2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited Review
Now You Can Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!
Overview
Holding its head high and proud, the Toyota RAV4 is a segment leader and the Limited Edition is the top of the line model. Reminiscing on the roots of the RAV4, it is important to recognize that the RAV4 is a pioneer, this was the first small crossover SUV that started this popular trend.
When upgraded to a Limited trim level, the RAV4 comes equipped with power front seats, with an 8-way driver seat, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather trimmed shifter level, power lift gate, push-button start, visor extensions, Softex trimmed seats with intricate French stitching, 18-inch alloy wheels and Softex covered console box and armrest.
While all-wheel drive is offered in the RAV4, this vehicle is not particularly built for off-roading. Sitting low to the ground, the RAV4 offers very little ground clearance at only 6.3 inches; but that is ok, the RAV4 is truly built for on-road performance and it can handle all-weather conditions like a champ.
New for 2014
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned so the 2014 model carries over without any significant changes. For 2013, there was an addition of a traditional lift gate, a 6-speed automatic transmission and now there is only one available engine option. All of changes were carried over to the 2014 model.
Interior/Exterior Features
Short and sweet is one way you could describe the 2014 RAV4. It has attractive exterior styling and it is one of the smaller SUVs on the market. On the inside, the interior features many upgraded materials and the RAV4 gives you the feeling of a high quality vehicle. If you look in the back of the RAV4, you will notice there is no longer an available third row, but consumers don’t seem to mind so much because not many people opted for the third row in the first place. The backseat is very spacious and it reclines; however, the second row seat no longer slides and is a little firm for long car trips.
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited Edition interior is classy and elicits a very upscale feel with the aesthetically pleasing color blocking scheme. The Softex material that trims the seats, center console, and armrest is similar to leather, but an advantage of the Softex is that in the hot sun, it doesn’t heat up like leather does. Also offered in the Limited is the adjustable-height, power lift gate with jam protection. When it comes to entertainment, the Limited Edition also offers the available Entune JBL audio system with navigation and App Suite.
Performance/Drivetrain Features
Looking under the hood of the 2014 RAV4 Limited, you will find a 2.5-liter I-4 engine that produces 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet torque that is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine is powerful and efficient, the EPA rating is 22/31 mpg which is extremely competitive for this segment. When revving the engine, you may notice it might be a little louder than some of the other engines from other rivals.
One complaint many people have about the 2014 Toyota RAV4 is the fact that the V-6 engine option has not been offered since the 2012 model. It is a shame if you ask me, because it offered more power and still delivered excellent fuel economy ratings.
Safety/Mechanical Features
The rearview camera is standard, which is a major plus in my book, and I wish all SUV/CUV manufacturers would follow the same trend. All models come with 8 standard airbags and the upper-trim levels will come equipped with cross-traffic alerts and blind spot monitors. Over the years the RAV4 has won many top safety awards, and the engineers at Toyota keeps safety a top priority.
There is now a Sport mode that electromagnetically sends torque to the rear wheels when slip is detected to offer better handling. This mode also gives you heavier steeling and a feel of greater control. When the road ahead is at its worse, have no fear in the RAV4 with the Lock feature, you can achieve the best possible traction allowing you to plow right through even the worse weather conditions.
What’s it like to Drive?
Low to the ground and rather car-like, the RAV4 drives very well, it’s very responsive and the steering is well-weighted. This car handles well on the pavement and not to sound cliché, but it truly hugs the curves. While the front-wheel drive does great in most weather conditions, many are going to opt for the $1400 all-wheel drive option which makes the 2014 RAV4 capable of taking on any weather situation with ease.
While snow and ice may not be an issue for the RAV4, I wouldn’t plan on any serious off-roading. A basic trail at your favorite camping destination I am sure would be nothing the RAV4 couldn’t handle. When you consider its low ground clearance, you probably wouldn’t want to take it up and down steep hills and really muddy terrains.
Because it is sexy, smart and versatile, the RAV4 has become a legend for the Toyota Motor Company. It all comes down to economical gain in the compact crossover segment and Toyota hits a home-run with the RAV4 coming in at extremely competitive prices and offering class-leading fuel economy ratings.
Specifications
Now You Can Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!
