Toyota is no stranger to dominance. Models like the Camry, Corolla and Tacoma, among others, are consistently at—or near—the top of their class in terms of sales. So, it should come as no surprise that the Toyota RAV4 is yet again the best-selling compact SUV in the U.S. in 2020.
Perhaps the primary reason for the RAV4’s success is that it embodies what buyers love most about Toyota models: reliability, safety, and function. And it does so while looking handsome and refined, with just the right amount of ruggedness.
Indeed, these essential characteristics are enough to make any vehicle dominate the market. But there is much more to the 2020 RAV4 than meets the eye. With lots of hidden features and upgrades, the case for buying the compact SUV grows stronger with each detail.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the lesser-known features, as well as some of the most essential qualities that make the 2020 Toyota RAV4 such a stellar vehicle. And we’ll see how it stacks up against its most fierce competitors so that you can make an informed decision on which model is right for you.
DID YOU KNOW?
Now, let’s dive into some of those cool features that you may not have known about in the 2020 RAV4:
Digital Rearview Mirror
One of the coolest features of the 2020 RAV4 is its digital rearview mirror option. A camera is discreetly placed inside the back window, and a screen is embedded in the rearview mirror. By simply turning a switch at the bottom of the mirror, you can see an unobstructed view behind and to the side of the vehicle. Not only is this a neat feature, but it also increases safety, especially in times when rear visibility is obstructed from having a lot of passengers and/or cargo in the back.
Bird’s Eye View 360 Camera
The RAV4 camera system also includes the Bird’s Eye feature. This provides you with a clear picture in front, behind, and on the sides of the vehicle right there on the infotainment screen. Opt for the front and rear parking sonar, and you will be able to better navigate around potential obstacles like other vehicles, potholes, rocks, parking lot posts, signs, and so on.
Top-Notch Rearview and Overhead View Camera
These may not be quite as hidden as some of the other features, but the rearview and overhead views of the RAV4’s camera system are simply top of the class. With clear pictures on an eight-inch screen, you are well-equipped to navigate parking, backing up, and driving around other vehicles on the road without having to strain your neck or take your focus off the road ahead. Plus, there’s another awesome feature that allows you to see a simulated view of what your vehicle looks like to other drivers on the road.
JBL Sound System
JBL has long been one of the world’s leading audio equipment manufacturers. Simply put, its products offer some of the highest-quality sound you will find in any system. And you can opt for a JBL audio system in the RAV4 that comes with an 800-watt amplifier, a subwoofer, and 11 speakers in nine locations throughout the cabin.
Digital Instrument Display
There’s more impressive technology offered in the 2020 RAV4, including a hybrid digital/analog instrument cluster in front of the driver. A seven-inch digital display (or 4.2-inch, depending on the trim), shows the odometer, gear position, and other essential information, while the RPMs, fuel tank, and engine temperature are shown via analog gauges. This blend of digital and analog elements is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.
All-Wheel-Drive System
You can opt for Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system on the 2020 RAV4. Not only can this system send 50% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, but it can also sense road conditions and distribute power to the left and right rear wheels accordingly for a perfect balance.
Huge Sunroof
If you want your RAV4 to feel especially open and airy, upgrade to the panoramic sunroof. This turns most of the roof into one big panoramic glass, which basically makes your RAV4 a convertible compact SUV—without the inconvenience of being an actual convertible, of course.
Eight-Inch Infotainment Screen
As previously mentioned, you can get an eight-inch infotainment screen in your RAV4. Not only is this touchscreen more sizable than many competitors, but the screen itself sits on top of the center stack, which adds appeal to the already-handsome cabin. Plus, the screen has physical shortcut buttons that make it as easy as possible to use while driving.
Class-Leading Cabin Quality
Speaking of the RAV4’s handsome cabin, it also happens to be made of the highest-quality materials that you will find in a compact SUV. And cabin ergonomics are also better than any of the RAV4’s competitors. Take one cruise in the RAV4, and it’s easy to see how much work Toyota put into making the driving experience enjoyable and safe. Along with an easy-to-use infotainment system, all other essential controls are easily identified and comfortably within reach.
The TNGA-K Platform
Toyota just started using its new TNGA-K global midsize platform for the RAV4. Until now, all RAV4s were built on the same compact platforms as the Corolla and Prius. Upping the size of the RAV4’s platform, which is also the one used for the Camry, adds a touch of aggression and makes for a better overall appearance. Plus, it’s designed to be lighter and offers a more confident driving experience.
