Prices for 2012 Toyota RAV4 Reflect Competitive Segment

The 2012 RAV4 gets an average overall MSRP increase of $100 or 0.4%, according to numbers supplied to TorqueNews by Toyota. The base and sport models see increases of $175, or 0.7%, while the Limited trim level, the RAV4's highest, sees actual price decreases of $135 or about 0.5%.

The Toyota RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades: RAV4 grade (base), Sport and top-of-the-line Limited – and with a choice between the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 269 horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Each engine can be teamed with either front-wheel drive or electronic on-demand four-wheel-drive. The RAV4 offers optional third-row seating on RAV4 (base) and Limited grade models.

Now for the bad news: the RAV4 is still sold with a four-speed automatic transmission for the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine models, which puts it badly behind the competition. The 269 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 does not fare much better with a five-speed automatic transmission. No manual transmission is available, which is not surprising considering the American marketplace.

While the transmissions are outdated, at least the technology inside isn't and that can be more important to some buyers. All 2012 RAV4 models will feature a new standard audio system that’s equipped with hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, while the Limited Grade will offer an available Display Audio with Navigation and Entune.

The optional system includes a 6.1-inch touch-screen, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package), HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity and control, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, advanced voice recognition, and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

Sounds strange to be saying this but 6.1-inch seems small for a screen in an SUV, even a compact one. The new Hyundai Veloster, a much smaller vehicle, gets a beautiful 7-inch screen while the 2013 Lexus GS lineup gets a beautiful 12.3-inch screen but it's probably a few years before that trickles down to the RAV4.

The RAV4 is also in need of a design overhaul, which it could possibly receive in the next year. The current 2012 model is the exact same as the 2009 model. Most automobiles get some kind of update, even if it's just a sheet metal refresh, every five years or so.

Here is the price breakdown for the 2012 Toyota RAV4:

Base 2WD 4AT
2011 MSRP: $22,475
MSRP CHANGE ($): $175
MSRP INCREASE (%): 0.8%
2012 NEW MSRP: $22,650

Base V6 2WD 5AT
2011 MSRP: $24,510
MSRP CHANGE ($): $175
MSRP INCREASE (%): 0.7%
2012 NEW MSRP: $24,685

Sport 2WD 4AT
2011 MSRP: $24,175
MSRP CHANGE ($): $175
MSRP INCREASE (%): 0.7%
2012 NEW MSRP: $24,350

Sport V6 2WD 5AT
2011 MSRP: $26,105
MSRP CHANGE ($): $175
MSRP INCREASE (%): 0.7%
2012 NEW MSRP: $26,280

Limited 2WD 4AT
2011 MSRP: $25,465
MSRP CHANGE ($): ($135)
MSRP INCREASE (%): -0.5%
2012 NEW MSRP: $25,330

Limited V6 2WD 5AT
2011 MSRP: $27,385
MSRP CHANGE ($): ($135)
MSRP INCREASE (%): -0.5%
2012 NEW MSRP: $27,250

Base 4WD 4AT
2011 MSRP: $23,875
MSRP CHANGE ($): $175
MSRP INCREASE (%): 0.7%
2012 NEW MSRP: $24,050

Base V6 4WD 5AT
2011 MSRP: $25,910
MSRP CHANGE ($): $175
MSRP INCREASE (%): 0.7%
2012 NEW MSRP: $26,085

Sport 4WD 4AT
2011 MSRP: $25,575
MSRP CHANGE ($): $175
MSRP INCREASE (%): 0.7%
2012 NEW MSRP: $25,750

Sport V6 4WD 5AT
2011 MSRP: $27,505
MSRP CHANGE ($): $175
MSRP INCREASE (%): 0.6%
2012 NEW MSRP: $27,680

Limited 4WD 4AT
2011 MSRP: $26,855
MSRP CHANGE ($): ($135)
MSRP INCREASE (%): -0.5%
2012 NEW MSRP: $26,720

Limited V6 4WD 5AT
2011 MSRP: $28,785
MSRP CHANGE ($): ($135)
MSRP INCREASE (%): -0.5%
2012 NEW MSRP: $28,650