Overview
Holding its head high and proud, the Toyota RAV4 is a segment leader and the Limited Edition is the top of the line model. Reminiscing on the roots of the RAV4, it is important to recognize that the RAV4 is a pioneer, this was the first small crossover SUV that started this popular trend.
When upgraded to a Limited trim level, the RAV4 comes equipped with power front seats, with an 8-way driver seat, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather trimmed shifter level, power lift gate, push-button start, visor extensions, Softex trimmed seats with intricate French stitching, 18-inch alloy wheels and Softex covered console box and armrest.
While all-wheel drive is offered in the RAV4, this vehicle is not particularly built for off-roading. Sitting low to the ground, the RAV4 offers very little ground clearance at only 6.3 inches; but that is ok, the RAV4 is truly built for on-road performance and it can handle all-weather conditions like a champ.
New for 2014
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned so the 2014 model carries over without any significant changes. For 2013, there was an addition of a traditional lift gate, a 6-speed automatic transmission and now there is only one available engine option. All of changes were carried over to the 2014 model.
Interior/Exterior Features
Short and sweet is one way you could describe the 2014 RAV4. It has attractive exterior styling and it is one of the smaller SUVs on the market. On the inside, the interior features many upgraded materials and the RAV4 gives you the feeling of a high quality vehicle. If you look in the back of the RAV4, you will notice there is no longer an available third row, but consumers don’t seem to mind so much because not many people opted for the third row in the first place. The backseat is very spacious and it reclines; however, the second row seat no longer slides and is a little firm for long car trips.
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited Edition interior is classy and elicits a very upscale feel with the aesthetically pleasing color blocking scheme. The Softex material that trims the seats, center console, and armrest is similar to leather, but an advantage of the Softex is that in the hot sun, it doesn’t heat up like leather does. Also offered in the Limited is the adjustable-height, power lift gate with jam protection. When it comes to entertainment, the Limited Edition also offers the available Entune JBL audio system with navigation and App Suite.
Performance/Drivetrain Features
Looking under the hood of the 2014 RAV4 Limited, you will find a 2.5-liter I-4 engine that produces 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet torque that is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine is powerful and efficient, the EPA rating is 22/31 mpg which is extremely competitive for this segment. When revving the engine, you may notice it might be a little louder than some of the other engines from other rivals.
One complaint many people have about the 2014 Toyota RAV4 is the fact that the V-6 engine option has not been offered since the 2012 model. It is a shame if you ask me, because it offered more power and still delivered excellent fuel economy ratings.
Safety/Mechanical Features
The rearview camera is standard, which is a major plus in my book, and I wish all SUV/CUV manufacturers would follow the same trend. All models come with 8 standard airbags and the upper-trim levels will come equipped with cross-traffic alerts and blind spot monitors. Over the years the RAV4 has won many top safety awards, and the engineers at Toyota keeps safety a top priority.
There is now a Sport mode that electromagnetically sends torque to the rear wheels when slip is detected to offer better handling. This mode also gives you heavier steeling and a feel of greater control. When the road ahead is at its worse, have no fear in the RAV4 with the Lock feature, you can achieve the best possible traction allowing you to plow right through even the worse weather conditions.
What’s it like to Drive?
Low to the ground and rather car-like, the RAV4 drives very well, it’s very responsive and the steering is well-weighted. This car handles well on the pavement and not to sound cliché, but it truly hugs the curves. While the front-wheel drive does great in most weather conditions, many are going to opt for the $1400 all-wheel drive option which makes the 2014 RAV4 capable of taking on any weather situation with ease.
While snow and ice may not be an issue for the RAV4, I wouldn’t plan on any serious off-roading. A basic trail at your favorite camping destination I am sure would be nothing the RAV4 couldn’t handle. When you consider its low ground clearance, you probably wouldn’t want to take it up and down steep hills and really muddy terrains.
Because it is sexy, smart and versatile, the RAV4 has become a legend for the Toyota Motor Company. It all comes down to economical gain in the compact crossover segment and Toyota hits a home-run with the RAV4 coming in at extremely competitive prices and offering class-leading fuel economy ratings.
Specifications
- Starting Price: $28,320
- Engine Options: 2.5-liter I-4 176 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- Trim Levels: Limited
- Transmission Options: 6-speed automatic with OD
- Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Seating: 5 passengers
- Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles