One of the greatest measures of success for a vehicle is how well it sells. Drivers vote their preferences in the models they choose. Let's face it: automakers don't build cars just to win awards. The auto industry is a commercial enterprise where many brands want to be top dogs. Among the SUV segment, one of the best-selling models is the 2024 Toyota RAV4. By the end of the first quarter of 2024, Toyota had sold almost 250,000 models, a number surpassed only by the Ford F-Series and Chevy Silverado, a pair of full-size pickup trucks. This makes the Toyota RAV4 the best-selling non-truck passenger vehicle in America.
Toyota has been offering the RAV4 since 1994. The name stands for Recreational Active Vehicle with four-wheel drive, even though today the RAV4 comes with available all-wheel drive. Nevertheless, the model has built a legacy over five generations, and you can discover why when you visit us at Toyota Bowling Green. We are an authorized Toyota dealership, which means that we can get you behind the wheel of the 2024 RAV4 with the trim level and options you prefer on this historic compact SUV. Let's take a look at five reasons why you should consider this popular compact SUV.
#1 - A Variety of Performance Options and Exceptional Fuel Economy
Toyota offers three different powertrains on the 2024 RAV4, each incredibly fuel-efficient. This is why so many drivers, from commuters to family drivers to retirees, love the RAV4. Most models feature a conventional gas engine. This is a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force I-4 gas engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine features Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence to provide efficient performance. It uses a dual-injection system to produce 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with this engine, the RAV4 can get 30 MPG in combined fuel economy. The models with this engine are offered with either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive for improved on-road traction.
Since 2017, drivers have been able to boost the fuel economy of their RAV4s by opting for a hybrid powertrain. This pairs a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force I-4 gas engine with three AC synchronous electric motors. The blend between gas and electric power is controlled by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). This gives you 219 hp combined. It also improves the fuel economy to a very impressive 39 MPG in combined fuel economy. At lower speeds, the gas engine powers a generator to keep the 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack charged. The battery also gets charged from brake regeneration, channeling part of the kinetic energy released each time you use the vehicle's brakes to help top up the battery pack.
Finally, Toyota introduced the RAV4 Prime in 2021. This is a plug-in hybrid version of Toyota's popular compact SUV. It also pairs a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force I-4 gas engine with three electric motors using an eCVT transmission. This utilizes a larger 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with the added advantage of being able to be recharged at home or on the road at a public DC fast charging station. The powertrain has a combined output of 302 hp and will give you up to 38 MPG in combined fuel economy. The hybrid and Prime models of the 2024 RAV4 come with standard all-wheel drive.
#2 - The Standard Safety Sense Suite
If you are like most drivers, you put a premium on passenger safety. A big part of this is driving a vehicle that has active driver assistance tools to help you avoid getting into accidents. No matter which model of the 2024 RAV4 you choose, you will get a set of standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 driver assistance systems. This is one of the most comprehensive sets of safety features for any model in the RAV4's vehicle class.
If you are getting too close to the vehicle in front of you, or if that vehicle stops suddenly, the Pre-Collision System will kick in. This will alert you to take evasive action while engaging the emergency brakes. This even has a Pedestrian Detection feature that works in a similar fashion when a pedestrian steps off a curb in the path of your RAV4.
This vehicle also has Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. This goes beyond simple cruise control by not only maintaining your speed but also adjusting the speed to the vehicle in front of you, slowing down if traffic increases. In addition, this feature uses the RAV4's radar system to ensure you always keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you while the system is engaged.
Observing the posted speed limit will not only help you avoid costly traffic tickets. It will also improve your safety since speed limits are based on the road conditions. The RAV4 features a standard Road Sign Assist feature that lets you know the posted speed limit as you drive. These are among the six different active systems that come standard on each 2024 RAV4. Toyota also offers things like Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert on most models, either standard or as an available feature. This will help you and your passengers stay safe while driving in a RAV4.
#3 - A Roomy Interior for Up to Five Passengers
While there are plenty of compact SUV models to choose from, it is often hard to find one with enough passenger space in the back for those days when you have to drive with more than just one other passenger. However, the RAV4 goes beyond this by also offering a rear seat that will be comfortable for up to three adults. This gives you 39.5 inches of headroom and 37.8 inches of legroom so that everyone can stretch out on long drives. It will also reduce the number of arguments over who gets to ride shotgun in your RAV4.
#4 - Ample Cargo Space
Don't let the "compact" title fool you. When it comes to trunk space, the 2024 RAV4 is going to leave you pleasantly surprised. On most models, you will get a voluminous 37.6 cu.ft. of cargo space when you open up the RAV4's rear liftgate. If you need more space, simply fold down the rear row of seats to access 69.8 cu.ft. of space. Although the RAV4 Prime has a little less room in the trunk, a still impressive 33.5 cu.ft. for your belongings, folding down the rear row of seats on this model will give you the same 69.8 cu.ft. of cargo space that you get in other 2024 RAV4 models. This is a testament to the quality design put in by Toyota's team in creating the RAV4.
#5 - A Standard Infotainment System to Keep You Entertained, Connected, and Informed
Each 2024 Toyota RAV4 comes equipped with a Toyota Multimedia system. This allows you to connect your phones using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use the system even if you leave your charging cables at home. This will let you make hands-free calls and texts while streaming your favorite apps. The system also features a six-speaker audio system on most models, with an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system standard or available on a number of different trim levels. This lets you get the greatest sound out of your favorite music. You can also find exceptional programming with the standard SiriusXM satellite radio that is featured on each RAV4. This has a 3-month trial that can be extended when you fall in love with all the commercial-free music, news, talk, sports, and comedy that is featured on SiriusXM.
The touchscreen for the Toyota Multimedia system is quite sizable. Most 2024 RAV4 models come with a standard 8-inch one, while the higher trims feature a 10.5-inch touchscreen. This will make it easy to operate the system, while also giving you a great amount of detail when using the RAV4's standard backup camera.
Find More Reasons to Fall in Love With the RAV4
As the most popular SUV model, the RAV4 has established a wealth of reasons why so many drivers love this vehicle. Now it's time to find your own! Come into Toyota of Bowling Green today and explore our expansive inventory of RAV4 models. Speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team about what you're looking for in your next SUV, and they'll show you a variety of options that will enhance your daily driving experience. Visit us today and see why the RAV4 earns the title of being the most popular SUV on the market today!
