With its standard sport-tuned suspension, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport earns its sobriquet. This nubile and nimble 5-passenger midsize crossover turns out to be passably practical, too, with 73 cubic feet of cargo space and a reasonably roomy cabin with plenty of nooks and crannies for stowage. It’s also fortuitously feature-laden, with most of the traditional bells and whistles expected in the family auto.
A rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels and power-adjustable mirrors endow the outside of this cute crossover, while cloth upholstery, front bucket seats and reclining rear seats grace the cabin. Remote power door locks and power windows add to the convenience factor, as do cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. Air conditioning is, of course, standard, as is an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers, a USB port and Bluetooth hands-free technology.
Notable options for this nimble ute include the Sport Appearance Package, with unique trim accents, run-flat tires and a stainless steel exhaust tip, while leather upholstery, heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat can be delivered with the available Premium Package. The Enhanced Value Package, meanwhile, offers a power moonroof and roof side-rails. Standalone options, meanwhile, include remote engine start, rear-seat entertainment, various cargo securing and protection items, and upgraded exterior trim accents.
A 179-hp inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine mates with the standard 4-speed automatic transmission for 172 lb-ft of torque, and variable valve timing allows an estimated 22 mpg city/28 highway in standard front-wheel drive. Towing capacity in the 2012 RAV4 Sport, meantime, is maxed out at some 1,500 pounds with the proper equipment.
Occupant safety is ensured via Toyota’s Star Safety System with 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Additionally, front fog/driving lights are delivered as standard equipment on the 2012 RAV4 Sport, with turn-signal-integrated mirrors, daytime running lights, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with rear-view camera and a remote antitheft alarm as options.
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