When you wake up in the morning and know you have to go somewhere like work or appointments or tackle a bunch of mundane errands, how do you find the motivation to get out of bed? Well, when you’ve got a hot little crossover in the driveway waiting to take you wherever you need to go, the days’ chores suddenly seem like adventures. This 2017 Toyota Rav4 review was made possible by Toyota and DriveShop. I received this vehicle for a week to facilitate this post. All thoughts and opinions shared here are my own.
2017 Toyota Rav4 Review
Look at that happy, energetic face. She’s clearly happy to see you and eager to get you on your way. The sporty Rav4 has everything you want in a crossover. It is just the right size for cargo and passengers for day trips or weekend excursions, and compact enough for tight city parking.
Safety
Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, the 2017 Toyota Rav4 is comfortable and safe. With an overall 5-star safety rating and all the bells and whistles to prevent an accident, this makes for a great daily driver or weekend warrior. This model came with Toyota’s Safety Sense™ which includes:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Auto high beams
- Dynamic rear cruise control
- Enhanced vehicle stability control
- Traction control
- Anti-lock brakes
- Electronic brake force distribution
- Brake assist
- Smart Stop Technology
- Blind spot monitor
- Rear cross traffic alert
- LATCH – Lower Anchor & Tether for Children
Comfort and Style
I’m a major stickler for ergonomics. When I sit in a vehicle, the things I use most should be in the right spot and within a comfortable reach. A lot of this has to do with getting the seat adjusted just right for my body–I love when the driver seat has memory settings, and this model does. But sitting in the car should be like getting into a cockpit built for you. Cup holders in all the right spots, mirrors visible with just slight eye movement, buttons in logical locations that become like an extension of your nervous system. Getting into the 2017 Rav4 didn’t disappoint. It took some tweaking of the driver’s seat, but I found the ideal position.
This particular model has some of the prettiest carbon fiber work I’ve seen in a long time. It fit the overall design beautifully and added to the luxury feel. Plus, I love all the little compartments. There is a spot for everything–loose change, your phone, coffee, water, etc.
There are also plenty of charging opportunities for all our sacred devices. And, my all time most necessary feature–heated everything! The seats, the steering wheel, I can’t get enough when these Chicago winters hit–and winter is coming.
To find out more about the 2017 Rav4, visit Toyota online. And, check out all our other experiences in Toyota vehicles:
2017 Toyota Corolla Review
2017 Toyota Sienna Review
2017 Toyota Camry XLE Review
Best SUV for Teens
Becky says
I love Toyotas. I like the heating feature! It will come in handy during those long winters! My fingers always freeze on the steering wheel!
Heather says
I drive a total mom car. It’s nice to see what else is out there that is a little sportier and more fun. The Rav4 looks like the perfect road trip car.
Jaclyn Anne says
I love that the Rav4 has such great safety features like the lane departure alert and pedestrian detection. I would love to get a Rav4 as my next car!
Scott says
My mom used to swear by the RAV4 until it got too big. Glad to see they’ve returned to their roots by downsizing it!
Lisa says
We just bought a new car and were looking at the Rav4 because of the trunk space. We need it for the farmers’ markets we sell at every week.