Vehicle Preview: 2013 Toyota RAV4

 

The Toyota RAV4 has remained one of our favorite small SUV’s in the market. Its responsiveness and roomie interior makes it one of our usual top choices to bring to our events. For the 2013 model year Toyota announced a complete redesign for the RAV4, and we cannot wait to have one in our hands.

So what can you expect from the 2013 Toyota RAV4?

We don't expect it to grow much in size or look radically different. The Toyota RAV4 seems to have found the perfect balance of size and maneuverability, and after all if the shoe fits wear it, right?

For the 2013 Model year expect to see sharper creases and some chunky styling cues from the FJ Cruiser and Toyota's trucks. Under the hood, expect to RAV4 to come equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines as a carry-over from last year. The current 2.5-liter returns 28 mpg on the highway, so look for the new four-cylinder to reach towards the 30 highway mpg line.

While we have heard rumblings of a hybrid RAV4 at some point, one confirmed report is that for the 2013 model year we will see the return of the RAV4 EV.

The RAV4 EV is powered by batteries and some powertrain components from Tesla Motors. Expect the second-generation RAV4 EV to see a range of about 100 miles. The last RAV4 EV was released in 2004.

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV will go on sale late this year however the non-electric RAV4 is coming soon. Keep checking back for a full review of the 2013 Toyota RAV4, including specs, driving impressions and car battles as it becomes available.

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Toyota Camry Tops Cars.com Most American Cars List

Cars.com voted on the top 10 Most American of all vehicles and once again, the Toyota Camry has been picked as the most American of all cars. The choice was made due to the Camry having more U.S. sourced parts, U.S. production and higher U.S. sales.

This marks the fourth-straight year that the Toyota Camry has topped the "American-made" survey. This year, the Ford F-150 came at a close second but in the end, Toyota, Honda and General Motors took eight of the 10 spots on the list.

"When people think about buying an 'American' car, they might just think automatically of the Detroit Three," said Patrick Olsen, editor in chief at Cars.com. "In reality, this classification isn't as cut and dry as it used to be."

So without further ado here are the 10 most American vehicles and where they're made as voted by Cars.com:

1. Toyota Camry, Georgetown, Ky., and Lafayette, Ind.
2. Ford F-150, Dearborn, Mich., and Claycomo, Mo.
3. Honda Accord, Marysville, Ohio
4. Toyota Sienna, Princeton, Ind.
5. Honda Pilot, Lincoln, Ala.
6. Chevrolet Traverse, Lansing, Mich.
7. Toyota Tundra, San Antonio
8. Jeep Liberty, Toledo, Ohio
9. GMC Acadia, Lansing
10. Buick Enclave, Lansing

What do you think of this list? Let us know!

Like what you read? Then follow us on twitter at @jerrystoyota and @JerrysItsAboutU for updates on all of our blogs, videos and vehicle comparisons.

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