The 2010 Toyota RAV4 is largely unchanged. This compact SUV comes in Base, Sport, and Limited trims. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a locking center differential. RAV4 seats 5, but an optional 3rd-row bench on Base and Limited increases capacity to 7. A 179-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is available along with a 269-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 4-cylinder, and the V6 has a 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds with the 4-cylinder, 3,500 pounds with the V6. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front- and 2nd-row curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Hill-ascent and -descent control is standard on V6 RAV4s and included on 4-cylinder models equipped with the 3rd-row seat. All have a side-hinged cargo door. Sport models have a sport suspension. Leather upholstery and a navigation system are optional on the Sport and Limited.
2010 Toyota Rav4COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are 5-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for 7.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
2010 Toyota Rav4
