Specifications of Toyota RAV4 V 2.0 (149 HP) CVT
General characteristics of Toyota RAV4 V 2.0 (149 HP) CVT
The RAV4, in all its different configurations, slots within the compact crossover segment, but its dimensions vary slightly across the lineup. Only the wheelbase is standard at 105.9 inches long, while length varies between the town and off-road variants. This means that the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, and XSE each measure 180.9 inches long, while the Adventure and TRD Off-Road add an extra 0.6 inches. Similarly, width varies between 73 and 73.4 inches between the two categories. The LE, XLE, and XSE stand 67 inches tall, the XLE Premium and Limited 67.2 inches, and the Adventure and TRD Off-Road 68.6 inches. In terms of ground clearance, the XSE is the worst suited to going off-road with just 8.1 inches of clearance, while the LE and XLE stand 8.4 inches above the ground. The rest of the range all gain an extra 0.2 inches. The lightest trim is the FWD LE, tipping the scales at 3,370 pounds, while the XSE Hybrid in its standard AWD guise has a hefty weight of 3,755 lbs. Despite all these differences, approach and departure angles are standard at 19 and 21 degrees, respectively.
Each of the gas-fed RAV4s is powered by the same engine, a 2.5-liter four-pot that develops 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it powers the front wheels on the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited, though each can be equipped with the all-wheel drivetrain that comes standard on the Adventure and TRD Off-Road. The motor isn't overly energetic, but the compact crossover isn't very heavy either. Still, it's far more suitable for puttering around town than trying to race past the competition on the highway.
The hybrid variants take the same engine, tweaked to run on the Atkinson combustion cycle, but bolsters it with a pair of electric motors that increase total output to 219 hp. As with most hybrid automobiles, they rely on an ECVT transmission to simulate gear shifts. Although this powertrain has a bit more power, its focus is still on efficiency, so don't expect it to be that much more eager on the highway. At least it doesn't make quite as much noise when pushed to perform.
Non-luxury crossovers do a respectable job of delivering competitive fuel economy figures. The gas-only models return an EPA-estimated 28/35/30 mpg when equipped with the front-wheel drivetrain. The heavier all-wheel-drive models are a bit thirstier, with the TRD Off-Road only managing 25/32/28 mpg. Naturally, the hybrid variants of the LE, XLE, and Limited nameplates offer significantly better mileage figures, returning 41/38/40 mpg each. Regardless of powertrain, every model is outfitted with a 14.5-gallon fuel tank. This gives the gasoline motor a maximum cruising range of 435 miles, while the hybridized engines can travel a much more impressive 580 miles.
Though falling into the compact category, the RAV4 is pretty massive on the inside. The cabin has a fair amount of rugged and durable hard plastic, but almost all the key touchpoints and high traffic areas are covered in soft-touch materials. This gives the interior a refreshingly upscale feeling. True to its nature as a practical people hauler, the compact Toyota is laid out with people fore of thought. There is plenty of room to move about and get comfortable, and all the controls for the comfort and infotainment features are laid out for ease of access. You'll have to settle for cloth upholstery and manually adjustable seats at the cheaper end of the lineup, while electric seats with leatherette upholstery and heating are available if you spend a little more. Almost every model from the XLE Premium upwards also receives a power moonroof.
There is more than enough space for a full family of five within the cabin of the RAV4, or just as many adults in fact. Those in the back actually have more headroom than those up front since the available sunroof does eat a few inches, but nobody is actually lacking. Similarly, there is a great amount of legroom all-around, but front-row passengers get four inches more in this regard. A six-way manual driver's seat is standard on the base LE, but from the XLE upwards they become electrically adjustable in eight directions including lumbar support. Of course, the natural height of the crossover provides a good view of the road, but the ergonomic position of the driver's seat provides optimal visibility out of the front windshield. The rear windows are quite a bit smaller and the large rear pillars limit rearward vision quite severely. Blind-spot monitoring helps with this, but it isn't included in the entry-level trim as standard.
