Notices
Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Innova

2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 14, 2013 | 06:05 AM
  #1  
Sulu's Avatar
Sulu
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 31
From: Canada
Default 2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE

According to this test, the RAV4 uses less fuel than the Mazda's SkyActiv CX-5.

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.
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.
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.
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
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 09:04 AM
  #2  
PhilipMSPT's Avatar
PhilipMSPT
Cycle Savant
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 21,528
Likes: 9
From: In rehab...
Default

Since the engine is the same, can the six-speed tranny affect fuel consumption so significantly compared to the previous five-speed?
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 09:06 AM
  #3  
Joeb427's Avatar
Joeb427
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 11,670
Likes: 20
From: SC
Default

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.

Last edited by Joeb427; May 14, 2013 at 09:13 AM.
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 09:10 AM
  #4  
ST430's Avatar
ST430
Pole Position
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 219
From: Silicon Valley
Default

Originally Posted by PhilipMSPT
Since the engine is the same, can the six-speed tranny affect fuel consumption so significantly compared to the previous five-speed?
Unfortunately, the previous gen (4.3) was only a 4 speed, but still had great mileage and power nevertheless.
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 09:21 AM
  #5  
PhilipMSPT's Avatar
PhilipMSPT
Cycle Savant
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 21,528
Likes: 9
From: In rehab...
Default

Originally Posted by ST430
Unfortunately, the previous gen (4.3) was only a 4 speed, but still had great mileage and power nevertheless.
Ahhh...

Yes. 4-cylinder had four-speed. V6 had five-speed.

Forgot about that...
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 02:02 PM
  #6  
Hoovey689's Avatar
Hoovey689
2UR-GSE Owner
15 Year Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,476
Likes: 321
From: California
Default

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.
I'd still choose the CX-5 over the Rav4. Agreed that the Mazda was AWD so it will get worse fuel economy. Also have to wonder whether the test used the CX-5 with SkyActiv 2.0 or 2.5 which would make a difference too
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 02:47 PM
  #7  
spwolf's Avatar
spwolf
Lexus Fanatic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,238
Likes: 274
Default

Originally Posted by PhilipMSPT
Since the engine is the same, can the six-speed tranny affect fuel consumption so significantly compared to the previous five-speed?
ZR is pretty new engine too... 6 speed adds to that.
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 07:46 PM
  #8  
Sulu's Avatar
Sulu
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 31
From: Canada
Default

Originally Posted by spwolf
ZR is pretty new engine too... 6 speed adds to that.
We use the 2.5-litre AR engine here in North America.
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 07:51 PM
  #9  
Sulu's Avatar
Sulu
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 31
From: Canada
Default

Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
I'd still choose the CX-5 over the Rav4. Agreed that the Mazda was AWD so it will get worse fuel economy. Also have to wonder whether the test used the CX-5 with SkyActiv 2.0 or 2.5 which would make a difference too
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.
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 07:53 PM
  #10  
84Cressida's Avatar
84Cressida
Lead Lap
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
From: CA
Default

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.
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 07:58 PM
  #11  
Hoovey689's Avatar
Hoovey689
2UR-GSE Owner
15 Year Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,476
Likes: 321
From: California
Default

Originally Posted by Sulu
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.
I wouldn't say answer if it's not battery vs battery. But certainly a fuel efficient powertrain
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 08:00 PM
  #12  
Hoovey689's Avatar
Hoovey689
2UR-GSE Owner
15 Year Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,476
Likes: 321
From: California
Default

Originally Posted by 84Cressida
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.
The V6 is no longer offered on the Rav4
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 08:52 PM
  #13  
TRDFantasy's Avatar
TRDFantasy
Lexus Fanatic
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
Default

Originally Posted by PhilipMSPT
Since the engine is the same, can the six-speed tranny affect fuel consumption so significantly compared to the previous five-speed?
Apart from the tranny, I believe the engine has minor improvements as Toyota usually does.
Reply
Old May 14, 2013 | 09:31 PM
  #14  
LexFather
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I like the interior but the exterior leaves me cold. Not for me anyway

FE is impressive
Reply
Old May 15, 2013 | 03:56 AM
  #15  
SteVTEC's Avatar
SteVTEC
Lexus Test Driver
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Default

Originally Posted by Sulu
According to this test, the RAV4 uses less fuel than the Mazda's SkyActiv CX-5.
FWD in the RAV4 vs AWD in the CX-5, so apples to oranges.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:40 AM.