When we discuss best compact SUVs in Nigeria, it is incomplete without mentioning the Toyota RAV4. In brief, the Toyota RAV4 is a crossover SUV that was debuted in Japan and Europe in 1994 and in North America in 1995 and later launched generally in January 1996.  The 2007 model year is the third generation of this SUV, which was a complete redesign of the 2006 version with Toyota improving its external look, adding safety technology and increasing the car size for more space for headroom and legroom. Read on as naijauto.com today will present to you Toyota Rav4 2007 review & prices in Nigeria.

>>> See The 5 best compact SUV for Nigerians

The Toyota RAV4 2007 is the third generation of the nameplate

Toyota cars are generally reliable and easy to maintain and the Toyota RAV4 2007 is no exception. The Toyota RAV4 2007 has six trims consisting of the Base, Sport, Limited, BaseV6, Sport V6, and the Limited V6. You have the option to choose from either front wheel drive or the all-wheel drive variants.

Video: 2007 Toyota RAV4 Limited Review

The regular base, sport and the limited comes with 4 speed automatic transmission while the Base V6 and the Sport V6 and Limited V6 comes with a 5 speed automatic transmission. Apart from the differences in horsepower and minor interior disparities, this is pretty much what differentiates them. Fuel economy and performance vary with trims. Comparable cars such as the Honda CR-V 2007 can hardly boast of far better specs. The following are specs across trims.

Due to the age factor, getting a brand new model of this vehicle may be difficult. An alternative could be to buy a used Toyota RAV4. This could be either a  Nigerian used or Tokunbo RAV4 2007.

2.1. Brand new Toyota Rav4 2007 prices according to trims

Below are market prices of new Toyota Rav4 2007. You can have a new Rav4 2007 from as low as ₦2.7m for a base trim while the top of the range can be had at from ₦3m - ₦4m.

3.1. Toyota RAV4 2007 exterior design

The big change you can’t miss when comparing the Toyota RAV4 2007 to earlier models is the increase in the size. While the length was 166.5 inches (in maximum) in 2006, it was stretched to 181.9 inches (also in maximum) just one year later. The width increased from 68.3 inches to 73.0 inches, while the height moved from 66.1 inches to 69.1 inches. This change benefits the purpose of accommodating more space in the interior.

The Toyota RAV4 2007 is a lot different from the 2006 version

The ensuing design is gently aggressive with changes to the curves and lines of the body from previous models. Other external features like the auto off/on headlights, taillights and a simple grille are also notable.

The alloy wheels vary; the Base trim maintains 16 inches, the Base V6, Limited and Limited V6  trims have alloy wheels of 17 inches, while the Sport and Sport V6 trims wears 18 inches. All models of the car come with a full-sized spare tire and holder.

It has a studied elegance that marked a fresh start for this SUV

>>> Prices of Toyota RAV4 in Nigeria (all model years)

>>> Toyota car prices in Nigeria (Update in 2019)

3.2 Toyota RAV4 2007 interior design

Upfront, the interior design of this car is not so elegant; however, it still has several good touches with features well displayed. Most of the interior functions provided in the car change as you move up in trims. There are options to upgrade when the customer prefers that.

Standard features

The standard features for all RAV4 2007 trims, starting from the base trim, include:

• air conditioning,
• cruise control,
• AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers,
• in-dash six-CD changer,
• power windows,
• keyless-remote locking,
• tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, and
• manually adjustable passenger seats

Sport trim features

The Sport trim has additional features like:

• the roof rack with cross bars,
• rear privacy glass,
• sport-tuned suspension, and
• fog lamps.
• power tilt-and-slide moon roof,
• stereo with nine speakers,
• a subwoofer and steering-wheel controls

Limited trim

Getting the Limited trim of this car, means it will come with decent upgrades like

• heated outside mirrors,
• dual-zone automatic climate control,
• JBL stereo and
• leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• Privacy glass

If you want additional entertainment for your passengers in the rear seat, then the Limited V6 is a great choice as it has a rear-seat entertainment system.  This trim also has all the base trim and the sport trim features.  

>>> How to maintain used Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4 2007 seating

You have the option to choose either second row seating or a third row seating with the Toyota RAV4 2007. All trims have the option of 5-7 seats but the sport and sport V6 trims have a fixed seating of 5. Car users who bought the car agree that the third row seats are very good for kids and adults of average height but will be a bit uncomfortable if you have very tall passengers occupying the third row. The seating of the car is fabric-covered but you can get a power-adjustable driver seat when you get the Limited trim.

Optional 3rd row seating means two more seats to make 5-7

Cargo space and towing

The RAV4 provides a sufficent cargo space when compared to its rival the Honda CR-V 2007 which can handle up to 72.9 cubic feet. With the one from Toyota, you can get a maximum space of 73 cubic feet, making it standard for a cross back SUV. Even with seven passengers, the vehicle can haul up to 3500 pounds capacity.

Cargo space has been praised by most users as being ample

In the RAV4 2007, Toyota provided airbags standard for all trims and this is a plus for head protection during crashes. Safety features on all RAV4s include

• dual-stage frontal airbags,
• side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags,
• LATCH child safety seat anchors,
• antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist (BA) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD),
• electronic stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC)

The Toyota RAV4 2007 is not as tech as newer models, but still pulls its weight with great safety features

>>> Other Toyota Rav4 reviews:

• Toyota RAV4 2005 review & prices

• Toyota RAV4 2008 review & prices in Nigeria

Before you set out to buy this car, whether new or used, here are the pros and cons gathered from users who have used this vehicle:

Pros

• Great safety available for all trims
• Available option for third row seat
• Good gas mileage or fuel economy
• Adequate cargo space
• Option for V6 engine
• It is easy to maintain and has available cheap parts.
• Good resale value

Cons

• Excessive oil usage
• Third row can be selective of height.
• No navigation system

The optional V6 engine in some trims makes for impressive powertrain, able to haul more than 3000 pounds

The Toyota RAV4 2007 is not one of the best choices for a midsize SUV in Nigeria since it is more of a compact SUV, however, consistently users have talked about the space in this baby. This is fine especially for a mid-size or small family with little kids. The Toyota RAV4 2007 has served Nigeria families for generations, and doubtless will do quite well if you decide to go with it.

>>> See other options for Toyota Rav4 2007:

• Honda CRV 2005 review and prices
• Kia Sportage specs and prices
• Toyota Highlander 2006 review and prices
• Toyota Highlander 2008 review and prices
• Honda Pilot 2010 review and prices

>>> For more reviews on naijauto.com, click here