A two-tone interior and rugged floor mats add visual interest to the RAV4 Adventure. / Staff photo by Mark KennedyFAST FACTS
* Model: 2018 RAV4 Adventure AWD * Exterior color: Silver Sky Metallic * Interior color: Black and white * Engine: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder * Horsepower: 176 * Transmission: six-speed automatic * Fuel economy: 28 mpg highway, 22 mpg city * Local Dealer: Capital Toyota, Toyota of Cleveland, North Georgia Toyota * Price (as tested): $31,445
Driving the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure crossover this week was like saying goodbye to an old friend.
As we have noted in previous test drives, the current-generation RAV4 seems better than the sum of its parts. Not the most powerful or technologically advanced small SUV, the RAV4 nonetheless remains the most user-friendly vehicle in its class. It’s like your go-to pair of jeans: safe, reliable and comfortable.
Integrated roof rails are standard on the RAV4 Adventure. / Staff photo by Mark Kennedy
Later this year, Toyota will restock its Chattanooga-area showrooms with the all-new 2019 RAV4, which has big shoes to fill. The current generation of the compact crossover has become the car-maker’s top-selling model, a turn of events that would have seemed inconceivable 20-plus years ago when the RAV4 was first introduced.
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In 2017, Toyota sold more than 407,000 RAV4s in the United States, surpassing the perennially best-selling Camry in the car-maker’s line-up. At car shows earlier this year, Toyota showed off a new, tougher-looking 2019 RAV4 which is scheduled to show up at North American dealerships beginning in December. The new model has a more truck-like countenance (think Tacoma) and updated electronics. We expect it will meet or surpass current sales volume.