However, the image of the rugged, off-road-ready SUV, popular since the introduction of this type of vehicle 15 years ago, no longer defines the RAV4 and its competitors. The exterior spare tire, the side body cladding, the perceived necessity of 4×4 drivetrains along with high ground clearance have all been reduced or eliminated. The compact SUV has evolved into a predominately urban conveyance: sleeker, more comfortable, more car-like (last year’s RAV4 didn’t even offer a mid-range FWD version).
 2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE FWD. Click image to enlarge |
This defines the 2013 Toyota RAV4. The company has done a good job of modernizing its venerable compact ute; the new duds enhancing its desirability when compared with similar vehicles (and there are many…) from its competitors. The price, too, is down from last year and stacks up well against the competition.
A friend who recently paid more for a one-year old competitor summed it up as follows:
“This is under $30,000! Why did I pay so much more for mine?”
Why, indeed?
2013 Toyota RAV4 FWD XLE
Base Price (XLE): $27,000
Options: $1,170
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,635
Price as tested: $29,905
Origin: Woodstock, Ontario
Competitors:
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Escape
GMC Terrain
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Mazda CX-5
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
