Sporty Reflexes, Comfortable Ride
A strong, stiff structure, four-wheel independent suspension and Electronic Power Steering (EPS) give the RAV4 agile, sporty handling and a comfortable car-like ride. The compact EPS unit contributes to fuel economy by eliminating the traditional power steering pump and by providing computer-controlled assist only when required. Significantly, EPS is interfaced with an enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system helps to enhance handling under adverse road conditions. (See page 5 for more details.)
The RAV4 Base grade model rides on P215/70 R16 tires with 16-inch steel wheels or available P225/65 R17 tires with steel or aluminum alloy wheels; the V6 models step up to standard 17-inch steel wheels with P225/65 R17 tires, and the Sport grade, in addition to its 18-inch alloy wheels, enhances driving performance with sport-tuned suspension.
Electronically Controlled 4WD
An electronic on-demand four-wheel-drive system uses an electronically controlled coupling to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, depending on road conditions and driver input. The system can continuously and seamlessly switch from front-wheel-drive to four-wheel-drive mode, maximizing fuel efficiency. In Auto mode, torque distribution to the rear wheels is decreased during low speed cornering for better maneuverability.
A 4WD manual locking switch will disengage the Auto mode, maximizing torque distribution to the rear wheels. When vehicle speed reaches 25 mph, Lock mode will disengage, reverting back to Auto mode. Lock mode also disengages when the brakes are applied, optimizing ABS and VSC operation. RAV4 4x2 models come equipped with an automatic limited slip differential as standard.
All V6 RAV4 models, and all four-cylinder models equipped with a third-row seat, come standard with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). HAC provides additional control for on-road and off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface; DAC is designed to enhance low-speed descending ability by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with minimal intervention from the driver.
Comprehensive Safety Design
The RAV4 helps protect occupants with a reinforced cabin with front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials on the ceiling and doors. The front seats include height-adjustable headrests designed to help reduce the possibility of whiplash-type injuries, as well as three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and belt-force limiters. Second- and third-row seats also provide three-point seatbelts and height-adjustable headrests in all seating positions.
The driver and passenger advanced front airbags are designed to inflate according to collision severity. A front seat passenger sensor is designed to determine if there is a person in the seat, and an occupant classification system verifies the passenger's weight category to determine whether the airbag should inflate. Driver and front passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags and first and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags are standard.
Like all SUVs in the Toyota lineup, RAV4 comes standard with the STAR SAFETY SYSTEMTM that includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
The newest version of VSC goes beyond the traditional traction control function that simply reacts to challenging conditions. In the RAV4, VSC interfaces with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system to help optimize steering assist for any given situation. The integration of EPS allows the enhanced VSC system to better anticipate the onset of vehicle loss of control and more effectively respond to driver operation and vehicle behavior.