Embarking on a road trip is an exciting time. You have to figure out who’s driving, who’s in charge of the snacks, who’s making the road trip playlist, and how many stops you plan on making along the way to your destination. Perhaps even more important than the road trip snacks is the car you’re going to be riding in, because after all, an uncomfortable car makes for an unenjoyable road trip. There’s more that goes into the ultimate road tripper than just comfort though, and when it comes to one of the best compact SUVs destined for road trip bliss, the Toyota RAV4 won’t disappoint. Many drivers are seeking out used cars these days, due to the fact that they’re able to get more features for the money.

When you’re looking to maximize your road trip, a used RAV4 will do just that. If you’re wondering where to find a used Toyota RAV4 for sale, Westchester Toyota can help. So, what makes the RAV4 a great option for road trippers anyway? From stellar performance to a can-do attitude, here are some of the ways the RAV4 will take your road trip to new levels of excellence.

Exceptional Fuel Efficiency

There’s no questioning the efficiency of small-size vehicles, especially compact SUVs like the RAV4. Not having to stop many times along the way to fuel up, adding precious minutes onto your trip, means everything for road trippers, which makes the RAV4 a solid choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency. Fifth-generation models, which debuted in 2019, feature your choice of powertrains to harness the fuel economy you need to maximize your time on the interstate. Its 2.5L four-cylinder engine offers an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, and if you need even better efficiency, choosing its hybrid variant, which debuted in fourth generation models, will do the trick. Getting up to 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway, the RAV4 Hybrid will help you arrive at your destination on time without overspending on fuel.

Comfortable Ride Quality

Ride quality is more than just what lies beneath the hood; it also has to do with how it feels inside the cabin so that you and your fellow explorers can sit back and enjoy the scenery as you cross state lines. Fortunately, the RAV4 is the total package, with easy maneuverability due to its compact size, as well as a spacious and cozy cabin to help keep all on board relaxed and comfortable as they travel. Fourth-generation models, which debuted in 2014, added more sound-absorbing elements to create a quieter, more peaceful feeling on board, while a width increase in fifth-generation models allowed the RAV4 to handle even better while providing a roomier cabin ambiance. Newer used models feature cozy appointments, like faux-leather upholstery, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, and more premium elements to elevate the feeling of the journey.

Convenient Cargo Space

Having a place for everything joining you on your road trip is equally as important as arriving on time to your destination. After all, the last thing you want is for your gear to be impacting the overall comfort on board. That’s why the RAV4 is a trusted road trip companion for many traveling with everything from camping equipment to luggage, duffel bags, adventure gear, and anything else you can imagine bringing with you on the excursion. Fifth-generation models showcase up to 69.8 cu.ft. in the cargo hold, and with configurable seating, making room for more is easy in the RAV4. You’ll also find a power liftgate on many newer models, helping you get loaded up easily, even when your hands are full of road trip essentials.

Available All-Wheel Drive

Your road trip may not be contained to just the pavement, you may find yourself traversing uneven terrain, dusty trails, or other types of environments, which makes all-wheel drive capabilities much-appreciated by road trippers everywhere. Since its release, the RAV4 has been available with all-wheel drive, so whichever year you happen to be interested in, rest assured that there’s an AWD model available to you. In 2020, the TRD Off-Road model joined the lineup, making it easy for avid adventurers to take on daunting terrain with confidence, armed with a specially tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and impressive AWD capabilities to help you trek through unruly territory with ease. Having a vehicle with AWD also comes in handy when you find yourself battling some less-than-desirable weather conditions, which keeps everyone on board safer during these circumstances.

Impressive Towing Capability

The RAV4 is never going to be able to tow a heavy piece of machinery on the job site, but that’s not what this vehicle was designed to do anyway. For a compact SUV, it features a favorable maximum towing capacity, with newer models able to pull up to 3,500 lbs. This means you’re able to tow your small camper out to the campsite or a trailer filled with dirt bikes to the trails, making your road trip even more thrilling.

Convenient Cabin Features

Having the connectivity features, apps, contacts, and more right at your fingertips is very beneficial, especially when you’re on a road trip. After all, we live in the 21st century; there’s no need to print out MapQuest directions anymore and cross your fingers you locate your destination at some point. With advanced navigation, large touchscreens, wireless tech, and more, you can remain confident while traveling. This is one less responsibility for your co-pilot. Instead of telling you where to turn next, they can focus more on the journey itself.

Superb Safety Tech

The Toyota RAV4 is a consistent IIHS Top Safety Pick, with many models offering the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced safety features. This means that no matter which model year has piqued your interest, you’re going to be able to enjoy a safe and secure ride to help you travel forward with maximum peace of mind. Of course, when you want to take advantage of more innovative features, newer models will offer this to you, with fifth-generation RAV4s showcasing Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and more to keep you safe and focused on the road ahead.

Pleasant Price Tag

With an already reasonable sticker price, it’s easy to find the used RAV4 to accompany you on all your road trips, near or far. Buying used allows you to skip the bulk of a vehicle’s depreciation, which makes it easy to take advantage of lower prices without skimping on the features you require to make your journeys more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable. The RAV4 is affordable, reliable, and safe, which is the perfect combination when it comes to what road trippers are looking for in their fearless travel companion.

The RAV4 is Ready to Hit the Road!

If you’re searching for the ideal road trip accomplice, the RAV4 is one of the best around. It’s not only highly efficient, especially when you choose a hybrid powertrain, but it’s easy to sit back and relax during the journey with refined ride quality, all-wheel drive capabilities ready to serve you in unsavory situations, and plenty of room for everyone and everything joining you on the ride. The RAV4 can go anywhere it pleases, making it one of the best road trippers in the compact SUV segment. When it’s time to hit the highway and venture to new places with ease, the RAV4 proves that it’s armed and ready for the journey ahead.