2005 Toyota RAV4: Road Test
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2005 Toyota RAV4 ▼
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- MSRP: $18,750 -$21,200
- Invoice: $17,363 -$19,334
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Our road test for the 2005 Toyota RAV4 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Toyota RAV4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Toyota RAV4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Toyota RAV4 help you decide if a 2005 Toyota RAV4 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.3 |
We've only tested a manual-transmission 2WD. It felt zippy, though buzzy above 4000 rpm. Slight extra weight of AWD won't hamper acceleration much, but power-sapping automatic transmission will. Despite standard traction control, test model suffered frequent front wheelspin in rapid standing-start acceleration.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.8 |
Test manual-transmission 2WD averaged 25.7 mpg in mostly highway travel. Expect slightly lower with more city driving or with automatic transmission. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.5 |
Good for a small SUV. Little impact harshness on sharp bumps and ridges, only mild jitter on some washboard surfaces, little bounding or float over high-speed moguls.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.7 |
Compact size a blessing in city traffic. Body lean and tire scrub increase with cornering speed, but RAV4 lacks the tippy feel that plagues many SUVs. But, it also lacks confident directional stability in gusty crosswinds or amid high-speed truck traffic, requiring constant, tiresome steering correction. ABS disc brakes furnish good stopping power and pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
Wind and road noise intrude, but are no worse than in most compact cars. Engine boomy and coarse at high rpm, relatively quiet in normal cruising.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.5 |
Simple and convenient, including time-proven radio-tuning knobs and dial-type climate controls. Cabin has solid materials, though test example suffered loud dashboard rattle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.7 |
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 tire mounts low enough on rear cargo door as to not interfere with view aft.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.5 |
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 | 6.7 |
Area behind rear seat is fairly tall and wide, has enough floor space for at least a dozen grocery bags. Lightweight split rear-seat sections easy to flip/fold or remove. Swing-out cargo door often clumsy, lacks handy separate-opening glass of some rivals.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6 |
Honda's CR-V has more usable room and feels more stable in gusty crosswinds. RAV4 is at its best as an urban errand-runner, with the bonuses of sound ergonomics and Toyota's reputation for quality, durability, and high resale value.
Total Score
| 2WD Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 53 | 50.7 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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