SUV History 101: 1999-2011 Toyota RAV4 By the Numbers

Most consumers wouldn't expect the performance of an entry-level luxury sports sedan from a 2011 Toyota RAV4, yet that's exactly how quickly a version of that SUV with all-wheel drive and a V-6 engine completed the performance benchmark.

With the Toyota RAV4 crossover about to be replaced by a new generation to tackle the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape-replacement, Chevrolet Equinox, and others, we thought we'd take a look back at other RAV4s that have been tested by Motor Trend/Truck Trend since the 2001 model year. We'll take a look at testing records to discover just how improved newly designed vehicles are from a by-the-numbers perspective.

The current RAV4 is bigger than it's ever been before, and with that added size Toyota decided to offer an optional V-6. That's a model we've tested three times. It's worth noting that fuel economy on the 2011 RAV4 AWD V-6 we tested is EPA-rated at 19/26 mpg city/highway, compared to the 20/25 mpg ratings on a 2001 RAV4 with all-wheel drive and a four-cylinder engine.

2011 Toyota RAV4 AWD V-6 tested on 4/20/11
3.5L V-6 and 5A with 269 hp/246 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Quarter mile: 14.9 seconds @ 92.9 mph
Figure Eight time: 28.1 seconds @ 0.62 g
60-0 mph: 122 feet
Pounds per horsepower: 13.8

2007 Toyota RAV4 AWD V-6 tested on 8/14/06
3.5L V-6 and 5A with 269 hp/246 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
Quarter mile: 15.0 seconds @ 92.4 mph
Figure Eight time: 28.6 seconds @ 0.59 g
60-0 mph: 130 feet
Pounds per horsepower: 13.8

2006 Toyota RAV4 AWD V-6 tested on 6/29/06
3.5L V-6 and 5A with 269 hp/246 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
Quarter mile: 15.0 seconds @ 91.6 mph
Figure Eight time: 28.6 seconds @ 0.58 g
60-0 mph: 124 feet
Pounds per horsepower: 13.8

2005 Toyota RAV4 AWD I-4 tested on 11/17/04
2.4L I-4 and 5M with 161 hp/165 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 7.8 seconds
Quarter mile: 16.1 seconds @ 84.0 mph

2004 Toyota RAV4 AWD I-4 tested on 6/16/04
2.4L I-4 and 4A with 161 hp/165 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 9.3 seconds
Quarter mile: 17.2 seconds @ 78.6 mph
60-0 mph: 126 feet

2002 Toyota RAV4 AWD I-4 tested on 8/29/01
2.0L I-4 and 5M with 148 hp/142 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 8.9 seconds
Quarter mile: 16.9 seconds @ 81.4 mph
60-0 mph: 132 feet

2001 Toyota RAV4 FWD I-4 tested on 8/24/00
2.0L I-4 and 4A with 148 hp/142 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 10.4 seconds
Quarter mile: 17.6 seconds @ 78.1 mph
60-0 mph: 130 feet

1999 Toyota RAV4 AWD I-4 and 4A tested on 5/21/99
0-60 mph: 11.6 seconds
Quarter mile: 18.4 seconds @ 74.1 mph
60-0 mph: 133 feet

How do these test results compare with your expectations about the four- and six-cylinder Toyota RAV4s? Tell us what you think and take a look at the photos below.