I read several reviews of the Rav4 2.5 gas and they describe the acceleration as "sluggish" and unresponsive. Does anyone own a Rav4 here? I understand reviews on how the SUV is quite comfortable and smooth, but I just wanna know whether you are happy with the engine performance. Is it responsive when accelerating?
It has adequate power. Actually, among entry level variants, the Rav4 is a bargain. You can join Rav4clubPH in FB if you want to know more about the 4th-gen Rav4.
I've driven the current 2.5 RAV4 through provincial roads (my other option was a Honda CBR 1000, so no way).
The power was adequate in the sense that you'd never feel lacking whether you're cruising or overtaking. It's just that for a 2.5L 180 hp engine, it doesn't like being revved very much.
Most of the power is in the lower to mid rev range (before 5000 rpm). As you near redline, it becomes a droning noise that doesn't come with push-you-to-your-seat power.
I expected it to be markedly livelier than the 2.0 CX5 or 2.0 Forester, but those 2 cars felt more comfortable being driven at the redline compared to the RAV4.
I'm sure the acceleration numbers are good, but it just doesn't feel exciting to drive. As a cruiser though, it's more than adequate and it really won't make a fuss from zero to triple digit speeds.