2011 Toyota RAV4 - Compact Crossover

The 2011 Toyota RAV4 is the perfect car for those who want a compact crossover with good room, reliability, and resale value. The 2011 RAV4 qualifies as a crossover by blending car type unibody construction with SUV ride height and available all wheel drive. The RAV4 is among the few with a a kid sized third row bench seat with a total of seven passenger capacity.

While the 2009 and 2010 model RAV4s were recalled to replace the deadly sticking gas pedal, all 2011 RAV4s include an electronic brake override system that was phased in during production in 2010. The RAV4 stands for "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4 wheel drive". All RAV4 models are indeed available with all wheel drive, which is not the same as 4WD, but good enough for a crossover. The 2011 RAV4 offers all models with a choice of two engines. Both engines can be teamed with front or all wheel drive. The base is equipped with a 2.4-liter four cylinder that produces 179 horsepower.

The higher trim comes with a V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower, and also has an optional towing package for the V6 Sport and Limited models. The RAV4 pretty much continues forward in appearance from where it was left off in 2009. The changes were subtle, confined mostly to a remolded grille, retouched tail lamps, and some new alloy wheels. The higher trims have subtle differences like a chrome grille insert that's found on the Limited. Inside, it seems like the RAV4 is still behind rivals with its lack of a basic iPod/MP3 port.

Otherwise, the RAV4 is a comprehensively equipped mid-priced crossover. On the safety front, every RAV4 gets antilock four wheel disc brakes with brake assist, plus traction and antiskid control.