Susan Frissell, www.womenwithwheels.com
The ever-popular Toyota RAV4 just got better for 2015. A sought after drive since its humble beginnings, this compact ute is a big favorite; particularly, among female drivers.
Available in three trim levels (LE, XLE, Limited), the new 2015 Toyota RAV4 remains much the same, but with a few updates and tweeks in styling. Based  on its redo in 2013, the RAV4 is a fairly roomy five-passenger wagon, with decent fuel economy, an improved interior décor, but only one choice of engine: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder; in all three trim levels. Rumor has it that in 2016, the RAV may get a turbo engine to compete with VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Escape and Subaru Forester.
All RAV’s are equipped with the same engine (2-liter 4-cylinder) and are offered in both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive. Some 60 percent of buyers opt for the AWD version.
For 2015, the RAV4’s styling doesn’t vary much from the 2013 version. A few creases in the body are noticeable, and of course, the cargo liftgate-a change from the original side-hinged door. Hardly ‘radical,’ the RAV4 looks much like other CUV’s and has some pretty tough competition; namely, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue. All popular among consumers and all with good points.
This year makes for a fourth-generation RAV4, one of the more spacious CUV’s on the market. Rear seat room is generous however, rear seats are a tad hard.  Toyota discontinued the third-row seats, which is not great loss since if you were older than five years, climbing in back was a task. The 2015 RAV4‘s dash remains much the same, complete with a 6.1-inch display screen where one operates climate controls, audio and nav.
The quality of the interior materials is better than in the past, but still not the best. The cargo area is roomy, the ride smooth and Toyota throws in more standard features than in previous versions. We liked the interesting stitching and fabric of the seats, which by the way, are comfortable for driver and front passenger. Our test RAV4 was in the XLE version (selling the most), where trim levels are a bit upgraded.
The second row of seats no longer slides making working with them (folding) a little harder. The writer is inclined to leave the second of seats down as room is needed.
The RAV4 gets Toyota’s 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine in all three trim levels. Almost enough to move this small CUV, the 4-cylinder struggles at times. Maneuvering rough roads can be skittish but highway manners are better, although not sporty. Merging and passing can be done fairly confidently, but don’t expect shooting out in front.
Drivers can opt for Sport or Eco modes. Sport dials back power-steering assist, quickens throttle reaction, and delays upshifts.  Eco mode is intended to save fuel by calibrating shift points, and dialing back on air conditioning.
Most onboard technology is intuitive in the 2015 RAV4. USB-iPod and Bluetooth hands-free mobile-phone and music-streaming connectivity are standard, as are cruise control, a six-speaker CD audio system, satellite radio, and a backup camera.
Toyota’s Entune option is available in different iterations on each trim level, such as the App Suite and/or voice-activated navigation with Toyota’s Entune infotainment interface. Entune connects with an onboard smartphone to access mobile apps, including Pandora and iHeartRadio and the Bing search engine. Pretty cool to have your private phone connected to the car’s audio. The XLE and Limited models offer dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, and specially bolstered front seats among their standard equipment.
Our press RAV4 came equipped with the Entune option ($585) which includes the 6.1-inch high resolution touch screen with split screen display and integrated backup camera display, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, Auxiliary auto jack USB 2.0-port w/iPOD connectivity, control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, music streaming via Bluetooth, wireless technology, Entune App Suite, HD Radio, HD predictive traffic/weather, AM/FM cache radio, SiriusXM, Gracenotes album cover.
The other options on our RAV4 included mudguards $129; carpet floor mats, $225; VIP-RS3200 plus security system, #359; first aid kit, $29; interior light kit, $185..
Specs
MSRP: $26,400; total vehicle price $28,772; destination $860
Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve, dual VVT, 176 hp., 172-lb. ft. torque
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 104.7 in.
Length: 179.9 in.
Width: 72.6 in.
Weight: 3,435-3,465, 3,500 lbs. (LE, XLE, Ltd)
Towing capacity: 1500 lbs.
Fuel tank capacity: 15.9 gal.
EPA mpg: 29/22 mpg.
Tires: all-season steel belted
Wheels: 17-inch alloy
Leave A Comment