2007 Toyota RAV4: Road Test
Archived Review
2007 Toyota RAV4 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $20,950 -$26,520
- Invoice: $19,378 -$24,132
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Toyota RAV4
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2007 Toyota RAV4 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Toyota RAV4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Toyota RAV4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Toyota RAV4 help you decide if a 2007 Toyota RAV4 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.6 |
With 4-cyl, RAV4 sluggish from stop, just adequate around town, taxed in hilly terrain. With V6, impressively strong in any situation. Test AWD Limited V6 did 6.7 sec 0-60 mph. One test V6 RAV4 suffered touchy throttle action, jerky low-speed shifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
No opportunity to measure with 4-cyl engine. Test 2WD Limited V6 averaged 25.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test AWD V6s averaged 20.8-22.8 mpg overall. RAV4 uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Good for a compact SUV, thanks in part to one of the longest wheelbases in the class. Test models with 17-inch tires showed little impact harshness on sharp bumps, ridges, only mild jitter on washboard surfaces. Sport version with 18-inch tires not noticeably harsher.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Responsive steering, fine straight-line stability. Some noseplow, body lean in fast, sharp turns. Sport models' sport suspension more adept at handling twisty roads. Good stopping control, reassuring brake pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Wind, road noise nicely muted, although test RAV4s suffered some wind rush from base of windshield. Sport's 18-inch tires somewhat noisy on coarse pavement but are never annoying. Both engines smooth, but 4-cyl noticeably louder than V6 in rapid acceleration, highway-speed cruising.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Gauges have large, legible markings. Controls easy to locate, simple to use. Cabin materials generally solid, attractive, but some testers contend decor let down by a too-flimsy glovebox lid and low-grade headliner material. One test RAV4 suffered from a loose driver sun visor, flickering traction control light, and a key that sometimes refused to release from the ignition.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Ample head and leg room. Long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel. Testers divided on seat comfort, driving position. Some say seat needs more lumbar support, others say it's over-bolstered. Low, close steering wheel, dashboard position lauded by some testers for its command, visibility. It was panned by others for creating a "big rig" feel. Outward visibility compromised by wide rear roof pillars. Easy entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Ample head, leg room for 2nd-row occupants on comfortable bench. Difficult entry/exit to 3rd row, requires high step-in, and only passenger-side 2nd-row seat folds forward to provide access. Third-row a convenience in a pinch, but fits only small children.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Impressive cargo room in 5-seat versions, which have convenient storage well in rear floor area for added utility. Lightweight split 2nd-row-seat sections easy to fold. Seven-seaters have better than expected space behind 3rd row, which folds fully to create flat load floor. Cargo door hinged on passenger side, annoying in curbside loading. Ample cabin storage includes bi-level glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Available with the most powerful engine in the compact-SUV class, seating for seven, and impressive cargo room, refinement, and road manners, RAV4 is worth a look. Toyota's reputation for resale value is another asset. Base prices are reasonable, but stickers skyrocket with options; our test AWD Limited V6 listed for over $31,000. Shop around, but don't leave the RAV4 off your list. It's a Recommended pick.
Total Score
| 2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls. | AWD Sport V6 | 2WD Limited V6 | AWD Limited V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 60 | 59 | 58 | 53.1 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