ESSENTIAL FEATURES
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 also impresses when it comes to basic features pertaining to its performance, interior, exterior, safety, and technology:
Performance
Every RAV4 trim comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower (which is better than many others in its class) and 184 pound-feet of torque. This is matched with an eight-speed transmission that provides smooth and precise shifting. And while there is no turbocharged engine available, the 2.5-liter engine is well-suited for the job. Plus, if you need a little more oomph, you can throw the RAV4 into Sport mode, which will enhance throttle response and allow for the RPMs to rise a little higher before shifting gears.
Additionally, the RAV4 offers easy steering and is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Moreover, it grips well around turns and rides smoothly on a variety of road conditions.
Interior
The interior of the 2020 RAV4 is truly something to behold, especially when compared to other vehicles in its class. Both the cloth and leather seating options are supportive and comfortable, and there’s room to comfortably fit five passengers, with impressive legroom and headroom in the front and back seats. Furthermore, the RAV4 provides 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which becomes 69.8 cubic feet when the back seats are folded down.
Safety
When it comes to safety, it’s hard to beat the 2020 RAV4. Along with a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). On six of the IIHS crash tests, the RAV4 scored the highest rating of Good.
The RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which is a class-leading bundle of safety technologies. It includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Dynamic Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams. There are also several optional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and front and rear parking sensors.
RAV4 AGAINST THE COMPETITION
Compact SUVs make up one of the most popular segments among U.S. buyers, which means that competition is stiff. Let’s see how the 2020 Toyota RAV4 stacks up against some of its fiercest rivals:
Honda CR-V
Perhaps the RAV4’s biggest rival is the Honda CR-V, which is a great vehicle in its own right. The CR-V is known for providing drivers with a comfortable ride, an attractive interior, class-leading cargo space, and a ton of optional features.
On the other hand, the RAV4 also boasts an impressive interior (particularly the 2020 models), and it bests the CR-V in fuel efficiency, acceleration capabilities, and standard safety features and technologies. Both the RAV4 and CR-V are among the best compact SUVs on the market, and they both receive high marks for safety, reliability, and overall quality.
Therefore, it really comes down to what you want from your compact SUV. If interior comfort and cargo space are the most important factors to you, then the CR-V is a good option. However, many buyers find it difficult to pass up on the RAV4’s excellent fuel efficiency and more versatile options as far as off-road features and technologies go. Plus, with the RAV4, you get a vehicle that comes with Toyota’s unmatched reliability.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is another one of the RAV4’s leading competitors. Also a great vehicle, the CX-5 is tailored more to consumers who are looking for a luxurious compact SUV without the luxury price tag. It also offers three different engines, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s good for 187 horses and 186 lb-ft of torque, a turbocharged version of that same engine, and a diesel engine.
Until recently, the CX-5 might have a leg up on the RAV4 in interior quality. However, Toyota has upgraded the RAV4’s interior so that it can hold its own against the competition. And the RAV4 beats the CX-5 in several categories, including fuel efficiency, reliability, ride and handling, and safety features and technologies. For the buyer who wants a well-rounded compact SUV that simply offers more, the RAV4 is a clear choice here.
Subaru Forester
Finally, the Subaru Forester is another respectable rival of the RAV4. The Forester, along with its sibling the Outback, have a sort of cult following among adventure seekers, much like the Toyota Tacoma. And there’s no getting around the fact that the Forester is a nice, modern, reliable vehicle. However, the RAV4 actually offers more in terms of adventure. It has a more impressive powertrain, it handles itself better on rougher terrain, and it even has two trim levels that are specifically designed for the road less traveled (the Adventure and TRD Off-Road).
It’s also worth noting that the RAV4 has an edge over the Forester when it comes to cabin materials and styling. And the RAV4 has many more standard safety features and technologies. While the Forester offers its fair share of features, most of them require upgrades that come with a hefty price.
Conclusion
If you were only to consider the features that follow Toyota tradition (e.g., reliability, safety, function, etc.), the 2020 Toyota RAV4 would stand out among the competition. But there’s even more to the RAV4 than those essential qualities. Consider some of the lesser-known features discussed above, and compare the RAV4 with its most formidable rivals.
Simply put, we like its chances. Now, the only thing left to do is to schedule a test drive at Mount Airy Toyota so that you can experience driving the 2020 RAV4 yourself!
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