2001 Toyota RAV4: Road Test
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2001 Toyota RAV4 ▼
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- MSRP: $16,215 -$18,665
- Invoice: $14,998 -$16,985
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Our road test for the 2001 Toyota RAV4 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Toyota RAV4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Toyota RAV4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Toyota RAV4 help you decide if a 2001 Toyota RAV4 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 |
No extra power for highway passing or heavy hauling. AWD manual-transmission test model did 0-60 mph in 9.6 sec, similar to a like-equipped Honda CR-V, but slower than a comparable V6 Ford Escape. Add about a second for the automatic RAV.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.8 |
Test AWD/manual models averaged 21.3-22.0 mpg, similar to CR-V's 22.5-mpg test average. RAV4 uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.4 |
Never uncomfortable, but RAV4 does bound a bit over big moguls and is agitated over some washboard surfaces. Unibody design feels more rigid than first-generation model.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.9 |
Quick steering has good feedback and weight. Hard cornering induces fair body lean, but not the tipsy feel that plagues many SUVs. Our test RAV made short work of simulated emergency stops despite fairly marked nosedive and mild wander.
QUIETNESS
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.2 |
Wind and road noise intrude, but are no louder than in most subcompact cars. Engine suffers high-rpm boominess, though it's pretty relaxed in top-gear cruising.
CONTROLS
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 4.9 |
Simple and convenient, including a good old-fashioned radio tuning knob and dial-type climate controls. Cabin has more design flair than Toyota's usual, with a nice mix of textures and shades, classy low-grain molded plastic, legible semi-retro gauges, and a sporty, thick-rimmed steering wheel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.9 |
Easy entry/exit and good room for adults. Seats are very firm but comfortable enough, though taller drivers will wish for more rearward travel and a greater range for the tilt steering wheel. Fine visibility; external spare mounts low enough not to interfere.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.5 |
Good head room, as in front, but limited leg, toe, and shoulder room. Bench seat reclines but isn't that comfortable. Narrow door passages impede entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.8 |
Rear seat folds or removes easily, and there's enough room behind it for at least a dozen plastic grocery bags. Swing-out tail door can be clumsy, though, and there's no separate-opening window as on some rivals.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.7 |
Roomier, faster, and more refined than the original RAV4, this one is still more suburban errand-runner than serious people-mover or off-road warrior. Nonetheless, its an attractive compact SUV. Many rivals offer more room and stronger performance, but none beats Toyota's reputation for quality, durability, and high resale value.
Total Score
| Base 4WD, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 51 | 43.6 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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