5 Toyota RAV4 Features That Make It a Great Vehicle

The Toyota RAV4 combines everyday utility with efficient electrified performance, flexible cargo space, connected technology, and an extensive collection of standard driver-assistance features. Completely redesigned, the latest RAV4 also gives shoppers several trims and powertrain configurations to compare.

These qualities can make the RAV4 a strong fit for South County drivers whose routines include Route 403 workdays, errands near Wickford Junction, changing New England weather, and weekend travel. Here are five Toyota RAV4 features that deserve a closer look, followed by several available upgrades that can add even more comfort, technology, and convenience.

1. Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains

Every new Toyota RAV4 uses an electrified powertrain. Shoppers can choose between a hybrid that does not need to be plugged in and a plug-in hybrid that can complete some trips using electric power before continuing as a hybrid.

The RAV4 Hybrid produces 226 net combined horsepower with front-wheel drive and 236 net combined horsepower with all-wheel drive. The system automatically manages the gasoline engine and electric motors, so there is no need to connect the vehicle to an external charger.

The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid produces 324 net combined horsepower and comes with all-wheel drive. Select configurations offer up to a manufacturer-estimated 52 miles of all-electric driving range. After the available battery charge is used, the vehicle can continue operating through its hybrid system.

This choice lets shoppers compare the straightforward ownership experience of a traditional hybrid with the added electric-driving capability of a plug-in hybrid.

2. Available All-Wheel Drive

Available all-wheel drive is one of the most practical RAV4 features for drivers who regularly encounter rain, snow, changing road surfaces, and seasonal New England conditions.

Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive is available on multiple RAV4 Hybrid grades and standard on RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid models. The system uses a dedicated electric motor to help power the rear wheels when additional traction is needed.

Drivers looking for a more rugged configuration can consider the RAV4 Woodland. Its capability-focused equipment includes:

• Standard all-wheel drive
• All-terrain tires
• Raised roof rails with crossbars
• Integrated Rigid Industries LED fog lights
• A tow receiver

Select RAV4 configurations can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Actual towing capacity depends on the grade, powertrain, drivetrain, equipment, and trailer setup, so drivers planning to tow should compare individual configurations carefully.

3. Flexible Cargo Space

The Toyota RAV4 offers up to 37.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, providing useful space for groceries, luggage, sports equipment, work supplies, and everyday gear.

A redesigned rear seatback can fold flat when additional cargo room is needed. That flexibility is useful when the day calls for a larger shopping trip, sports bags, home-project supplies, or chairs and coolers for North Kingstown Town Beach.

Rear access can become even more convenient on higher grades. Available liftgate features include a height-adjustable power liftgate and a hands-free power liftgate with an expanded detection area. The hands-free system can open the liftgate with a foot motion beneath the rear bumper when the driver’s hands are occupied.

The result is a compact SUV that remains manageable on local roads and in parking areas while providing adaptable space for changing plans.

4. Updated Multimedia, Displays, and Audio

The Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a substantial collection of cabin technology. Every model includes a customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that places important vehicle and driving information directly in front of the driver.

A 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen comes standard and includes:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility
• Wireless Android Auto compatibility
• A customizable home screen
• Voice-command capability
• A six-speaker audio system
• A three-month SiriusXM 360L trial subscription

The new multimedia system is designed to respond more quickly and make commonly used controls easier to access. Depending on the grade, the cabin can also include up to five USB-C ports and wireless phone charging.

For shoppers who want a more immersive listening experience, the RAV4 can be upgraded to a nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio system with an amplifier and subwoofer. The JBL system comes standard on the RAV4 Limited.

5. Toyota Safety Sense 4.0

Every new Toyota RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, the latest generation of Toyota’s active safety and driver-assistance suite. Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Proactive Driving Assist

Every RAV4 also includes Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a backup camera with dynamic guidelines. These features can provide useful support during highway travel, lane changes, parking, and everyday traffic.

For example, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert can warn the driver when it detects an approaching vehicle while the RAV4 is backing out of a parking space. Blind Spot Monitor can provide a warning when another vehicle is detected in an adjacent lane.

Toyota Safety Sense and other driver-assistance systems have limitations and do not replace safe, attentive driving. Their standard inclusion, however, gives every new RAV4 a broad foundation of modern assistance technology.

Available RAV4 Upgrades Add Comfort, Technology, and Convenience

The five core Toyota RAV4 features provide plenty of everyday value, but higher grades and available packages can make the SUV feel even more refined. Depending on the selected grade, powertrain, package, and configuration, upgrades may include:

• SofTex-trimmed seating
• Heated front seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated rear outboard seats
• A heated steering wheel
• Power-adjustable front seats with driver memory
• A panoramic glass roof with a power tilt-and-slide moonroof
• A hands-free power liftgate
• A larger 12.9-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen
• A nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio system with an amplifier and subwoofer
• Dual Qi-compatible wireless phone chargers
• A head-up display
• A digital rearview mirror
• A 3D Panoramic View Monitor
• Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
• Advanced Park
• Traffic Jam Assist with an eligible connected-services trial or subscription
• An available rear cargo-area 1,500-watt AC power outlet

The upgraded JBL sound system is especially appealing for drivers who spend plenty of time listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Its nine speakers, amplifier, and subwoofer deliver a fuller audio experience than the standard six-speaker system.

Other upgrades address different priorities. Heated and ventilated seats can add year-round comfort, a Panoramic View Monitor can provide additional visibility when maneuvering around tight spaces, and a hands-free power liftgate can simplify loading during grocery runs or busy family schedules.

Some features are standard on particular grades and optional or unavailable on others. Comparing the equipment on individual vehicles is the best way to find the combination that fits your priorities.

Explore the Toyota RAV4 in North Kingstown

The new Toyota RAV4 brings together electrified performance, available all-wheel drive, flexible cargo space, connected technology, and standard Toyota Safety Sense 4.0. Its range of available comfort, audio, convenience, and driver-assistance upgrades also gives shoppers room to choose between a straightforward daily SUV and a more premium configuration.

Browse current Toyota RAV4 inventory at Nucar Toyota of North Kingstown, compare available grades and features, and contact our team to schedule a test drive. Finding the right configuration is one more reason Everyone Loves A Nucar!