Eight best features inside the 2013 Toyota RAV4

Toyota has done more with the redesigned RAV4 than take the spare tire off the back. On sale now in its fourth generation, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 has lost its available V6 engine, gained a new six-speed automatic transmission and added some features inside.

To be honest, we aren’t in love with this interior. During our test drive, we disliked the mismatched textures and thought the French stitching on molded plastic failed at trying to make the RAV4 feel more expensive than it is.

Still, we know the SUV is one of the best selling of its kind. Here are the RAV4 interior features we think you should know about:

1. The front seats have a slim back to enhance rear knee room.

2. A backup camera and 6.1-inch center display are standard.

3. The seats are comfortable. Bump up to the XLE for side bolstering, and then to the Limited for synthetic leather trim.

4. Cargo space has improved in this new two-row-only set-up. Space is up 1.2 cubic feet to 38.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and with the rear seats folded down there is 73.3 cubic feet. The comparable 2012 Honda CR-V measures in at 37.2 cubic feet with seats up, 70.9 cubic feet with seats down.

5. A manual tilt/telescope steering column comes standard.

6. Steering wheels are either wrapped in urethane plastic (base LE and mid-grade XLE) or leather (Limited trim), and feature controls for audio and Bluetooth.

7. The second row has a 60/40 split, folds down and reclines.

8. The Sport button below the radio controls, which noticeably firms up the steering, changes shift points and improves throttle response.

By Angie Fisher