Why Franklin Drivers Should Go With the RAV4

Why should you buy a 2024 RAV4 if you live in Franklin? The answer is easy—it will improve your life, from those pesky morning commutes to leisurely drives when enjoying your free time, as rare as that may be. The 2024 RAV4 has been designed to accommodate drivers in states like Kentucky because you can save money on fuel if you drive a lot, but you won't have to trade performance for it. Your family will love every moment spent together in your new RAV4 because it’s comfortable, secure, and spacious. Let’s dive a bit deeper into why you should visit a Toyota dealer near Franklin and strap yourself into the new and exciting 2024 Toyota RAV4.

The RAV4 is Ready for Adventure in Franklin

The RAV4 isn’t your average vehicle. It can open up new possibilities in your life that you haven't considered yet. For example, the 2024 RAV4 features multi-terrain selection, which, as the name implies, allows you to change your vehicle’s traction depending on what type of terrain you’re driving on. The multi-terrain select system proves that Toyota expects its drivers to do more than drive on the concrete. The next thing you know—BAM!—you're off-roading and listening to very loud music.

Your 2024 RAV4 comes with a handful of drive modes you can switch between. The NORMAL Mode is what you’ll likely use during your daily commute to work or driving the kids to Simpson Elementary or Franklin-Simpson High School. On the way home, you may consider using the Eco Mode, which helps improve fuel efficiency by not drawing as much power from your car's systems, like the air conditioner, and also modifies acceleration. Suppose your RAV4 is built on either the available Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain. In that case, Eco Mode also uses regenerative braking to capture kinetic energy caused by braking and routes it back into the battery bank.

Another included drive mode is Sport Mode, which adds a bit more punch to your acceleration, providing a more sporty feel, as its name would have you suggest. When you aren’t traveling on the pavement, however, you have three more modes to choose from that cover five more types of terrain. The remaining modes are SNOW, ROCK & DIRT, and MUD & SAND.

While we don’t get as much snow in Franklin as you’d see in other parts of the country, those rare snowfall moments aren’t an issue. And, if you prefer outdoor activities like camping, you can rest assured you won’t get stuck in the mud. Having all-wheel drive (AWD) helps dramatically with this, which is available with the base engine and standard with the EV powertrains.

The main takeaway here is that your RAV4 will be ready for adventure, especially if you enjoy camping. If you need to charge any amenities or simply plug in something electric, the RAV4 comes standard with a 12V/120W power outlet stored in the cargo area of the SUV. You can even opt for an additional power outlet with a similar voltage output.

Non-Excessive and More Than Satisfactory Performance

Powering the 2024 RAV4 are powertrains with immensely satisfactory performance and plenty of fuel efficiency. The performance stemming from your 2024 RAV4 isn’t excessive or more than you need, which helps keep the price of the RAV4 as affordable as it is, but performance is excellent, with each powertrain reaching more than 200 hp. The base powertrain for the 2024 RAV4 is a 2.5L I-4 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. What this provides you with is 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Great, but what about the towing capacity? You’re in luck if you’re the type to bring the boat down to the ramp at Drake’s Creek and spend the day on the water because the RAV4 can tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs. While it won’t tow every boat, your average-sized Bayliner will be good to go. The 2.5L I-4 engine is the only one that comes with standard front-wheel drive (FWD), but AWD is optional.

The HEV and PHEV powertrains both use the same 2.5L I-4 engine but different EV components. For starters, both the HEV and PHEV RAV4 models—the latter of which is called the RAV4 Prime—come with an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) that provides a smooth acceleration rate—smoother results than any traditional automatic transmission can feasibly produce. HEVs and PHEVs are slightly different machines but cut from the same cloth nonetheless. Both are ultimately hybrids, but the PHEV model can be plugged into an electrical socket or at-home charger to regain its battery life. In contrast, the hybrid relies on methods like regenerative braking to recharge.

You might be wondering whether the 2024 RAV4 comes with Toyota’s new Proactive Driving Assist, which would help recharge the HEV and PHEV. Unfortunately, that is not the case because that feature stems from Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, while the 2024 RAV4 uses Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. We suspect future models may rectify this. The 2.5L I-4 HEV powertrain pushes out 203 hp and has a towing capacity of 1,700 lbs, while the PHEV produces an impressive 302 combined hp and can support towing ratings up to 2,500 lbs.

According to EPA estimates, the PHEV’s battery can account for 42 miles of travel range solely on electricity, with 94 MPGe, and a total range of 600 miles with a fully charged battery and tank of gas. If you purchase the RAV4 hybrid model, you’ll get EPA-estimated ratings of 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway (39 MPG combined.) These ratings are even more impressive considering AWD comes standard. For the base engine, FWD models get 27 MPG in the city and 35 on the highway (30 MPG combined,) and the fuel efficiency of AWD models is still impressive, with 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway (30 MPG combined.) For commuters, whether you’re traveling up to Bowling Green for work or visiting family and friends, or if you need to drive down to Nashville for your job in the city, the RAV4 is a fuel-efficient option that will keep money in your wallet no matter what powertrain choice you make for your vehicle.

Business in the Front, Party in the Back

Let’s talk a bit about cargo space, because that's something many car shoppers want to know about when shopping for an SUV. The 2024 RAV4 is a spacious vehicle, but the amount of cargo space there is with the second row of seats up will differ depending on whether you buy the traditional RAV4 or the RAV4 Prime. With those seats up—because, hypothetically, the kids are sitting in the back and the family is going to the Franklin Country Club for some swimming—the regular RAV4 has 37.6 cu.ft. of available room, which is easily more than enough for five people and their swimming pool gear, beach bags, etc. The 2024 RAV4 Prime would also do a good job with this type of accommodation with 33.5 cu.ft. of available space. If you need to fold down the seats for any reason to access more cargo space, both the RAV4 and RAV4 Prime have more than 60 cu.ft. of maximum room.

Franklin Drivers, Take Notice

Toyota is an excellent brand for many reasons, including—but not limited to—reliability, performance, and ease of repair, thanks to the easy availability of Toyota parts compared to some other international manufacturers. If you live in Franklin, a Toyota RAV4 will make your life more convenient with more versatility, even if you’re not planning on using the features built for the more adventurous among the crowd, like the Multi-Terrain Select system. Although the 2024 RAV4 might not have features like the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the 2.5 system is a sizable upgrade over any predecessor that came before it, so if there’s one thing the RAV4 isn’t, it’s outdated. We know you’ll love the 2024 RAV4, so consider all this when you go out to get one.