Driving
Overall, the RAV4 is an easy to drive vehicle. The steering is light with a tight turning radius, making city driving and parking easy. The RAV4 tracks very well during highway driving, although it does not feel as safe as a (lower) car at fast speeds such as 75-80 mph cruising. The interior is moderately quiet and most noise comes from either the engine revving under acceleration or the roof rack at highway speeds.

Interior
The fit and finish is up to the usual excellent Toyota standards. I personally think the design is a bit cold, with a lot of plastic and slightly on the “truckish” side. The front seats yield enough room for a 6 foot plus driver / rider. The rear seats are sufficient, but not quite as comfortable as a car. The climate controls and radio controls are simple and work well. The Toyota 6-speaker radio / CD player works fine, but the speakers sound like they are on the cheap side and do not handle bass well.

Attractive Features:
- Rear seats slide fore and aft on tracks to give maximum legroom or maximum cargo room. Seats can also fold flat, tumble forward, or be (easily) removed, converting the RAV4 into a cargo hauler with a nearly flat floor.
- Rear seat backs also recline about 15 degrees to make a more comfortable back position for passengers.
- Cargo area is low (since there is no rear bumper) and has handy storage pockets on both sides.
- Front cup holders are excellent – easy to adjust, sturdy, and well placed.
- Generous Storage space: cell phone holder, door map pockets, center armrest, slot below radio, compartment below steering wheel, and a drawer below the turn signal. Also, two small coin holders – one in center console, the other left of steering wheel.
- AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system. Most manufactures do not explain their systems very well. I have worked in this field and research the RAV4’s AWD system. It actually drives both the front and rear wheels ALL of the time and locks them together when slip occurs – this is an ideal setup that minimizes slip. Cheaper systems drive the front wheel and engage the rear wheels when slip occurs – making it much more obvious that the system is operating. I live in a snow belt and I was impressed all winter long at the ability to accelerate on snow without any notice of the system engaging and little to no wheel slippage.

Cons Explained:
- I agree that fuel economy (MPG) is over-rated. As an example, during highway driving, I have measured around 23-24 mpg, while the EPA rates 27 mpg. Around town, expect slightly less than 20 mpg, while the EPA rates 23 mpg.
- The rear door with spare tire mount is OK, but I would like a different design. The best design I’ve seen in the Saturn Vue with a mini-van like lift gate and spare tire integrated into the cargo floor. However, nothing beats the low-load height of the RAV4 cargo area and a bumper would take away from that feature.
- Engine Power is marginal. If you don’t mind high engine revs, you won’t complain!

Cost
- Overall, I also agree with other reviewers that the RAV4 is somewhat pricey, especially when adding many options. I recommend that you do what I did and try to avoid the “L” package. Basically, the L package adds excess cost due to many features you do not need, plus it forces you to upgrade to aluminum wheels. I purchased the base AWD and added the “Quick-Order” package (power windows, lock, mirrors, CD player, etc.) then was able to add Rear Privacy glass, ABS, mudguards, and a roof rack, keeping the price reasonable. The L-package would have added nearly $3,000 if you factor in the wheels.
- Also, you should question if you need AWD or just FWD. Both RAVs look identical except for the tiny 4WD badge on the cargo door. You will help fuel economy and pay about $1,500 less for FWD. If you live outside of a snow-belt region, I recommend you avoid AWD. This vehicle is not made for major off-road driving, thus AWD will just lower your fuel-economy.

Amount Paid (US$): 21000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: 4WD, Quick Order Package