vehicle evaluate: Toyota RAV4 XLE holds its own in scorching compact crossover market - WTOP

WASHINGTON — Compact crossovers are scorching, even outselling the venerable midsize sedan lately. Toyota has the RAV4, the top of the pack in income in the compact crossover marketplace for now.

The RAV4 is head of the pack in compact crossover market earnings for now. (WTOP/Mike Parris)

however what makes the Toyota so particular during this normal phase? I spent a week with the $30,088 mid-grade 2017 XLE AWD to look what this common computer is all about.

extra space inside looks to be an element for those getting into a compact crossover and whereas I don't believe the returned seat is wider than say, the Camry midsize sedan, there's numerous house with satisfactory head and leg room for those sitting in front or in the returned. I wish the bench within the returned was slightly wider, because it become difficult to outfit three child defense seats lower back there.

This 2017 RAV4 appears to have benefited with better substances from simply two years ago, once I remaining saw the RAV4. There are extra delicate substances in the cabin, primarily the sprint and in other places the place your arms or fingers appear to migrate. The seats on the XLE are comfy and fine facets, equivalent to an influence moonroof, are normal on this trim degree.

My experience also came with the $525 Entune premium audio methods with integrated NAV and a 7-inch contact screen it is effortless to make use of. Sound from the audio system is normal however there are eight speakers. The voice cognizance works neatly for NAV and radio controls. There are handy-use buttons and knobs for eyes on the highway use, additionally.

space for storing in the rear is awfully competitive for this classification of vehicle and the rear seats fold pretty much flat for effortless storage or greater items.

driving the RAV4 is a somewhat pleasant journey. It does well on most highway surfaces it encounters and it appears to experience relatively quiet for the category. whereas now not as taut and sporty in the corners, the RAV4 doesn't disappoint and is enhanced than i will be able to be aware from old drives. It does well on highways and is small satisfactory to without problems power and park on city streets.

The performance is set common for the class with simply 176 hp. Don't expect a very fast machine and if you fill the seats it can also be a bit of sluggish and loud when merging with traffic. The six-pace automatic transmission does a pleasant job of smoothly shifting in most situations.

fuel financial system appears to be just a little lower than some others within the type. I managed 25.1 mpg for my week and what the decal referred to I may still get. there is also a pleasant average defense package referred to as "safeguard experience," featuring lane departure with steering support, radar cruise and a pre-collision gadget with pedestrian detection.

The styling on this and different Toyotas currently definitely stand out. The front end is where the RAV4 shines. a lot of angles and shapes make for an interesting look. The present Toyota styling appears premier with the RAV4 and makes it probably the most memorable RAV4 considering the common within the late 1990s.

XLE trim degree comes with good-looking 17-aluminum wheels that spotlight a extra elegant facet view of this RAV4. The rear glass at the back of the rear doors has an interesting shape and lend just a little of hobby higher on the physique. The rear hatch has a spoiler that adds a dash of flair; this is additionally the place the current RAV4 appears to share its seem with the last RAV4.

The RAV4 XLE is a really generic compact crossover looking to win the sales crown in 2017. With a successful mixture of vogue and safeguard, it's an exquisite equipment for many. The RAV4 does very nearly everything you want out of a compact crossover and the identify Toyota definitely doesn't hurt either.

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