2020 Toyota RAV4 Review

　　

2020 Toyota RAV4 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Toyota redesigned its popular RAV4 just last year. This new model gained a variety of improvements such as a more powerful engine, more safety features and bolder styling. These changes have no doubt bolstered the RAV4's popularity, and it continues to be one of the best-selling vehicles in America. But when we've compared it to the competition, we've found it falls short of the mark set by the class leaders.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$124/mo  for RAV4 Base

　　RAV4 Base

　　LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $25,950 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $27,245 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $28,645 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $27,350 MSRPXLE Premium 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $29,950 MSRPXLE Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $31,350 MSRPAdventure 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $33,055 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $34,480 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $35,880 MSRPTRD Off-Road 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $35,280 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Certainly, it has some appealing qualities. The RAV4 is roomy inside and has plenty of space for rear passengers and cargo. It also comes standard with an array of advanced driver safety aids such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. For 2020, Toyota has also added Android Auto smartphone integration (a boon for Samsung, Pixel and other non-iPhone users) and introduced a new RAV4 TRD Off-Road model.

　　On the downside, the RAV4's engine, improved as it may be, is still underwhelming. It's not especially powerful and gets noisy when you stand on the gas. And unlike some rival small SUVs, there's no optional engine you can upgrade to if you want quicker acceleration. We're also disappointed with the lack of comfort for the RAV4's front seats and the vague steering, which doesn't give you a good feel for the road.

　　Granted, these aren't huge issues, and the RAV4 is certainly a competent SUV. But we think you'll find a few other models more appealing overall. These include the well-rounded Honda CR-V, the sporty Mazda CX-5 and the value-packed Hyundai Tucson. You should also check out the RAV4 Hybrid, which is both quicker and more fuel-efficient than the regular RAV4. Finally, the Jeep Cherokee and the Subaru Forester are worthwhile choices if you're interested in doing some light off-roading.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the RAV4 drive? The RAV4 doesn't impress here, unfortunately. The engine is willing around town, and passing and merging are drama-free. But if you're in a huge rush, you might notice the engine's ultimately modest power delivery. In zzdcar testing, our RAV4 test vehicle needed 9.1 seconds to cover 0-60 mph, which is slightly slower than the class average.

　　Another gripe we have is with the steering, which is vague at the center point and doesn't have appropriate levels of feel and heft. As such, it's easy to misjudge your level of input. In better news, the RAV4's optional upgraded AWD system includes rear-axle torque vectoring and more advanced traction control systems with selectable terrain settings and hill descent control. These systems, plus respectable ground clearance, give the RAV4 Adventure above-average off-road ability for a small SUV.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the RAV4? The RAV4's suspension is tuned to strike a good balance between control and softness. The body doesn't bound or float when you drive over bumps, and small to moderate impacts are absorbed without much drama. As for the front seats, they are nicely sculpted and padded appropriately, but the seat bottoms begin to feel flat on longer drives. The passenger side's lack of adjustment can also make it difficult to find a comfortable position.

　　At highway speeds, the RAV4 is generally quiet. The exception is when you hit the gas for a burst of speed, at which point the engine sound gets rather coarse. We do like the climate system's performance. Air distribution is ideal, with forward vents that can be closed off completely and vents for the rear seat.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The driving position, roominess, and ease of entry and exit are all good. But the RAV4 would score higher if the front passenger seat wasn't set so high or could be adjusted down. The driver's seat and steering wheel have a good range of adjustment, but tall drivers might want a smidge more of each. Outward visibility is praiseworthy.

　　The control layout is intuitive with large, easy-to-read labeling. The audio system and climate system controls are islands unto themselves, and everything else is right where you expect it to be. The big rubberized climate control knobs are nice too. Our only gripe is that the touchscreen is too far away from the driver. The tuning knob, in particular, requires a reach to twist.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The RAV4's interface has a mix of touchscreen and fixed buttons that are easy to learn without consulting the owner's manual. But even though the RAV4 is relatively new, the touchscreen's graphics look dated. The sound system works well enough, but it's nothing special. You do get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto this year. It's a good thing too since Toyota's native Entune software remains clunky.

