Sometimes people are under the impression that women know nothing about vehicles. That they just want something pretty and it doesn’t matter what’s under the hood or in the back. That’s a myth! Interestingly enough I’m at a stage in my life where I do want a striking looking vehicle but I also need a versatile one.
Just recently a friend and I signed up to be LuLaRoe Fashion Consultants. LuLaRoe is a direct sales clothing company that makes comfortable, and unique clothing for women of all sizes. They focus on home parties so that women can try the clothes on and see how beautiful they look at them. That means hauling hundreds of pieces of clothing and racks around in order to set these parties up, but it’s so worth it to see the reactions when these ladies try a dress or top on and get feedback from multiple friends and family on how amazing they look.
So it goes without saying that the week I had the 2016 Toyota RAV4 SE AWD in my driveway for my use thanks to Toyota, it fit right into my lifestyle; beautiful, functional and comfortable!
My last experience with a Toyota RAV4 was 17 years ago when we were looking for a family vehicle. The RAV4 and the Honda CR-V were relatively new vehicles at the time and both were on our short list. We ended up with the CR-V because it suited our family better back then. I’ve actually been driving it all these years, and we’re in the market for a new vehicle in the next couple of years, I had actually not considered a RAV4 prior to my week long loan, but it is once again on my short list because I loved it so much.
As with most new fully outfitted vehicles, the Toyota RAV4 comes with loads of high tech options. Safety features such as lane sway, blind spot warning and radar sensing braking when using cruise control. The Parking Assist is always a favorite feature of mine and the keyless entry/start.
Dual temperature control for driver and passenger, USB plug and plenty of storage are also part of the package. Of course there are many more features that I didn’t even try out like pairing a phone via Bluetooth and the navigation system.
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 SE AWD drives like a dream. It’s smooth, has decent pickup, does tight turns well and we even had a chance to see it perform well in heavy rain. None of that is surprising given Toyota’s reputation in their class, so let me point out a few things that stood out for me on the RAV4 that make it one of my top picks for myself for a new vehicle.
The interior. Yes, here I’m going to talk vanity 😉 I am not a fan of fake wood detailing. I actually loathe it. These days the packages with all the safety features and high tech options generally mean a leather interior, I admit I’m still a fan of cloth upholstery. That being said the two-toned leather detailing on the dash and sides were very appealing to me. An upgrade from just the plastic molding and so much nicer than the faux wood.
The ease of extending the cargo space. Vehicle manufacturers have come a long way in the last 17 years when it comes to convenience. I have never had an easier time putting the rear seats down to make more room for cargo. Lift a lever, pull the seat back forward.
THAT’S IT! So easy! I was a little concerned that I had done it incorrectly because it was so easy 😉 Just as easy, just lift the seat backs up to have your rear seating back.
The variable height of the tailgate door. Plenty of the newer vehicles we’ve had the chance to drive have had the remote to lift and close the tailgate. The Toyota RAV4 also has this feature, but it also has a variable height. When you first press the fob it only goes up part way. While most people would lament this, as someone who is only 4’9″ tall, I love it! But push it just a bit higher and it goes up, so you tall people have clearance too 🙂
So what will a 2016 fully equipped Toyota RAV4 SE AWD run you? The model I had with its options, freight & delivery msrp is $37,022.
Visit www.toyota.com for more information about the 2016 Toyota RAV4 SE AWD.
Tammy Litke is a Dallas blogger, blogging since 2008. She loves to watch movies, play video games, spend time in the kitchen, and travel. Between recipes and reviews you’ll find many helpful and some just plain funny posts on her blog. Welcome, pull up a chair and stay for a while!
Boy these new cars sure have a lot of awesome features don’t they? I love all the new safety features, like the back up camera, and built in gps. Love the tailgate adjustment feature also.
Looks like a nice car. Thank you for the review!
I love that color blue! So vibrant. You really can’t go wrong with a Toyota.