Engine
The engine bay's of Rav4's and competing products were once almost exclusively reserved for 4-cylinders. The tester carried a V6 though- and a big one too. At 3.5 litres, it makes nearly 270 ponies, and it goes like all heck when you mash the throttle. If you don't, it putters around quietly, below 2500 RPM, and makes scarcely a peep.

A fury awaits to be unleashed...

Welcome, everyone, to the new sensible muscle-SUV!

Dual variable camshafts work away to help adjust power delivery as needed for any condition. Toyota calls it VVTi, and its job is to make the engine efficient and calm when driving gently, and to provide copious thrust when driving hard. I saw as low as 10L / 100km required in combined highway and city driving if you keep out of the sauce. All the while, it's great to know that there's plenty of grunt left if it were needed.

What a sleeper!

Note that mileage can jump as high as 17L /100km if you have a heavy foot.

On 4x4 models, power is routed selectively to all wheels by a five speed automatic transmission, with the Rav operating primarily as a front driver until slippage instantly puts the rear axle to work- often before the spinning wheels get to make a full revolution. Through a week of heavy snow, the Blizzak-equipped test car had no problems with traction whatsoever.

Features and Gadgets
The V6 Sport model includes power accessories, MP3 CD player, keyless remote and cruise control. Unlike some of its competition, the Rav4 with 4x4 has a few goodies for owners who want to take them into out to the trails. The transfer case can be locked for instance, and it's also fitted with DAC (Downhill Assist Control). If you were trying to slowly crawl down a steep grade with limited traction, you'd simply engage "L" from the shifter, press the DAC button, and let go of the pedals- allowing the computer to walk your vehicle down the hill for you- no slipping or fuss. It works well too, and is controlled by a part of the ESP system which helps keep drivers on track.

There is no way to turn the ESP off though, and when it works to correct a skid, it beeps at you incessantly. This cannot be turned off either, and it's not very much fun. Though it keeps its nose out if you seem to have a skid under control, it can stand to impede progress through certain off-road conditions.

The RAV4 is ready to tackle any road conditions.