2004 Toyota RAV4: Road Test
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2004 Toyota RAV4 ▼
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- MSRP: $18,450 -$20,900
- Invoice: $17,086 -$19,061
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Our road test for the 2004 Toyota RAV4 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Toyota RAV4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Toyota RAV4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Toyota RAV4 help you decide if a 2004 Toyota RAV4 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.2 |
Manual-transmission 2WD version only 2004 RAV4 made available for test so far. Feels spry away from a stop and around town, especially when shifting near 5700-rpm peak power point. However, ragged engine feel above 4000 rpm discourages such driving. Slight extra weight of AWD shouldn't make a difference, but expect automatic transmission to noticeably dampen acceleration. Despite newly standard traction control, test 2WD RAV4 suffered frequent front-wheel spin in rapid standing-start acceleration.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.7 |
Test manual-transmission 2WD RAV4 averaged 25.7 mpg in mostly highway travel. Expect slightly lower average with more city driving or with automatic transmission.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.1 |
Good for a small SUV. Little impact harshness on sharp bumps and ridges, only mild jitter on some washboard surfaces. Impressive resistance to bounding and floating on high-speed moguls.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.3 |
Small size translates to useful low-speed maneuverability. As cornering speeds increase, so do body lean and tire scrub, but tipsy feel that plagues many SUVs is absent here. Unfortunately, so is confident directional stability in gusty crosswinds or in company of high-speed truck traffic, where RAV4 requires too much steering correction. Good stopping power and pedal feel; standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and antiskid control are laudable '04 upgrades.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.8 |
Wind and road noise intrude, but are no worse than in most subcompact cars. Engine boomy and coarse at high rpm, but a relatively quiet cruiser.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.3 |
Simple, convenient, including time-proven audio tuning knobs and dial-type climate controls. Cabin has solid materials, more design flair than most, though test example suffered loud dashboard rattle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.5 |
Easy entry/exit. Good room for adults. Seats firm but comfortable enough, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward travel and greater range for tilt steering wheel. Fine visibility; external spare mounts low enough on tailgate not to interfere with view aft.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.3 |
Good head room, as in front, but limited leg, toe, and shoulder room. Split seatback reclines but is too flat and firm to qualify as comfortable. Narrow door passages impede entry/exit. Rival Honda CR-V more spacious front and rear.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.8 |
Area behind seat is tall, wide, with enough floor space for at least a dozen plastic grocery bags. Lightweight split rear-seat sections flip and fold, and can be easily removed. Swing-out tail door often clumsy, and some rivals have handy separate-opening window.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.6 |
Honda's CR-V has more usable room and feels more stable when challenged by buffeting wind currents. The RAV4 is at its best as an around-town errand runner, with the bonus of sound ergonomics and the reputation for quality, durability, and high resale value that comes with the Toyota nameplate.
Total Score
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 53 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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