2013 Toyota RAV4 Preview: 2012 LA Auto Show

When the Toyota RAV4 first went on sale in 1996, it was one of the first crossover SUVs offered to Americans. Today, it remains one of the best-selling versions of the breed, and is a benchmark in terms of size, functionality, and fuel economy. A successful launch of the redesigned 2013 RAV4 is critical to Toyota’s bottom line.

The new RAV4 competes in the hotly contested compact crossover SUV class against the Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

• Redesigned, inside and out
• V-6 engine option is cancelled
• Standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder returns improved fuel economy
• New 6-speed automatic transmission
• New Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel-drive system
• Top-hinged liftgate replaces aggravating side-hinged design
• Greater cargo capacity with spare tire under the cargo floor
• Eight standard airbags
• Optional Blind Spot Monitoring system
• Optional Rear Cross Traffic Alert system

2013 Toyota RAV4 Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

The Toyota RAV4 has never been what one might call attractive, and if not for the scowling mug and preponderance of gray plastic trim on the new 2013 model, this track record of homeliness might have been avoided. Still, in my opinion, the new RAV4 is better looking than its chief cross-town rival, the Honda CR-V.

Inside, the redesigned RAV4 represents a significant upgrade over the outgoing model. More industrial in terms of its design themes but not in terms of its materials, the RAV4’s cabin features a new slim-back front seat design that improves rear seat legroom. Soft touch surfaces and Clear Blue control and gauge illumination add an appreciated sense of refinement, and an upscale two-tone cabin treatment is offered on the top-of-the-line Limited model.

The new 2013 RAV4 offers additional cargo space, too, despite the relocation of the spare tire from the tailgate to a well underneath the cargo floor. With the 5-passenger crossover SUV’s 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat in use, the RAV4’s deeper and larger cargo hold contains up to 38.4 cu.-ft. of your stuff. Fold the rear seats down, and cargo volume measures 73.3 cu.-ft.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

With the banishment of the 3.5-liter V-6 engine from the 2013 RAV4’s option list, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is the only powerplant offered in the redesigned version of the SUV. It loses three horses for 2013, coming in at 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Torque is unchanged, measuring 172 lb.-ft. at 4,100 rpm.

A new 6-speed Sequential Shift automatic transmission replaces last year’s 4-speed unit, and it offers Sport and Eco driving modes. In Sport mode, the transmission supplies sharper shifts, downshift rev matching, and increased throttle response. The Sport mode is also tied to the RAV4’s electric steering, which delivers improved response in this setting. In Eco mode, the RAV4 promotes more efficient driving in an effort to conserve fuel.

The 2013 RAV4’s optional all-wheel-drive system now features Dynamic Torque Control. This provides the driver with a choice of three AWD modes: Auto, Lock and Sport. In Auto mode, power is transferred to the RAV4’s rear wheels only when wheel slippage dictates that it is necessary. In Sport mode, the system automatically delivers power to the rear wheels to enhance cornering. In Lock mode, power is split evenly between the front and rear wheels for maximum grip and traction. The Lock mode works only when the RAV4 is traveling at speeds under 25 mph.

The 2013 RAV4 is expected to get 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, according to Toyota, while AWD models should return 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Both sets of figures are improvements over the previous model.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

Toyota will offer the new 2013 RAV4 in LE, XLE, and Limited trim levels. All versions are equipped with 8 airbags, traction and stability control, and 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with brake assist. Standard smart stop technology prevents the RAV4 from accelerating with the brake pedal pressed.

Additionally, the 2013 RAV4 LE includeS air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with controls for the stereo, the Bluetooth with streaming audio, the trip computer, and the cruise control. A height adjustable driver’s seat, dark tinted rear privacy glass, and a Display Audio stereo with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and reversing camera are also included on this model.

Upgrade to the 2013 RAV4 XLE to enjoy better-bolstered seats wrapped in premium fabric, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a power sunroof. This model also gets 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, and heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators.

The 2013 RAV4 Limited adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, SofTex leatherette upholstery, a power liftgate, and 18-inch alloys.

The XLE and Limited can be equipped with an optional navigation system paired with Toyota’s Entune multimedia system, voice recognition technology, and satellite radio. Limited models are exclusively available with a 576-watt JBL Greenedge premium sound system with 11 speakers, a blind spot warning system, and a rear cross traffic alert system.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

Sincerely, we are going to miss the RAV4’s V-6 engine, which delivered a powerful punch in exchange for a relatively paltry fuel economy premium. We’re also going to miss the discontinued Sport trim level, which looked and handled better than any RAV4 to come before it. Otherwise, the 2013 RAV4 is a big improvement over the old model in all of the practical ways that matter.