　　The standard suite of driver aids is impressive. It includes adaptive cruise control that works down to 0 mph, automatic emergency braking, drowsy driver detection, automatic high beams, lane keeping assist, and something called Line Tracing Assist, which is an active (but not hands-free) steering aid.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The RAV4's cargo hold is nearly the biggest in its class. You get 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 69.8 cubic feet with them stowed. The RAV4 is also easy to load thanks to a low cargo floor. Up front, the cabin has numerous shelves and bins to handle assorted road-trip paraphernalia. If you're planning on towing, certain versions of the RAV4 can pull up to 3,500 pounds, which is above average for a small SUV.

　　Parents with young kids will appreciate the RAV4. It's easy to locate and connect safety seats to the lower car seat anchors. Likewise, tethering to the three upper anchors is straightforward. Forward-facing seats and boosters fit readily, but installing a rear-facing infant seat on the passenger side will likely require scooting the front seat up. The too-high front passenger seat is the issue.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the RAV4 will get 27-30 mpg in combined city/highway driving, depending on the powertrain and trim level. We drove an AWD Adventure carrying three people, equipment and luggage for more than 7,000 miles. And over a variety of road and weather conditions, we averaged 28.6 mpg. Our best tank was 32.3 mpg and the worst was 25.6 mpg.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the RAV4 a good value? The RAV4 is well built inside, with nice layered materials and seams that are invisible because they're built into the styling. It has tactile touches such as rubberized grip surfaces on the interior door pulls and the radio and climate knobs. The RAV4's optional simulated leather upholstery feels soft and pliable, and the stitching is tidy. Toyota's warranty coverage is average, but you do get a generous two years/25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　Driving a RAV4 isn't a chore, but it's not particularly memorable either. It's at its best when you go with the Adventure or TRD Off-Road trim level. The advanced torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system, capable traction control system with multiple terrain settings, and styling that's a little more rugged help the RAV4 stand out a little more.

　　

Which RAV4 does zzdcar recommend?

There really seems to be a RAV4 to fit any need and budget, but the XLE Premium trim strikes a good balance between features and price. Its power liftgate, in particular, is a worthwhile upgrade. The Adventure and the new TRD Off-Road trims are worthy picks if you're planning on at least occasional trips on dirt roads and trails.

　　

2020 Toyota RAV4 models

The 2020 RAV4 is available in six trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road and Limited. Every trim level comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels aside from the Adventure and the TRD Off-Road, which get all-wheel drive. Otherwise, all-wheel drive is optional.

　　However, the LE and the XLE get RAV4's standard AWD system. The Adventure, the TRD Off-Road and the Limited possess an upgraded system with a torque-vectoring feature that can shift power distribution between the rear wheels to enhance traction when driving on dirt or snowy roads.

　　You might expect the RAV4 LE, as the base-level trim, to be sparsely equipped, but that's not the case. It comes standard with features such as LED headlights, a variety of driver safety aids (Toyota Safety Sense 2.0), a 7-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a USB port and a six-speaker sound system.

　　The XLE adds more convenience features such as push-button start, keyless entry, a power-adjustable driver's seat, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more USB charging ports. Next up is the XLE Premium. It comes with bigger wheels, a slightly raised suspension, a sunroof, a power liftgate, simulated leather upholstery (SofTex), and soft-touch dashboard materials.

　　The Adventure is a bit special since it adds some styling flourishes along with its extra equipment. On top of the XLE Premium's contents (minus the sunroof and power liftgate), the Adventure has unique wheels, fender flares, taller roof rails, selectable terrain drive modes, hill descent control, and an 8-inch touchscreen, among a few other features.

　　The new TRD Off-Road model pushes the Adventure's features list further with all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, unique black trim elements, the sunroof, the power liftgate and unique interior trim.

　　The Limited builds on the XLE Premium's equipment with chrome exterior trim and more interior upgrades such as heated front seats, a virtual rearview mirror, the 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system.

　　Some of the Limited's upgrades can be added to the Adventure, XLE Premium and XLE trim levels through a variety of packages. Other notable options, depending on the trim level, include a surround-view parking camera, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and wireless smartphone charging.

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2020 RAV4 Highlights

Trim: BaseXLELEXLE PremiumAdventureLimitedTRD Off-RoadBase

　　

Base MSRP	$25,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$124/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	37.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles