2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE
05-14-13, 06:05 AM
#1
Lexus Champion
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2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE
According to this test, the RAV4 uses less fuel than the Mazda's SkyActiv CX-5.
Note that the source article is a 4-day blog so you will have to read from the bottom up.
Source: 2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE
I do not give out very many five-wheel ratings to vehicles and it turns out last week with the Ford Fusion Hybrid I gave the Fusion a five for its incredible 5.4 L/100 km achievement. The trend continues this week as well, but in a vehicle that is not a Hybrid – the Toyota RAV4 truly impressed.
Verified at the pumps over two tanks of fuel and nearly 1,000 km, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 averaged a stunning 7.3 L/100 km [32 mpg] for me during my week. This is truly remarkable! For comparison the Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv averaged a very impressive 8.0 L/100 km [29 mpg] when I drove it, but to be fair the Mazda was all-wheel drive.
7.3 L/100 km [32 mpg] in an SUV just blows my mind when we consistently average 6.9 L/100 km [34 mpg] in our Toyota Yaris. The RAV has bested most compact, subcompact and mid-sized sedans that I have tested and blew away any and all SUVs.
Verified at the pumps over two tanks of fuel and nearly 1,000 km, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 averaged a stunning 7.3 L/100 km [32 mpg] for me during my week. This is truly remarkable! For comparison the Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv averaged a very impressive 8.0 L/100 km [29 mpg] when I drove it, but to be fair the Mazda was all-wheel drive.
7.3 L/100 km [32 mpg] in an SUV just blows my mind when we consistently average 6.9 L/100 km [34 mpg] in our Toyota Yaris. The RAV has bested most compact, subcompact and mid-sized sedans that I have tested and blew away any and all SUVs.
The new RAV4 interior looks more upscale than the previous generation, which looked kind of plain and boring.
...this RAV4, a very comfortable cruiser...
What you will notice immediately is the quick responding and smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. And with the RAV4 in ECO mode it is quick to shift up a gear to keep you in optimal fuel-saving mode. As I accelerated away from a light from 0–80 km/h at a constant increase in speed I noted the transmission shifted at almost exactly 1,750 rpm each time and cruising speed settled in at around 1,500 rpm.
In a hurry? Reach down, press the Sport button and rocket off the line. Sure this new RAV4 isn’t as fast as the outgoing V6 model, which truly was a rocket ship, but it is no slouch. With the front-wheel drive layout offered in my tester it is easy enough to peel off some rubber on takeoff if one chooses to.
What you will notice immediately is the quick responding and smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. And with the RAV4 in ECO mode it is quick to shift up a gear to keep you in optimal fuel-saving mode. As I accelerated away from a light from 0–80 km/h at a constant increase in speed I noted the transmission shifted at almost exactly 1,750 rpm each time and cruising speed settled in at around 1,500 rpm.
In a hurry? Reach down, press the Sport button and rocket off the line. Sure this new RAV4 isn’t as fast as the outgoing V6 model, which truly was a rocket ship, but it is no slouch. With the front-wheel drive layout offered in my tester it is easy enough to peel off some rubber on takeoff if one chooses to.
Although some may have preferred the look of the previous generation, I like this new RAV4, it is clean and somehow looks smaller. I will say that it does look a little generic in a class of crossovers that are all starting to look the same, but the pointy nose sets it apart a little.
Source: 2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE
05-14-13, 09:06 AM
#3
The wife and I looked at it.It's much better than the last generation.
I did like the blind spot and seat memory availability.
However,the wife liked the new CR-V more and I did too.
We had an '11 and the new generation CR-V is much better than the previous generation in every respect too.
I did like the blind spot and seat memory availability.
However,the wife liked the new CR-V more and I did too.
We had an '11 and the new generation CR-V is much better than the previous generation in every respect too.
Last edited by Joeb427; 05-14-13 at 09:13 AM.
05-14-13, 09:10 AM
#4
Pole Position
05-14-13, 02:02 PM
#6
Verified at the pumps over two tanks of fuel and nearly 1,000 km, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 averaged a stunning 7.3 L/100 km [32 mpg] for me during my week. This is truly remarkable! For comparison the Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv averaged a very impressive 8.0 L/100 km [29 mpg] when I drove it, but to be fair the Mazda was all-wheel drive.
05-14-13, 02:47 PM
#7
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05-14-13, 07:51 PM
#9
Lexus Champion
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The SkyActiv technologies were supposed to be Mazda's answer to hybrid technologies -- similar excellent fuel consumption without the expense or complications of hybrid technology -- but it seems that it is not living up to the hype.
05-14-13, 07:53 PM
#10
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I drove an LE last week. I thought it drove very nice and smooth with plenty of power. I also thought the handling was good for a crossover with a nicely weighted wheel and controlled body roll. The V6 can't be beat in refinement and power, but the I4 is no slouch in either.
05-14-13, 08:00 PM
#12
I drove an LE last week. I thought it drove very nice and smooth with plenty of power. I also thought the handling was good for a crossover with a nicely weighted wheel and controlled body roll. The V6 can't be beat in refinement and power, but the I4 is no slouch in either.
05-14-13, 08:52 PM
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