The 2010 Toyota RAV4 2WD has broadened the appeal of its RAV4 range by launching two-wheel drive (2WD) variants that save customers money and fuel. The new RAV4 model, available in CV and Cruiser grades, are priced $3,000 below their equivalent all-wheel drive models and are cheaper to run then their AWD brothers.

Downsizing your full-size SUV, reassessing your needs. Think compact utility vehicle. Think crossover.This doesn't mean you have to downsize your expectations, though. The 2010 Toyota RAV4 2WD has broadened the appeal of its RAV4 range by launching two-wheel drive (2WD) variants that save customers money and fuel. The new RAV4 model, available in CV and Cruiser grades, are priced $3,000 below their equivalent all-wheel drive models and are cheaper to run then their AWD brothers.

Based on a car platform, a strategy that helps create an efficient utilization of interior space in a relatively lightweight, fuel-efficient package. Simply put, you can pack more stuff inside these compact SUVs than you might think.

And being car-based, this compact crossover offer easier entry and exit and better driving maneuverability than truck-based ones, something you really appreciate when you're running around town. Of course, car-based SUVs lack the rough-road capability of their bigger brothers, and you can forget about serious towing.

Let’s check it out:

Handling

From behind the wheel, this RAV4 feels very much like a normal hatchback, especially when compared to the previous generation RAV4. The body is well controlled in bends, impressively so for a SUV, it corners well and the steering is precise, without being over-sensitive on the motorway. The two-wheel-drive system, stability control and traction control work - via computer wizardry - as one, which was a first in this sector when the RAV4 was launched a few years back. The result is that it makes it easier to stop in slippery conditions or on broken surfaces and can help you keep control in a skid. The ride is a bit harsh at times, but it still is a comfortable motorway cruiser.

Performance

Just one petrol motor is offered - Powering RAV4 2WD is a 2.4-litre VVT-i equipped four-cylinder engine that delivers 125kW of power and the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

The transmissions are exclusive to RAV4 2WD, as they have revised internal and final-drive ratios to suit the new models. It's a rev-happy, unit that's flexible enough for the town or motorway, but it's not especially economical with an average consumption figure of 9.1 litres/100km in Automatic 2WD models use (down from 9.6) while manual versions achieve 8.4 litres/100km, an improvement of 0.7 litres/100k. It's an easy to live with unit thanks to a smooth and responsive nature.

Comfort/ Equipment

The RAV4 is comfortable for passengers with wind and road noise kept down - even at higher speeds. The sound of the engine is evident at higher speeds, but it's never excessive. All passengers get supportive seats although lateral support could be better. In addition, Toyota would do well to upgrade the interior materials and copy the climate control knobs found in some of competition like the CRV, however you do get plenty of room - there is enough leg space in the rear for adults although three may find it limited in shoulder room. All models in the two-wheel drive RAV4 have virtually identical specification levels to the all-wheel-drive 2.4-litre models.

Standard equipment in both 2WD models include standard equipment vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-skid brakes, dual front SRS airbags, 17-inch wheels, electric power steering, air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment, rear spoiler, USB/Bluetooth compatible audio and (on automatic transmission models) Downhill Assist Control.

The 2WD CV model is offered with an option pack that adds front-seat side airbags, side curtain-shield airbags and driver's knee airbag, and front dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning.

The RAV4 2WD Cruiser has the five additional airbags as standard equipment. It also gains five-spoke alloy wheels, over-fender flares, roof rails, fog lamps and rear and rear side quarter privacy glass.

Inside, it has additional features including 6-CD audio system with colour LCD screen (in lieu of single CD), dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning with push-type heater control panel and footwall illumination.

Practicality

As it's close to the ground, it's easy to put luggage into the boot of the RAV4 and to get in-and-out of the back seats. There's no three-door option, as on previous generations, so all buyers will benefit from the better accessibility of a five-door. It is very flexible too with fold-flat seats. Pull one of two levers in the boot and the seats fold flat into the floor - there's no need to remove the headrests or any of the cushions. The seats have a 60/40 split and slide for extra legroom or more luggage space while the load area itself is wide. Other cabin cubbies include a double glove box, bottle holders and illuminated cup holders. One thing to be aware of is the rear door - it's hinged to the right-hand side rather than opening upwards like a conventional hatch. This can be tricky to open in tight parking spaces.

Behind the wheel

The driving position isn't as raised as you may expect from a 4x4, though it still gives a good view of the road. All-round visibility is impressive the driver's seat is very supportive with plenty of adjustment and there's a steering wheel that adjusts for height and reach. The dials have been re-designed and are easy to read while the locations of the buttons and switches have been well thought out. All the heating controls are grouped into three 'dials', while other controls, such as those for the windows and central locking, are ideally placed.

Safety

Like other recent Toyotas, the RAV4 performed pretty well in the Euro NCAP crash tests, receiving four stars overall and scoring maximum points in side impact and pole tests. However, plenty of other similar size 4x4s has achieved the maximum five stars.

Reliability

The cliché about outstanding Toyota reliability continues to ring true. It's a reputation that many other car makers would be proud to inherit. Its business as usual for the new RAV4 - the cabin offers a quality fit-and-finish but may soon struggle to compete on equipment, power and ride quality considering the current crop of competitors however there's no reason to doubt any area of the build.

What is Good and Not so Good

What is Good

· Well equipped

· Build quality

· Cabin Layout

What is not so Good

· Limited engine choice

· No off orad ability

· Pricey

Summary

The RAV4 has become one of the most successful small 4x4s since it was originally launched in 1994. So much so in fact, that it has inspired plenty of off roaders from other carmakers. With ever more competition, it has had to constantly improve and as a result it's now one of the best 4x4s on the market, helped by an excellent reputation for reliability.

The engine choice is limited to one petrol in this spec, but inside there's a neatly-styled and good quality cabin even though it is starting to date alongside its competition. While on the road it's refined and comfortable. Newer off roaders may be more stylish, but the RAV4 remains a great choice and one that's guaranteed to never let you down.

Priced from CV manual $28,990 and Cruiser manual $33,990 it always sells in numbers, that’s the power of the Toyota brand.

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