2012 Toyota RAV4 Trims and Specs

Though perhaps seeming a bit Spartan to the more discerning buyer, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 Base can hold its own with most rival midsize 5-passenger crossovers. This nifty ute boasts commuter-capable ride and handling attributes, 73 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, 16-inch steel wheels, a rear spoiler and cloth upholstery to go along with reclining rear seats, power windows and mirrors, and remote power door locks. Cruise control comes standard in this cute crossover, as does telescoping tilt-wheel steering, while air conditioning and some hot tunes from the single-CD player and its accompanying 6 speakers will ease the tensions of a long commute. Standard Bluetooth hands-free communications technology, a trip computer and a USB connection also help make life a bit easier on the road.

Options for the Base RAV4 include the Value Package with 17-inch alloy wheels and a roof rack and the Upgrade Value Package that throws in a power moonroof. Other packages provide for cargo mats and a tonneau cover, each of which can also be delivered as standalone options. Further standalone options include remote engine start, rear-seat entertainment, third-row seating, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with accompanying rear-view camera, various exterior trim upgrades and chrome exhaust tips.

Standard power for the 2012 RAV4 Base trim is a 2.5-liter variable-valve-timed inline 4-cylinder engine that combines with the standard 4-speed automatic transmission for 179 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. This front-wheel-drive-only (FWD) mini-ute can tow up to 1,500 pounds, and mileage is estimated at 22 mpg city/28 highway.

Toyota’s touted Star Safety System includes 4-wheel antilock brakes, as well as traction and stability control, and is standard aboard the 2012 RAV4 Base. Front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection also come standard on this capable crossover, while a remote antitheft alarm, daytime running lights and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated rear-view camera remain optional safety equipment.

Sporting a distinctive 4-wheel-drive (4WD) setup, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 Base 4WD is almost ready for Baha...almost. Powered by the standard 179-hp inline 4-cylinder engine and with the usual 4-speed automatic transmission providing the brains, this 5-passenger midsize crossover boasts front-wheel drive (FWD) in normal driving conditions, with torque automatically transferred to both front and rear wheels when wheel slippage is detected. Additionally, a nifty selectable torque splitter can lock in 50% of torque to the front wheels and 50% to the rear wheels in really tough traction conditions. Thus, this cute ute can actually travel a fair distance off the asphalt path.

Mileage in this not-quite rock-crawler, meanwhile, is estimated at 21 mpg city/27 highway, and, with the proper equipment, towing is maxed out at around 1,500 pounds. Standard amenities are, alas, scarce aboard this entry-level trim, but cabin storage is ample, and cargo space is an impressive 73 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

In any case, exterior doo-dads include a rear spoiler and 16-inch steel wheels, while the cabin sports cloth upholstery and reclining rear seats. Power accessories, including remote power door locks, are standard, as are cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning and a trip computer. Entertainment consists of a single-CD player and 6 speakers, bolstered by a standard USB port, while Bluetooth hands-free technology answers mobile communications needs.

Among the more elaborate options available to the RAV4 Base 4WD is the Value Package, boasting 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack and a tonneau cover. The Upgraded Value Package includes all that plus a power moonroof and upgraded upholstery. Remote engine start, rear-seat entertainment, third-row seating, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with rear-view camera, and numerous exterior trim upgrades are all available in standalone form.

Standard safety features (Toyota’s Star Safety System) aboard the 2012 RAV4 Base 4WD include 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection. Additionally, a remote antitheft alarm, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with rear-view camera and daytime running lights constitute available safety equipment.

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.

Throw a standard 6-cylinder powerplant into Toyota’s entry-level RAV4 to get the 2012 RAV4 Base V6. This 5-passenger midsize crossover sports a pleasant ride, some tolerable moves, ample cabin storage and 73 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Additionally, expect standard 17-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery and a reclining rear seat to complement remote power door locks, power windows and mirrors, air conditioning, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and cruise control.

Entertainment is via an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers and a USB port, with Bluetooth hands-free communications technology ably contributing to an informed commute.

Available to the up-powered RAV4 Base V6 are the Value Package, with a roof rack and privacy glass, and the Upgrade Value Package, which throws in alloy wheels, a power moonroof and high-end cloth upholstery. Remote engine start is a standalone option, as are rear-seat entertainment, a third-row seat, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with rear-view camera, various cargo protection and securing items, and various exterior trim upgrades.

