Toyota RAV4 2WD 2010 review

The 2WD addition to the Toyota RAV4 line up is $3000 cheaper than its all-wheel-drive brother. This fact alone should prick some ears, but with the promise of an identical feature list, it becomes a very attractive option.

Engine

The RAV4 CV is powered by a 2.4 litre, in-line four-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 125kW at 6000rpm and 224Nm at 4000rpm. A four-speed automatic transmission gets power to the two front wheels. The combined fuel economy figure is 9.1l/100km and it emits 218g/km of C02.

Exterior

Body coloured bumpers, exterior door handles and power mirrors, and tinted UV cut glass are all standard on the CV. You also get 17-in alloy wheels, rear mudflaps and a body-coloured rear spoiler at no extra cost.

Interior

Explore the 2010 Toyota RAV4 range

• Toyota RAV4 2010 review
• Toyota RAV4 2WD 2010 review

The spacious interior features a clutter free and intuitive dash with cruise control, optitron instrumentation and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The 60/40 rear seats fold flat and there is plenty of storage including a storage box in the centre console, a sunglasses holder, drink holders, map pockets and cargo area under-floor storage.

Safety

As well as a comprehensive airbag package, the RAV4 CV includes anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, Toyota Safe-T-Cell, traction control, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist and down hill assist control.

Driving

There is an immediate feeling of space in the new 4 x 2 RAV. The dash is shallow and particularly in the passenger seat it feels very light and spacious. The dash features are few and simple, enhancing the airy feel.

The comfortable driving position gave good vision all round and the seats were comfortable and relatively supportive. The back seats crammed in three medium sized men but it was only a short trip and there would have been a few numb limbs had it been any longer.

Driving the new front-wheel RAV4 is a different experience to the 4x4. There is the typical understeer but you seem to get more out of the pokey 2.4-litre engine. And it feels more nimble too.

There was a little bit of throttle lag but nothing to worry too much about, and when it was up and running the ride was smooth and gear transition was silky and appropriate.

City driving was comfortable and jerk-free much like a hatch. On long trips the RAV had a little wind woosh off the exterior mirrors and tyre noise up through the floor was negligible. Small pot holes and ruts were taken car of with no trouble.

The RAV4 exterior has improved a lot over the years, particularly since it got a little bigger. It looks a lot stronger and the lines and curves are bolder and sportier. Certainly one to watch in the mid-size SUV sector.