Electronically Controlled 4WD

An automatic on-demand four-wheel-drive system uses an electronically controlled coupling to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, depending on road conditions and driver input. The system can continuously and seamlessly switch from front-wheel-drive to four-wheel-drive mode, maximizing fuel efficiency. In auto mode, torque distribution to the rear wheels is decreased during low speed cornering for better maneuverability.

A 4WD manual locking switch will disengage the auto mode, maximizing torque distribution to the rear wheels. When the vehicle speed reaches 25 mph the Lock mode will disengage, reverting back to Auto mode. The Lock mode also disengages when the brakes are applied, optimizing ABS and VSC operation. Toyota RAV4 4x2 models come equipped with an automatic limited slip differential as standard.

All V6 Toyota RAV4 models, and all four-cylinder models equipped with a third-row seat, come standard with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). HAC provides additional control for on-road and off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface; DAC is designed to enhance low-speed descending ability by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with no intervention from the driver.


Comprehensive Safety Design

The RAV4 helps protect occupants with a reinforced cabin using front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials on the roof and doors. The front seats include height-adjustable headrests designed to help reduce the possibility of whiplash-type injuries, as well as three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and belt-force limiters. Second- and third-row seats also provide three-point seatbelts and height-adjustable headrests in all seating positions.

The driver and passenger advanced front airbags are designed to inflate according to collision severity. A front seat passenger sensor is designed to determine if there is a person in the seat, and an occupant classification system verifies the passenger's weight category to determine whether the airbag should inflate. Driver and front passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags and first and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags are newly standard for 2007.

Like all SUVs in the Toyota lineup, RAV4 comes standard with the STAR SAFETY SYSTEM that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

The newest version of VSC goes beyond the traditional traction control function that simply react to challenging conditions. In the RAV4, VSC interfaces with the new Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system to help optimize steering assist for any given situation. The integration of EPS allows the enhanced VSC system to better anticipate the onset of vehicle loss of control and more effectively respond to driver operation and vehicle behavior.


Spacious Interior Comfort and Utility

The RAV4 seating allows for numerous configurations, and under-floor storage (on models without the third-row seat), providing cargo space comparable to some mid-size SUVs. The 60/40 split second row seats features reclining seatbacks and an armrest with two cupholders, and the seats slides to optimize room for passengers or cargo. The second row seats fold flat with the convenience of tilt-down levers located on the side of the seatbacks and in the cargo area.

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