger room and ride quality. When it debuted, the RAV4 didn't have to worry about the competition breathing down its neck, as there really wasn't any. A scant three years later, the scenario has changed, and now Toyota is lagging behind the class leaders and must play catch up. Nothing a stretch in wheelbase and another 30 or 40 horsepower can't cure.
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