Topping Toyota’s 2012 RAV4 4-cylinder, 4-wheel-drive (4WD) lineup is the Limited 4WD. With 73 cubic feet of cargo space (with rear seats folded), some decent moves, a surprisingly comfortable ride and the economical four-banger, this 5-passenger midsize crossover might be showing its age a bit, but it still throws a lot of weight in the value department. Starting with premium cloth upholstery, leather and simulated alloy cabin accents and reclining rear seats, this posh mini-ute also tosses in 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a roof rack, a leather steering wheel, power accessories, including heated power outside mirrors, and dual-zone climate control. Cruise control also comes standard, as does telescoping tilt-wheel steering, while an MP3-capable single-CD player and 6 speakers complement the USB port and standard Bluetooth hands-free communications.
Optional equipment available to the RAV4 Limited 4WD includes the Navigation Value Package with, of course, navigation, as well as a 6.1-inch touchscreen dashboard display featuring Toyota’s Entune traffic and weather, a rear-view camera and internet radio access through smartphone apps, among other things. The Premium and Premium Plus packages, meantime, include leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, a power moonroof and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Upgraded exterior trim accents, a stainless steel exhaust tip and cargo protection items can be delivered in either package or standalone form, while remote engine start, third-row seating and rear seat entertainment are strictly standalone options.
Powering the 2012 RAV4 Limited 4WD is a variable-valve-timed 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine. Matched with the standard 4-speed automatic transmission, the I4 puts out 179 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, while mileage is estimated at 21 mpg city/27 highway. With proper equipment, the I4-equipped Limited 4WD can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds.
As for the unique 4WD system, power is delivered only to the front wheels in normal conditions but transferred instantaneously to all four wheels when slippage is detected. Additionally, a selectable mode locks 50/50 torque distribution between front and rear wheels when driving in poor traction conditions, giving the flagship 2012 RAV4 Limited 4WD some limited off-road capability.
Standard safety items aboard the 2012 RAV4 Limited 4WD come via Toyota’s Star Safety System and include 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front head-restraint whiplash protection and front side-mounted airbags. Front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors are also delivered with this heady crossover, while a remote antitheft alarm and daytime running lights are optional.
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