The 2007 Toyota RAV4 is a four-door, compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), available in three trim levels: base ($20,850), Sport ($22,425) and Limited ($23,150). For those prices you get front-wheel drive, a 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower inline-4 and a four-speed automatic transmission. Each model adds more features.
All three trim levels are available with a 3.5-liter, 269-horsepower V6 and five-speed automatic transmission, increasing the price as follows: base ($22,885), Sport ($24,340) and Limited ($25,020). All V6 RAV4's come with Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
Any of the six models is available with full-time all-wheel drive ($1,400).
Standard features for all RAV4s include air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, power windows, keyless-remote locking, manually adjustable passenger seats, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel and auto-off headlamps. The base four-cylinder RAV4 has P215/70R16 tires on steel wheels with hubcaps. The V6 is upgraded with P225/65R17 tires on styled steel wheels. All models come with a full-sized spare.
Options at the base level include a third-row seat ($950); an in-dash, six-CD changer ($200); a selection of 17-inch wheels, both styled steel ($120) and aluminum ($440-560); cargo cover ($140); roof rack side rails ($220); daytime running lights ($40); and a towing package for the V6 ($160) that includes a heavy-duty radiator and fan, transmission oil cooler and 150-amp alternator. The tow package increases the RAV4's pulling capacity from 2000 to 3500 pounds.
The RAV4 Sport adds a roof rack with cross bars; rear privacy glass; fog lamps; sport-tuned suspension; P235/55R18 tires on alloy wheels; and combination hard/soft spare tire cover. Options expand to include a JBL premium stereo with nine speakers, a subwoofer and steering-wheel controls, ($890); and power tilt-and-slide moonroof ($900). The third-row seat is not offered on the Sport.
The Limited model upgrades with dual-zone automatic climate control; the six-CD changer with auxiliary input jack; power-adjustable driver seat; heated outside mirrors; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; rear privacy glass; cargo cover and other amenities. Outside, Limited is distinguished by a chrome grille; fog lamps; P225/65R17 tires on alloy wheels; and a full, hard-shell spare tire cover. Options include the third-row seat ($700-810, depending on engine and drive combination), heated leather seats ($1,490) and the JBL stereo ($640). A rear-seat entertainment system ($1,705) is available only on Limited V6.
Safety features on all RAV4s include dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, LATCH child safety seat anchors, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist (BA) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC).
We're glad to see that Toyota has made curtain airbags standard for 2007, because they are designed to provide head protection in a side impact or rollover. Head injuries are the leading cause of fatalities in those types of accidents. Side-impact airbags are designed to improve torso protection.