Standard power for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 Base V6 is, of course, a 269-hp 3.5-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) V6 engine that mates with the standard 5-speed automatic transmission for 246 lb-ft of torque. Look for 3,500 pounds of towing capacity from this V6-equipped crossover when the available Tow Prep Package is added, while mileage is estimated at 19 mpg city/27 highway in the front-wheel-drive-only (FWD) configuration.

Safety-wise, the 2012 RAV4 Base V6 boasts Toyota’s Star Safety System with standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Daytime running lights, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated rear-view camera and a remote antitheft alarm are available safety add-ons.

Topping the 2012 Toyota RAV4 lineup is the flagship Limited trim level. This top-shelf 5-passenger midsize crossover flaunts 73 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, a goodly number of standard amenities and 4-cylinder fuel economy, with some surprising ride comfort and agility thrown in, too.

Expect 17-inch alloy wheels to be delivered with this capable crossover, along with a rear spoiler, a roof rack, premium cloth upholstery, reclining rear seats, leather and simulated alloy cabin accents, and a leather steering wheel. Cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering also come standard, as does dual-zone climate control. A trip computer and Bluetooth hands-free communications are complemented by an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers, as well as a USB connection.

For 2012, the RAV4 Limited is eligible for the Navigation Value Package starring, you guessed it, a hard-drive-based navigation system. Also included are a rear-view camera, satellite radio and a power moonroof, as well as a 6.1-inch dash display that boasts traffic and weather info, as well as smartphone-interfaced internet radio access through Toyota’s Entune system. Additionally, the Premium Package, which can be delivered separately or as part of the navigation package, offers leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Standalone options, meanwhile, include remote engine start, third-row seating, cargo protection and stowage features, stainless steel exhaust tip and body side moldings.

The ubiquitous 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant is standard in the 2012 RAV4 Limited. Mated with the standard 4-speed automatic transmission, the four-banger puts out 179 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, barely enough to tow 1,500 pounds, and then only if properly equipped. Variable valve timing, however, means fuel economy in the vicinity of 22 mpg city/28 highway in this front-wheel-drive-only (FWD) ute.

Finally, standard safety features (Toyota’s Star Safety System) include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection. Front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors are also standard, while a remote antitheft alarm and daytime running lights are among optional safety items.

Perhaps starting to fray a bit around the edges, Toyota’s 2012 RAV4 Sport 4WD nevertheless offers everything the average family could want in a nimble 5-passenger midsize crossover. A sport-tuned suspension, a unique 4-wheel drive (4WD) system that’s actually somewhat off-road capable, and 73 cubic feet of cargo room (with the rear seats folded) means some heady handling and a lot of practicality in an economical package.

A rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels are among the features that spiff up this value-laden crossover’s exterior, while premium cloth upholstery and reclining rear seats keep the commute civilized. All power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering also come standard. Finally, standard techno-features include Bluetooth hands-free communications, a single-CD player (MP3-capable), 6 speakers and a USB port.

Option-wise, the Premium Package includes leather upholstery, a driver’s side power-adjustable seat and heated driver and front passenger seats. The Sport Appearance Package, meantime, offers run-flat tires, a stainless steel exhaust tip and a bunch of chrome exterior trim upgrades, while the Enhancement Value Package includes a power moonroof and a roof rack. Remote engine start, meanwhile, as well as rear-seat entertainment, heated outside power mirrors, various cargo storage and protection equipment, and body side moldings, are all available as standalone options.

Standard power for the 2012 RAV4 Sport 4WD is the combination of a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine with a standard 4-speed automatic transmission. Look for 179 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque from this matchup, with estimated mileage at 21 mpg city/27 highway. Towing is maxed out at around 1,500 pounds with the proper equipment.

The nifty 4WD system, meanwhile, allows cruising in front-wheel drive (FWD), with torque automatically and instantly transferred to both front and rear wheels when wheel slippage is detected. Additionally, this unique system can be manually locked in to 50/50 torque distribution between front and rear wheels for more challenging traction conditions.

Toyota’s vaunted Star Safety System provides 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front head-restraint whiplash protection and front side-mounted airbags, standard. Front fog/driving lights also come standard, with daytime running lights, auto-dimming rear-view with rear-view camera, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a remote antitheft alarm all available.