2003 Toyota RAV4: Road Test
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2003 Toyota RAV4 ▼
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- MSRP: $16,625 -$19,075
- Invoice: $15,377 -$17,356
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Our road test for the 2003 Toyota RAV4 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota RAV4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota RAV4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota RAV4 help you decide if a 2003 Toyota RAV4 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.7 |
Adequate except with heavier loads or in highway passing. Test manual-transmission AWD did 9.6 sec 0-60 mph--on par with like-equipped Honda CR-V but slower than V6 Ford Escape. Automatic adds about 1 sec.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Test AWD RAV4 with manual transmission averaged 21.7 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. Test AWD automatic averaged 23 mpg in mostly highway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Never uncomfortable, but RAV4 bounds a bit over big moguls, is agitated over some washboard surfaces. CR-V rides better.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Quick steering has good feedback and weight, but RAV4 can be buffeted by gusty crosswinds. Low-speed handling very competent, even entertaining. Fast cornering induces fair body lean and much tire scrub, but not the tipsy feel that plagues many SUVs. Test RAV made short work of simulated emergency stops despite fairly marked nosedive and mild wander.
QUIETNESS
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Wind and road noise intrude, but are no worse than in most subcompact cars. Engine suffers high-rpm boominess, though it's pretty relaxed in top-gear cruising. Rival CR-V is superior here, too.
CONTROLS
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.2 |
Simple, convenient, including good-old-fashioned radio tuning knob and dial-type climate controls. Cabin has more design flair than Toyota's usual, with nice mix of textures and shades, classy low-grain molded plastic, sporty gauges, and thick-rim steering wheel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.3 |
Easy entry/exit and good room for adults. Seats firm but comfortable enough, though taller drivers will wish for more rearward travel and greater range for tilt steering wheel. Fine visibility; external spare mounts low enough not to interfere.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
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. CR-V more spacious front and rear.
CARGO ROOM
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
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, and some rivals have a separate-opening window.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
RAV4 is a pleasant compact SUV more suited to suburban errand-running than long-distance people-hauling or off-roading. Many rivals offer more space and stronger performance, but only Honda matches Toyota's reputation for quality, durability, and high resale value.
Total Score
| Base AWD, man. | Base AWD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | 50 | 47.1 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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