2011 Toyota RAV4 Overview Change Vehicle

This 2011 Toyota RAV4 overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2011 RAV4, and includes Toyota RAV4 safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

Toyota entices buyers to choose the Toyota RAV4 Base model in 2011, thanks to a new Extra Value Package that adds optional upgrades like a power moonroof, satellite radio, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Oh, and don’t forget the roof rails. Otherwise, the RAV4 is unchanged as it approaches the end of its current design cycle.

Three 2011 Toyota RAV4 models are on sale: Base, Sport, and Limited. The Base model, a model that belies its name by featuring standard equipment like power windows, power mirrors, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and a sound system with a CD player and auxiliary input jack. The RAV4 Base also includes air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Options include a backup camera integrated with the rearview mirror, and, new for 2011, an Extra Value Package. There are a number of appealing features in this option package such as a power moonroof, an audio upgrade with a six-disc CD changer and one year of satellite radio service, roof rails, steering wheel controls, privacy glass, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rear cargo cover.

Even with all those features, you won’t get the handling offered by the RAV4 Sport. That’s what Toyota promises with a specially tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels and tires. Additional sportiness comes by way of visual cues like smoked headlights, a rear spoiler, and an available charcoal-colored leather interior. A JBL sound system with Bluetooth, a power moonroof, and a navigation system with a reversing camera are optional on the Sport model.

If you prefer your headlights smoke-free and your SUV dressed in chrome, Toyota offers the RAV4 Limited, equipped with a power driver’s seat, the brand’s keyless Smart Entry system, automatic climate control, and side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Available on the Limited are features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded premium sound, a power moonroof, and a navigation unit with backup camera.

Power for the 2011 RAV4 comes from one of two engines, the more fuel-efficient being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that generates 179 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission delivers output to the front wheels, or to each corner when the on-demand four-wheel-drive system has been selected. Fuel economy measures 22-mpg city/28-mpg highway for front-drive models, and 21-mpg/27-mpg for the four-by-fours, which due to newer competitors sporting 30+ mpg, isn’t as impressive as it once was.

Drivers who enjoy getting up to speed in a hurry may prefer the RAV4’s available 3.5-liter V6. Generating 269 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque, this engine’s efficiency is nearly on par with the less energetic four-cylinder. In front-wheel-drive guise, the V6 achieves 19-mpg city/27-mpg highway, while four-by-four models drop those results slightly to 19-mpg city/26-mpg highway.

Safety equipment packed into every 2011 RAV4 is the same as 2010, including front-seat, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and front active head restraints.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has revised its crash-test methodology, and the new program sets higher standards for achieving a 5-Star rating. These changes are reflected in the 2011 RAV4’s middling 3-Star frontal impact ratings. The good news is that the spunky little Toyota offers 4-Star side impact and rollover resistance performance, even with the stricter standards.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety continues to give the RAV4 its top Good rating for front, side, and rear impact protection. Roof crush strength testing reveals an Acceptable performance.

Trouble-free operation has always been a RAV4 strength, and for 2011 Consumer Reports is predicting that owners will enjoy excellent reliability. J.D. Power and Associates agrees, assigning the RAV4 an above-average predicted dependability rating.

Except for some minor visual updates in 2009, the Toyota RAV4 of today looks much like the totally redesigned model that debuted in 2006. It’s time for a new version, but until that happens, Toyota’s addition of a feature-heavy Extra Value Package keeps the RAV4 in the game. Excellent reliability and safety scores certainly don’t hurt, either.