Used 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV SUV is one that many consumers are waiting on pins and needles for. The original one has not been seen since 2003, and made quite an impact on environmental enthusiasts back then so this new one is sure to be a hit.

It is suggested that it will feature some powertrain components courtesy of Tesla Motors, and will be powered by batteries to have a range of about 100 miles. The electric motor will be capable of delivering an impressive 154 horsepower and 218 pound-feet of torque, when in Normal mode, with a top speed of 85 mph. There will be a button to engage Sport mode, which will grant the driver access to 273 pound-feet of torque and top speeds of 100 mph. When the vehicle is turned off, it will always go back to Normal mode automatically.

The RAV4 will deliver instant torque with silent operation. Some are under the impression electric vehicles are slow, but this one breaks the mold, leaping off the line with more than enough power to spin a little rubber.

The RAV4 EV will charge in about five hours, when hooked up to a 240-volt power source. A Leviton charging station will be available to purchase for about $1,500.

Technology

• Touchscreen: The IP is beautiful thin-film transistor screen. This 8-inch full-color display delivers a ton of information, including navigation, communications and audio.
• Power Management Tools: There will be a variety of power management tools, such as on-board charging schedule reminders and smartphone apps to remind you to charge.
• Audio: Drives can expect a nice CD player with at least six speakers, MP3 playback, USB port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth wireless, auxiliary audio jack and more.
• Entune: New vehicles will come with a three-year subscription to Entune, which includes Pandora, Bing and real-time information for fuel prices, weather, traffic, movie tickets and more.

Safety

Although there are no crash tests done on this vehicle, one can only assume that it will be comparable to the nonelectric models. If you base findings on 2012 models, then you will be happy to learn that this sport utility vehicle received a “Good” rating in side-impact and frontal-offset crash tests. However, only an “Acceptable” rating was given by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in roof-strength tests. It is unclear whether any structural changes have been made for 2013 in this department. The full list of safety features has not been released, but you can expect to see:

• Tire pressure monitoring
• Whiplash protection system in front head restraints
• Child seat anchors
• Traction control
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Stability control
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Emergency braking assist
• Engine immobilizer
• Rear door safety locks
• Side-impact door beams
• Collapsible steering column
• Front crumple zone
• Hill start assist

Appearance

The RAV4 EV looks similar to the gasoline-powered mode, but with a few pretty cool tweaks. It gets aerodynamic mirrors, a new front grille, revised badging, sleeker underbody and a few other minor changes to reduce power consumption and improve airflow. It will also only be available in four colors.

Comfort

The first thing you will notice in the 2013 RAV4 EV is the eco-friendly cloth interior that environmental enthusiasts, vegetarians and vegans will love. The layout is modern, and as you would expect, there are energy saving heating and cooling modes.

The driver interface has been changed significantly. A large 8-inch color display sits at the top of the stack and eliminates the need for many controls, as most operations can be done through the touchscreen. It is high-tech yet crisp and clean.

Cargo

The exact dimensions of cargo space have not been released as of yet. However, if it follows in the footsteps of the 2012 model, drivers can expect to have 73 cubic feet behind the front seat and about 36.4 cubic feet with all seats in place.