2017 Toyota RAV4 SE front three quarter 01

The base 2017 RAV4 LE starts at $25,405, which is on par with the segment. The SE model we tested has a base price of 29,875 and comes standard with paddle shifters, a moonroof, a rear spoiler, a leather wrapped steering wheel, a SofTex-trimmed eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, the previously mentioned Toyota Safety Sense P, 18-inch machined alloy wheels, and LED exterior lighting. The main option is the $3,360 Advanced Technology Package that consists of the helpful surround view camera system with front and rear parking sensors, a JBL Green Edge audio system, a 7.0-inch display with Entune Multimedia system and Navigation, Siri Eyes Free, and RAV4 SE logoed door sills. A $69 rear bumper applique and a $99 cargo net hammock that works surprisingly well are the remaining options on our tester. This comes out to a sticker price of $33,454 that might sound a little high considering it's not the top trim, but many comparable rivals will cost about the same.

If purchasing a crossover, opting for all-wheel drive will cost you more in price and in gas, but it will offer better traction if needed for your particular location and quicker acceleration. The RAV4 is a fine crossover in many respects and will make many buyers happy, but it would be hard to recommend it over the newer, more premium and refined Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. The aged RAV might compete better with the Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson, but those models cost less. However, if the upcoming RAV4 is as good as the new Camry is on Toyota's new global platform, the segment better watch out. We might have a new sheriff in town.

2017 Toyota RAV4 SE front three quarter in motion 01

2017 Toyota RAV4 SE (FWD)
BASE PRICE	$29,750
PRICE AS TESTED	$32,528
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE	2.5L/176-hp/172-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION	6-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	3,543 lb (59/41%)
WHEELBASE	104.7 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	183.5 x 72.6 x 66.3 in
0-60 MPH	9.3 sec
QUARTER MILE	17.0 sec @ 82.5 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	126 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.79 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	28.6 sec @ 0.57 g (avg)
REAL MPG, CITY/HWY/COMB	17.5/29.6/21.4 mpg
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	23/29/25 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	147/116 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.76 lb/mile