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Space is a premium inside the RAV4 as the suspension and four-wheel drive mechanisms intrude into the passenger compartment. The wheel wells bulge into the front footwells. The rear passengers enjoy higher seating and enjoy a good view, but their space is far from spacious. The Honda CR-V still wins in the egress/ingress and space categories. It's a shame that Toyota didn't use a flat rear floor for the RAV4. If they could have devised this for the Echo Verso, they should have done so with the much more expensive and newer RAV.
Luggage space is also limited because of the large
bulge caused by the rear wheel wells. However,
a good note is that the rear seats are split fold / tumble and thus adds
considerable amounts of space. If
the fold / tumble seats are not enough, the rear seats are also removable
without the use of any kind of tools (although the owner’s manual may come in
handy). Aside from the limited space, there are only two other irritating things about the interior: use of materials and the stereo system. The materials, though improved, are still no match for any of Honda’s offerings. Sure, they look sporty and the main driving tools (steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake) are excellent, but the rest of the cabin isn't. The windows switches, for instance, came from the Toyota Hi-Lux and so did the overhead lights and map lights. The side pockets and glove box are made up of hard plastic material and rattle when any kind of object is placed inside (even a couple of CDs in their jewel cases). The
stereo system is also a shame. With
a head unit similar to the Toyota Echo's (or the
Mitsubishi Adventure Super Sport's), you’d think it was bad enough.
Turn it on, and you’ll find out that the 4-speaker system is worse than
awful…it’s pathetic. Even a 10-year old Mitsubishi Galant GTi’s Kenwood 30
watt system is enough to kick the rear end of the RAV4’s speakers.
What’s even worse is that since the speakers are mounted on the door,
people from the outside will have a good idea as to what you're listening to. |
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