Toyota RAV4 2007 - The RAV Gets Raves

If there's anyone out there that doesn't like Toyota's updated version of the RAV4, I can't find them. The RAV is a Consumer Reports Top Pick in the small SUV category, and was chosen as Autobytel.com Editor's Choice.  As a Cars.com Editor's Choice in the Compact SUV category, the RAV was
compared to a "Golden Retriever; friendly, unthreatening and practically everywhere."  And after all, who doesn't like golden retrievers!

Anne Goldsmith, of Grass Valley, California, agrees.  She purchased her silver Rav last year to transport her two Austalian Cattle Dogs to dog shows, agility trials, search and rescue practice, and sometimes to  a real search for a lost child in the wilderness.   But regardless of the circumstances, Anne has absolutely no complaints about the car. 

Within two weeks of purchasing the RAV, with both dogs in the car, she was sideswiped on the freeway by a large truck.  She credits the car with saving her life AND that of her dogs, who were a bit traumatized, but unharmed.  She's could very well be right.  The RAV has received fairly high ratings in the IIHS crash test .

Let's get down to details.  What's so good about the RAV?  First, the new model introduced in 2006 is bigger than the older one, by 14" in length to be exact.  This gives it much better dog car potential than it's predecessor, which had a measily 35" between the wheel wells. 

There's room for one large and one medium size crate side by side, providing two cattledogs with room to spread out.  With 43" between the wheel wells, large size SUV crates should also fit.  Also note the relatively squared off back, which, as far as we're concerned, is always preferably to the slanting rear that can impinge upon otherwise usable crate space. 

Just keep in mind that you're not going to be able to fit two large crates behind the second row seats, though it may be possible with slant-front crates. 

Toyota has maximized the interior cargo space while still keeping the RAV small and efficient enough to get excellent mileage, up to 27 highway mpg on the two wheel drive version, and up to 26 highway mpg on the four wheel drive model, per  Fueleconomy.gov .

I said everyone loves the RAV, but I didn't say it was perfect.  When pressed, the one disadvantage often mentioned is the rear, right opening door, which can be less convenient than a hatch that lifts up.  It also seems better designed for curbs on the left in Japan rather than the right side curbs we have in the U.S.  But Anne points to the fact that mounting the spare tire on that rear door opens up room under the floor for storage.  Of course, this storage is not easy to get at if you have the car loaded up with dogs, but it is extra storage nonetheless.  

After living with the RAV for almost a year, Anne is so fond of her silver RAV she no longer views the rear door as a disadvantage, though she points out that it's harder to keep the rear of the car dry when she needs to open up the back in a rainstorm.  But she's learned that that she can use the door to create a tent-like effect with a shade cloth, to help keep the dogs cool, and considers that a good trade off.

I have to admit, I just think the RAV is the cutest SUV out there.  Which, note the word "cute",  begs the question...is it a girl car?  Some people apparently think so.  I've started an informal count based on the RAVs I see on the road, so far it's 50-50 men and women drivers.  I probably need a better sample size, so I'll continue my count and let you know the results.

I like the styling, the gas mileage, the space between the wheel wells, and the Toyota reliability.   I particularly like the Rav in Pacific Blue Metallic.  This car is a definitely on my list of cars I'd like to buy.  I'm "in like" with the RAV, and I'm not the only one!

Mileage

2WD              21 City  27 Hwy  24 Combined

4WD              20 City  26 Hwy  24 Combined

More Information

Edmunds Profile

Toyota RAV Info from Toyota.com

Motor Trend - First Look: 2006 Toyota Rav4 V6 Sport

DogCars.com - 2007 Toyota RAV4 Review

About.com: 2007 Toyota RAV4

Just for Fun - RAV Commercial From New Zealand

Measurements
Depth from back door to front seats (2nd/3rd row folded) = maximum depth (D1)	67"/76"
Depth from back door to second row seats (D2)	37"
Dept from back door to third row seats (D3)	n/a
Height from cargo floor to ceiling behind front seats (H1)	33.5"
Height from cargo floor to ceiling behind 2nd row seats (H2)	38"
Height from cargo floor to ceiling at entry of vehicle (H3)	36.5"
Height of wheel arches (H4)	11.5
Height from ground to top of bumper (not pictured)	21.25"
Width of cargo area at ceiling (W1)	36.25
Width of cargo area maximum (approx. at 2nd row seats (W2)	48.5"
Width of cargo area between wheel arches	43"
Illustrated dimensions 1 (W1, W2, W3, D2, D3) Illustrated dimensions 2 (H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, D1)

Ventilation

Air vents in front only

Rear hatch window doesn't open

Rear side windows don't open.

Sunroof available

Miscellaneous
Location of speakers	front and back seat doors
Electrical outlet in rear	no
Electrical outlet in middle	no
Electrical outlet in front	yes
Location of spare tire	on rear door
Tailgate Lifts up	no
Roof Rack Capacity	150 lbs.
Rear Seats	second row seats fold almost flat

Cargo Volume (cu. Ft.)
3rd-row seats down; 2nd-row seats down	73 cubic feet
2nd-row seats up	36.4 cubic feet