This is not the initial time I’ve luggage analyzed the latest-generation RAV4, but there are two factors why this a single was conducted. To start with, the authentic was element of a baggage check comparison involving the RAV4 and the preceding-technology CR-V, building it now defunct. Second, I goofed on that first exam. What, me? That’s unpossible!
Sadly, I missed two vital aspects of the RAV4 cargo area in the course of that primary test. First, the cargo cover can in shape underneath the flooring, therefore testing with it in spot is a moot point. Second, that floor alone features two heights. I only examined with the higher peak. The RAV4 continue to carried out extremely properly, and I have identified around the decades the reduced ground would not add that a great deal excess space (you’re about to discover out how much!), but nonetheless, a do-around was known as for.
At the exact time, this is a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (the unique was a fuel-only TRD Off-Street). Modern opponents, including the new CR-V, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, have all been hybrids. Oh, and it is really the new Woodland Edition trim, so I got to examine out its particular cargo place add-ons.
On to RAV4 Baggage Test Take 2!
Officially, the RAV4 has 37.5 cubic-ft of cargo house guiding its back again seat, irrespective of regardless of whether it is a gasoline-only or hybrid edition. Which is the case with its competition, much too, but with a significant caveat I am going to get to in a instant.
Below you can see the big difference with the two ground heights. You can see that it truly is in truth not that a lot and that it truly is much more like a sunken living home given all the area all around it that stays at the higher stage. That does make a variance.
This is the cargo cover saved underneath the ground. Yes, even the reduced ground, as opposed to other motor vehicles that offer both equally attributes (I suspect the Sportage is like this). As these, I didn’t want to examination with the cargo cover in place at all.
Also, you can see the RAV4 cargo floor’s other trick: It’s carpeted on just one aspect and hard textured on the base. You can flip it more than for an conveniently cleaned floor.
And then there’s that aforementioned caveat: Notice the spare tire. The CR-V hybrid trim degrees and the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid do not have a spare tire. The Sportage Hybrid does.
Ok, on to the bags. As in each individual baggage take a look at I do, that suggests two midsize roller suitcases that would will need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches prolonged, 16 broad, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely in shape in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and 1 more compact roll-aboard that suits effortlessly (23L x 15W x 10D). I also involve my wife’s fancy overnight bag just to spruce matters up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
To start with up, place with the ground in its upper position that sits flush with the fold-flat back again seat. Not amazingly, almost everything match with space to spare. And given that I didn’t uselessly exam with the cargo address in position this time, I truly have a worthwhile picture of all the baggage and leftover room.
Now, here is the space maxed out with a 38-quart cooler and a tiny blue duffel bag. This is correctly exactly what I did past time. I literally couldn’t discover that blue duffel bag when I analyzed the Honda CR-V a several weeks back (beneath left), so I do not have an apples-to-apples comparison this time about.
Now, I did use the exact exact items in the Tucson Hybrid, and as you can see earlier mentioned correct, there is a ton extra space leftover. So, the Tucson has a larger cargo space. Try to remember, even though, the hybrid isn’t going to have a spare tire.
Alright, now let’s lower that ground.
So yeah, it is really not really any greater. Certain, there is place left over, but loading is actually awkward due to the fact of the elevated parts at the sides and at the rear. See down below.
Shockingly, then, it was tougher to load with the decrease ground. Also, I was not capable to set any baggage in the remaining space. You’d likely just be seeking at procuring baggage and these types of, which isn’t really practically nothing I suppose.
So as you can see, my original goof wasn’t that big of a offer considering the fact that the decreased flooring alone isn’t that significant of a deal.
Alright, now let’s take a seem at the Woodland Edition unique bits.
All the before shots showcased a bare Woodland. This is all the company you get with it, and frankly, I dig it.
That cargo internet rolls up into this zippered burrito matter.
The rubber cargo mat is properly woodlandy.
And that mat carries on up on to the 60/40-split seat again wherever it Velcros on to the carpeted area. The squares are there to present you wherever you can lower to expose the LATCH anchors down below.
So there you have it. The RAV4 is improved than the CR-V due to the fact of the spare tire and reduced ground situation (and does in simple fact have an additional cubic foot on paper). I also would rather have that spare tire rather of the Tucson Hybrid’s more house. Now I just need to have to retest the Sportage, since all my added things (cooler, etcetera) were being in storage when I tested that … oh, and I forgot about its decreased load flooring posture, as well. Damn it, James.