The RAV4 is a spirited compact SUV that’s been an important part of Toyota’s history. When it debuted in 1989, the RAV4 was something of a trendsetter in the body-on-frame SUV market because it was instantly clear that it was more fuel-efficient and nimble than other options at the time. Meanwhile, it still offered plenty of space and rugged abilities, making it great for both city streets and unpaved rural roads.

The RAV4 quickly became one of Toyota’s best-selling vehicles and continues to be popular among those who don’t want to sacrifice performance for fuel economy or comfort for easy-to-handle dimensions. If you’re looking for a Toyota dealer near White Plains, NY, that can tell you all about the RAV4 in its many renditions—of which there are several terrific options—we’re the team to work with.

The RAV4 is available in its traditional gas-engine form, as well as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Each model is competitively priced and offers performance features that are ready for the busy streets of the inner city or the more rural environments at the many great places to explore to our north, like the Catskills or the Hudson Highlands. If you live in this part of Westchester County and want a vehicle that’s as dynamic as the city, we would love to show you the RAV4. There are many reasons we think it’s one of the best vehicles for our area.

Powertrains Made for Suburban Roads

The RAV4 is available with a gas, hybrid, or PHEV powertrain. Here’s why we love this for White Plains drivers… The gas engine model gets a solid fuel economy, so if you’re still most comfortable driving a combustion engine vehicle, you can go far without having to pull over for fuel. It gets particularly impressive fuel efficiency on the highway, so it’s ready for long commutes on the I-84 or I-287. The gas-engine RAV4 also has the lowest MSRP among the powertrain options, making it a great choice for those devoted to their financial planning.

We always get excited when drivers who spend a lot of time in Manhattan ask us about the RAV4 Hybrid. Because hybrid vehicles recapture battery energy via regenerative braking, the stop-and-go nature of NYC driving is actually beneficial to the RAV4 Hybrid. If you know about the horrible traffic on I-684, then you know you can barely remove your foot from the brake for more than a second—but you can at least know that, with the RAV4 Hybrid, you’re sending energy to the battery each time you do. So even if you can’t make the time pass any more quickly, you can at least know you’re boosting your fuel efficiency. (That said, the available JBL Premium Audio system is pretty exceptional for making traffic more tolerable.)

Drivers who opt for the RAV4 Prime will also like knowing that there are officially more electric charging stations than gas stations in New York City. So, if you spend time in the city, you’ll never have to worry that there isn’t a charging station nearby when your battery is low—although, as a PHEV, you won’t be stranded if you put off recharging. Likewise, you won’t be subject to gas price upcharging that can happen within the city, as you can wait until you’re on the outskirts before refueling!

Designed for Urban Parking and Exurban Exploration

The RAV4’s versatility cannot be overstated. It almost seems to defy physics with its comfortably spacious interior and compact dimensions. Even your rearmost passengers will be happy; meanwhile, you’ll find it easy to weave in and out of congested NYC streets and get into those highly competitive parking spots.

If you want the best vehicle for breaking out of White Plains from time to time, the RAV4 is great for that, too. The Delaware Water Gap—with its hiking trails and picnic settings—is just about an hour and a half drive away; load up the configurable cargo area of the RAV4 with a cooler full of snacks or hiking gear and take a ride. When the roads become less predictable, you’ll love the available all-wheel drive that will give you traction when you need it; that feature is useful no matter where you are—in or out of Westchester County—when that classic “East Coast winter” hits. When the roads get snowy, you’ll need dependable all-wheel drive to keep you in command.

We also like to point out the impressive ground clearance on the RAV4. It’s great for snowy wonderlands and the city alike. Good ground clearance makes it less likely that snow piles or potholes impact your vehicle’s undercarriage. In the city, if you drive over NYC’s notorious asphalt craters, your vehicle is less likely to suffer damage with high ground clearance.

Several Winter-Ready Components

Winters can be brutal in White Plains—that’s no secret. Luckily, the RAV4 has available front and rear outboard heated seats to keep everyone warm and cozy on those beautiful but freezing New York winter days. It also has available dual-zone climate control with rear vents, so you and your passenger can set your ideal temperature, and rear seat passengers won’t be complaining that they can’t feel the air.

On the outside of the RAV4, you’ll find Wildpeak All-Terrain tires, which provide excellent traction in snow. So when you get that first fresh powder, and the snow plow hasn’t come down your street yet, you should still be able to make it to your appointments.

Navigate Infamous Traffic on a Large Touchscreen

Nobody likes to be gridlocked in New York during rush hour. However, if you have a favorite navigation app that can help you get out of the traffic, you can easily use it in the RAV4. Wireless smartphone compatibility means you can sync your device via the massive touchscreen; from there, you’ll see the turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and other tips populate the screen. That should help you rapidly figure out what surface or side streets to take to avoid congestion.

White Plains Residents, Check Out the RAV4 Today

We’re excited to introduce White Plains residents to the incredibly versatile, fuel-efficient, and well-priced RAV4. There aren’t many other vehicles out there that are so well equipped to handle both the congested streets of New York and the wintery slopes of its suburbs. It’s no wonder the RAV4 is a top seller for Toyota, and we are the dealership to work with if you want to meet with experts about this SUV. A member of our team would be glad to explain the different trim options to you and help you decide which one is right for your needs.

We will also get a sense of your driving habits so we can help you decide if the traditional, hybrid, or PHEV RAV4 is best for you. Living in White Plains gives you access to the excitement of the Big Apple, but it also puts you in close proximity to stunning natural destinations. You need a vehicle that can handle both, and the RAV4 is that vehicle.

Westchester Toyota has new RAV4 models arriving daily, and we offer excellent pricing options on this dynamic compact SUV. Visit us today, and drive home in your new RAV4.