This isn’t the primary time I’ve baggage examined the current-generation RAV4, however there are two the explanation why this one was carried out. First, the unique was a part of a baggage check comparability between the RAV4 and the previous-generation CR-V, making it now defunct. Second, I goofed on that unique check. What, me? That is unpossible!
Sadly, I missed two key components of the RAV4 cargo space throughout that unique check. First, the cargo cowl can match beneath the ground, thereby testing with it in place is a moot level. Second, that flooring itself affords two heights. I solely examined with the higher peak. The RAV4 nonetheless carried out very nicely, and I’ve recognized over time the decrease flooring would not add that a lot additional area (you are about to learn the way a lot!), however nonetheless, a do-over was known as for.
On the identical time, it is a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (the unique was a gas-only TRD Off-Street). Latest opponents, together with the brand new CR-V, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, have all been hybrids. Oh, and it is the brand new Woodland Version trim, so I acquired to take a look at its particular cargo space equipment.
On to RAV4 Baggage Check Take 2!
Formally, the RAV4 has 37.5 cubic-feet of cargo area behind its again seat, no matter whether or not it’s a gas-only or hybrid model. That is the case with its opponents, too, however with an enormous caveat I will get to in a second.
Right here you’ll be able to see the distinction with the 2 flooring heights. You possibly can see that it is certainly not that a lot and that it is extra like a sunken front room given all of the area round it that continues to be on the increased degree. That does make a distinction.
Here is the cargo cowl saved beneath the ground. Sure, even the lowered flooring, not like different autos that supply each options (I believe the Sportage is like this). As such, I did not want to check with the cargo cowl in place in any respect.
Additionally, you’ll be able to see the RAV4 cargo flooring’s different trick: It is carpeted on one facet and exhausting textured on the underside. You possibly can flip it over for an simply cleaned floor.
After which there’s that aforementioned caveat: Observe the spare tire. The CR-V hybrid trim ranges and the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid shouldn’t have a spare tire. The Sportage Hybrid does.
OK, on to the luggage. As in each baggage check I do, which means two midsize curler suitcases that will must be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 vast, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
First up, area with the ground in its higher place that sits flush with the fold-flat again seat. Not surprisingly, all the things match with room to spare. And since I did not uselessly check with the cargo cowl in place this time, I even have a worthwhile photograph of all the luggage and leftover area.
Now, right here is the area maxed out with a 38-quart cooler and a small blue duffel bag. That is successfully precisely what I did final time. I actually could not discover that blue duffel bag once I examined the Honda CR-V a number of weeks in the past (beneath left), so I haven’t got an apples-to-apples comparability this time round.
Now, I did use the very same gadgets within the Tucson Hybrid, and as you’ll be able to see above proper, there may be much more room leftover. So, the Tucson has an even bigger cargo space. Keep in mind, although, the hybrid would not have a spare tire.
OK, now let’s decrease that flooring.
So yeah, it is probably not any higher. Certain, there’s room left over, however loading is admittedly awkward due to the raised areas on the sides and on the rear. See beneath.
Surprisingly, then, it was tougher to load with the decrease flooring. Additionally, I wasn’t in a position to put any baggage within the remaining area. You’d in all probability simply be purchasing baggage and such, which is not nothing I suppose.
In order you’ll be able to see, my unique goof wasn’t that large of a deal because the lowered flooring itself is not that large of a deal.
OK, now let’s check out the Woodland Version particular bits.
All the sooner pictures featured a unadorned Woodland. Here is all of the enterprise you get with it, and albeit, I dig it.
That cargo web rolls up into this zippered burrito factor.
The rubber cargo mat is appropriately woodlandy.
And that mat continues up onto the 60/40-split seat again the place it Velcros onto the carpeted floor. The squares are there to point out you the place you’ll be able to lower to disclose the LATCH anchors beneath.
So there you’ve it. The RAV4 is healthier than the CR-V due to the spare tire and lowered flooring scenario (and does actually have an additional cubic foot on paper). I additionally would somewhat have that spare tire as a substitute of the Tucson Hybrid’s additional area. Now I simply must retest the Sportage, as a result of all my additional gadgets (cooler, and many others) have been in storage once I examined that … oh, and I forgot about its decrease load flooring place, too. Rattling it, James.
