2018 RAV4 Review

The roads of Salisbury and Huntersville are ripe for adventure, and a compact crossover may be the ideal way to take them on. If you’re shopping in that segment, you might find this 2018 RAV4 review especially helpful.

In it, we give Mooresville and Lexington drivers a closer look at the 2018 Toyota RAV4. It’s an interesting SUV, with a large cargo area and improved towing capacity from last model year. Plus, there’s an all-new Adventure trim level, and we at Cloninger Toyota are excited to show you all about it! Contact us to learn more.

2018 Toyota RAV4: A Versatile Interior

Slide into the cabin of the RAV4, and you’ll be impressed by the quality and comfort you find. In the new Adventure trim, a leather-trimmed shift lever and leather-wrapped steering wheel lend a premium feel to this ride. Plus, you’ll find quality leather-grained plastics and a stitched vinyl dash pad, in a win for soft-touch materials.

And you can’t argue with all that space. Every trim level offers 38.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats, which is more than enough to accommodate everything from picnic or camping gear to luggage for the next family trip. Fold the backseat, and you’ll have a cavernous 73.4 cubic feet at your disposal.

Practical Exterior Features

Of course, not everything will fit inside your Toyota RAV4. That’s where the roof rails can come in handy. Equip them with an accessory roof rack, and you can bring a kayak or bike along for your next adventure. Or, try an accessory cargo carrier and pack up even more cargo on the roof for the ride ahead.

The RAV4 design keeps you from blending into the background, wherever you go. Those angled headlamps and sharp, creased lines on the body lend this vehicle an assertive, if not quite aggressive, presence. LED lighting is available for headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, so you can enjoy a brighter drive.

SUV Performance Specs

There’s one powertrain available in the 2018 Toyota RAV4, and it provides for a peppy ride around town or out on the highway. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver an impressive 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the new RAV4 Adventure, and you’ll have some impressive capabilities. With this trim’s Tow Prep Package, you can trailer up to 3,500 pounds—a 2,000-pound improvement from the max towing capacity of last year’s model. That’s enough to tow a couple jet skis or even a utility trailer.

Ground clearance in the Adventure even sees a slight improvement from the other trim levels. You’ll find 6.5 inches in the Adventure, 6.1 inches in the other trims, and a vehicle supremely capable of tackling the occasional uncivilized road.

Test Drive the 2018 RAV4 Today!

At Cloninger Toyota, we want to help you find that perfect compact crossover that satisfies your rugged sense of adventure. If you enjoyed our 2018 RAV4 review, schedule a test drive at our dealer. Get behind the wheel and see if this SUV can handle all your Salisbury, Mooresville, Huntersville, or Lexington driving!