We have three of them in the family. I think the 24 mpg might be a tad lower
than reality (depending on driving style). My SO claims Her's is a little
better than 24, more like 26 (but she still thinks it is not good enough).
I've seen it hit the high 20's on trips up and down I-95 at 70+ mph, even
when loaded with three or four passengers and luggage. The front tires seem
to wear rapidly - at least for my SO's and older sister's RAV4s. Wind and
road noise are greater than I am used to, but neither my SO nor my older
Sister complain (but then they used to drive a Chrysler minivan and rolling
piece of crap Civic). My younger sister admits her's is noiser than her old
Escape, but then she says it is not that bad. The RAV4s were quieter than
the Honda CRV we road tested with my Mother (she ended up buying a
Highlander which is much qieter than the RAV4 of the CRV). My biggest
compalint is the driving position. If you are tall / large you might find it
uncomfortable. The controls (radio, heater, cruise control) were designed by
a drunk monkey, but you get used to them eventually (not that they ever seem
reasonable). I hate the externally mounted spare tire, but at least it is
full sized.
On the other hand, all three RAV4 have been dead solid reliable. Worst
problem is the wacko cruise control of my SO's RAV4. It is unusable if you
want to drive a steady 60 with the AC on. This doesn't seem to afflict my
youner Sister's V6 model. My older sister has never complained about hers,
but then she might never drive 60. The cars have lots of interior room and
decent standard equipment. And being a Toyota they will hold their resale
value. I might not think a RAV4 is the best vehicle in it's class, but it is
unlikely you'll regret buying one. I guess I'd summarize it as an exteremely
relaible, well assemblied but mediocre and somewhat odd design - typical
Toyota. If you like Toyotas then you'll be happy.
Ed