2013 Rav4

[tacomadave]

I personally like the new look, Rav4 was getting a bit dated looking. Wish they kept the spare on the back though.


http://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/rav4/

http://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/rav4/teaser?woSessionId=50ezG4xqMXwjmvVV1xTbgM&woInstanceId=26&locale=en

Photos:

http://media.toyota.ca/pr/tci/en/toyota/photo.aspx?ncid=13022

 

[Flagster]

subaru?

 

[Cee-Jay]

Ugh. The 2012s were boring but not objectionable looking. The 2013 looks little more interesting that the 2012, but not very good looking in my opinion. Did they hire somebody from Pontiac to help with the styling?

 

[haven]

Here's a screen grab from one of Toyota's publicity photos.

For 2013, Toyota has dropped the V6 engine option. A 2.5L four is the only engine choice. The only transmission is a 6 speed automatic. (I'm no fan of CVTs, so big ups to Toyota here.) None of the RAV4's competitors have a V6 in 2013, but there are turbo 4 cylinder motors offered by Subaru and Ford. A pure electric version of the RAV4, using Tesla technology, is due shortly.

EPA estimate for the 2013 RAV4 with FWD is 24/31. Make that 22/29 for the all wheel drive model.

Another feature that changed for 2013 is that the tailgate lifts up, rather than opening like a door. The 1990s RAV4 had a door instead of a tailgate due to the weight of the spare tire, which was mounted on the door. Succeeding models kept the door, even though the spare was moved beneath the cargo area. For 2013, no more door.

 

[Clutch]

subaru?

I do speculate if it is on the same platform as the Forester. The body looks awfully similar.

They are in cahoots with Suby on the FT86, makes a person wonder.

 

[Flagster]

I do speculate if it is on the same platform as the Forester. The body looks awfully similar.

They are in cahoots with Suby on the FT86, makes a person wonder.

That's what I was thinking???

 

[Clutch]

That's what I was thinking???

In the 2014 Forester thread they are saying no, but I dunno...

 

[BigSwede]

For 2013, Toyota has dropped the V6 engine option.

That makes no sense. My DD is an 2008 RAV4 V6. This thing gets upper 20s mpg highway and low 20s around town. And with 269 hp, it really scoots, and can pull a trailer with ease. Nothing else can match that combination of power and economy...and they drop it???

Another feature that changed for 2013 is that the tailgate lifts up, rather than opening like a door. The 1990s RAV4 had a door instead of a tailgate due to the weight of the spare tire, which was mounted on the door. Succeeding models kept the door, even though the spare was moved beneath the cargo area. For 2013, no more door.

Great, another liftgate for me to gouge my forehead on. I love the swinging door and the easily accessible spare.

Oh, and the spare was never under the cargo area. There is a compartment under the floor, or third row seats if you have that option, in the 06-12 models.

 

[WagoneerSX4]

It makes sense. I was discouraged when Suzuki dropped (or rather had it taken away) their V6 in the Grand Vitara. But then my parents bought a '12 GV with the 2.4L 4cyl and I can't say that it needs a V6. It pulls our 3,000lb boat with ease, and even though it only has a 4 speed auto it never really feels underpowered.

The only thing about having a larger engine that is nice is the torque on the highway. You can also sometimes cruise at much faster speeds on the highway and get better mileage than the smaller engine would at the same speed.

But in saying that, holy that thing is ugly. There goes one more vehicle that fits right in with the mindless, computer designed mess of lines that makes up every other newly designed car out on the road now.

 

[LOKNLOD]

I swear all the automakers are trying to slowly merge all the "cute ute"/crossover vehicles into one identical vehicle they can all make and share. They all just keep looking more and more alike in that segment.

 

[BigSwede]

I swear all the automakers are trying to slowly merge all the "cute ute"/crossover vehicles into one identical vehicle they can all make and share. They all just keep looking more and more alike in that segment.

I have noticed that too, they are definitely looking more and more alike.

 

[BigSwede]

I can't say that it needs a V6.

What does "need" have to do with it?

 

[JP5EDC]

Needs moar V6!

 

[xkid]

I swear all the automakers are trying to slowly merge all the "cute ute"/crossover vehicles into one identical vehicle they can all make and share. They all just keep looking more and more alike in that segment.

Yes they are.

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

ugh, that thing is almost as ugly as the Nissan Murano. Seems like everyone is merging towards these bland, everything-looks-the-same, total lack of character vehicles. I loved the Rav4 once they went to the 4-door models and have seriously considered trading my truck for one. Well, Toyota just cured that...blech.