Toyota RAV4 LE Review: What impresses us about the base model

“Waku-doki” (the Japanese term for “heart-pumping excitement,” also a term co-opted by Toyota) may be so two years ago but blame the all-new RAV4 for reminding me how much fun compact SUVs can be.

You see, there’s a tendency for this segment to get stale and bland as engines are downsized for better fuel economy. But while Toyota has always been a proponent of higher efficiency, it has never shied away from all things fun.

The all-new RAV4 has three trims but only one engine option, so it was refreshing to feel that even with the 2.5 LE (base model), it delivers on its promise of a great ride. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’m totally digging the new tough look as well.

 Toyota RAV4 Exterior

Its exterior is inspired by the FT-AC concept, a teaser of which appeared at the 2017 LA Auto Show, and also shows similarities with its bigger sibling, the FJ Cruiser.

This fifth-gen is shorter, wider, has a longer wheelbase, and the effect of spaciousness and handling was instantly felt. Standout features of the new design include the hexagonal grille and polygonal wheel arches. The hood appears beefy with heavily contoured sides to match the many striking lines and chiseled profile found all over the body. Making its façade look sturdy and unique is the two-tiered trapezoidal grille (lower part inherited from the previous generation) that immediately makes this compact SUV look strapping.

LED headlamps are slimmer, and use parabolic reflectors to prevent light from spreading out and focuses it on the road ahead without blinding drivers in oncoming traffic. The rear combination lamps may look plain compared to all the action in front, but Toyota claims its angular form is due to the aero fins on the outer lenses that increase stability.

There are side fins on the roof and a rear spoiler that also help aerodynamic efficiency.

 Toyota RAV4 Interior

It has a basic keyless entry system with key-in ignition. I know you want “smart entry” and a Start/Stop button but remember that this only costs P1.653 million. Those features are for the higher trims.

The cabin feels very spacious – and that’s even with a big center console. The second row has aircon vents and a lot of legroom, plus the cargo area can fit at least four pieces of check-in-sized luggage with extra room to spare. Seats are covered in fabric and are manually adjustable.

There’s the same polygonal theme on the dashboard and the door panels, not to mention oversized door handles and large aircon knobs à la the FJ Cruiser. There’s a lot of good-quality plastic inside – especially the panels and center tunnel – but the dashboard comes padded and stitched for styling.

I love the shape and size of the gear shifter – wide enough to rest your hand and short enough for utmost sportiness. It comes with a 4.2-inch touchscreen display with an operating system that’s not highly intuitive. There’s a bit of a learning curve, not steep but you’ll need to take a couple of minutes to get a hang of the interface.

 Toyota RAV4 Engine

On to the best part, the A25A-FKS gasoline engine, also known as Dynamic Force engine.

With a higher compression ratio at 13:1 (compared to the previous-gen same-sized RAV4 engine), it puts out an extra 27hp and 10Nm of torque. While these may seem like small numbers, it makes for a responsive, and even energetic drive, on Eco mode.

Speaking of, there are two other drive modes available, Normal and Sport. The location of the buttons is conveniently found just right beside the shifter and can be reached by simply extending a finger. You’ll do more than fine in the city with Eco mode. Normal enhances the performance a little bit but still holds back as it defaults to Eco settings if you aren’t pushing it. Sport gives you all of its 203hp and 243Nm of torque as it keeps the revs above 2,000rpm, which also makes the eight-speed automatic transmission feel extra smooth.

It’s very spritely for a 1.5-ton, bulky-looking, compact SUV. Steering is light but exceedingly accurate and prompt. It turns on a dime and can squeeze out of surprisingly tight spaces with relative ease. Fuel consumption is a very decent 7.3 km/l in pure city driving.

 Toyota RAV4 Ride and Handling

Comfort level is terrific. Cushioning is so good that even with 17-inch wheels, I barely felt the craters and cracks along EDSA. The suspension isn’t anything fancy but it a does a great job isolating the chassis and steering column from noise, vibration, and harshness.

It corners very well for a crossover and if not for the copious cabin space, you’d be fooled into thinking you’re driving a sedan. Steering is light enough and the wheel is a delight to grip. It makes driving easy but not so much that you’re lulled into a sense of too much ease and the vehicle being more compact than it is.

Verdict

While you’ll think of it bare without cruise control, front and back sonar, wireless charging capability, and a moonroof, the only feature that should really matter is a reverse camera/monitor. All the rest are just add-ons you won’t even miss.

What it does have is the RAV4’s essence, the fun and adventurous character embodied by its design and driving dynamics. And what’s more, you don’t have to buy the top-of-the-line to feel it.

Also Read: Toyota RAV4 is hailed Japan’s Car of the Year for 2019