Toyota RAV4 The Toyota RAV4 comes with front- or all-wheel drive; it is sold in base, Sport and Limited trim levels. Later in the mode...
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| Toyota RAV4 |
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 should carry over intact from the 2011 Toyota RAV4, with some new color choices a perhaps realignment of some equipment packages the only probable changes. Introduction of a special-edition model to mark the end of this RAV4 design generation is an outside possibility. The 2012 RAV4 will continue to battle the likes of the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape for sales leadership in the compact-crossover class.
Should you wait for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 or buy the 2011 Toyota RAV4? The 2012 RAV4 won’t change enough to make the 2011 obsolete. And with a fully redesigned replacement due for model-year 2013, your 2011 RAV4 will be fresher, longer than a 2012 model. Other than a new color choice or two, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 won’t look different than the 2011 RAV4.
Expect the 2012 RAV4 lineup to again be comprised of three models: Base, Sport, and Limited. They’ll remain visually very similar, though Toyota could affect an appearance change for 2012 by expanding availability of an option that eliminates RAV4’s tailgate-mounted spare tire. Mechanical: The 2012 Toyota RAV4 should continue a powertrain strategy in which each model is available with a four- or six-cylinder engine. It has muscle enough to turn the RAV4 into a sporty-quick crossover.
The RAV4's exterior styling follows a modern-rugged theme, Toyota says. The RAV4 has standard seating for five. When equipped with the 50/50-split flat-folding third-row seat, the Toyota RAV4 can seat up to seven people. Downhill Assist Control, which controls speed during off-road descents, and Hill-Start Assist Control, which holds the car in position for 2 or 3 seconds, are optional.
Despite giving the small SUV a more truck-ish appearance of an exterior spare tire, the RAV4 will retain that feature on some models. Underhood, we expect the RAV4’s powertrain offerings to remain unchanged. Although Toyota has stopped short of revealing the specific models, Toyota has said that it will add 10 new hybrid models by 2012 – meaning almost certainly that the next Toyota RAV4 will be one of those models.
