2013 Toyota RAV4
Starting MSRP $23,300–$28,410
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National December 18, 2012Vehicle Overview
Toyota's compact crossover has been redesigned for 2013. The RAV4 comes with front- or all-wheel drive and seating for five passengers; it is sold in LE, XLE and Limited trim levels. Competitors include the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5.
The 2013 RAV4 also will be available as an electric vehicle as part of a partnership with Tesla Motors.
New for 2013
The RAV4 shrinks by over an inch and gets more athletic styling, a new six-speed automatic transmission and a host of additional convenience features this year. Newly standard on all RAV4s are a backup camera and a 6.1-inch touch-screen for displaying audio info.
Exterior
For 2013, the fourth-generation RAV4 gets fresh styling. A more sloping roofline, sweeping headlamps, pronounced side character lines and sculpted front and rear bumpers combine for a more athletic look.
Also new is the arrangement of the spare tire and cargo door. The tire moves from the door to underneath the cargo floor, and the door now uses a roof-hinged liftgate instead of the previous side-hinge setup.
Interior
The 2013 Toyota RAV4's interior features a revised instrument layout and more upscale materials, including French-stitched faux-leather surfaces.
Standard on the Limited grade is a one-touch power liftgate with driver-selectable memory height settings. XLE and Limited models also get dual-zone automatic climate control, integrated fog lights, power moonroof with sliding sunshade and heated outside mirrors with turn-signal indicators. A blind spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert systems are new options. A navigation system with Toyota's Entune multimedia and voice-recognition functionality is optional.
All RAV4s feature a 60/40-split second row; seats recline but no longer slide. A third-row option is also no longer available. Toyota says the cargo area is larger, deeper and easier to access compared with the previous generation. The 2013 RAV4 offers 38.4 cubic feet of space with the seats up and 73.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The outgoing model offered just a touch less — 73 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2013 model loses its underfloor cargo compartment; it now houses the spare tire.
Under the Hood
The 2013 model's four-cylinder engine is a carryover: The 2.5-liter makes 176 horsepower. Toyota retired the RAV4's V-6. Also gone is the four-speed automatic; a new six-speed takes its place and is the sole transmission. Toyota says the crossover's new Eco mode helps promote more efficient driving and enhances fuel efficiency.
Two- and all-wheel-drive versions are available. When properly equipped, the RAV4 can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Safety
Safety features include:
Standard front-seat side-impact and two-row side curtain airbags
Standard active front head restraints
Standard antilock brakes with brake assist
Standard electronic stability system
Optional daytime running lamps
Standard back-up camera
Optional blind-spot monitoring system
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Jennifer Geiger | Cars.com National | December 18, 2012 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | December 18, 2012 |
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