A few weeks ago, Toyota contacted me to test one of their new 2015 RAV4 for a week. They couldn't have asked a better girl either. With 2+ hours daily commutes battles to and from the office during the week in Phoenix traffic, to say I do a little bit of driving would be an understatement. When you're sitting on the freeway crawling in traffic, the worst thing is to be in an uncomfortable vehicle. I don't know why they even bother to call it a freeway. It's not free in any way. All the driving I do, makes a reliable, comfortable and dependable ride a top priority for me.
As you guys know, I love working out just a little bit. Getting my fitness on is the most important part of my day. Next to sleep and eating of course. Fitness is the first thing I do every morning and the Toyota RAV4 had more than ample space to accomodate all my workout gear in the front and back and I have a lot of stuff too! I'm sort of a pack rat when it comes to my fitness stuff. I love so many forms of activity I like to be ready for whatever my body and mind feels like that day. Some of the things I packed into the RAV4 -> swim gear, kick board, spin shoes, weight lifting toys, towels, water bottles, foam roller and my gym bag with my work clothes and everything under the moon crammed in it. I even carried my air cast boot. I'm still recovering from my ankle injury and although I'm probably safe to leave it home at this point, I've been keeping it with me just in case I need it.
Toyota RAV4 had me covered with it's spaciousness backseat and trunk. I could've easily sprawled out and taken a nap in the back seat. The seats were extremely comfortable. Now if only I had a chauffeur. 🙂
When you start your day at 4:45 am and get home at 6:30 pm, you need a lot of stuff. I always pack my things at night so I'm ready to roll in the morning. I'm never awake enough to remember anything that early. I'm known by many as the bag lady because I have so many bags with everything I need being away from home that many hours and this Toyota handled all of them like a champ.
What's in the trunk you ask? My massive, pink gym bag with everything under the moon in it. My pink lunch box with my healthy pre-portioned meals, snacks, drinks and vitamins for the day. My computer bag because well...I work. The air cast boot, which I'm dying to burn soon and a tupperware container protecting my skinnylicious muffins.
On the weekends, the RAV4 handled this food blogger's grocery shopping like a pro. This is a challenge I have with my car. Because traffic is so insane in Phoenix, when you run errands you try to get them done in one shot. With the RAV4, I could've easily tripled the amount of groceries and errands even packed a several food tasting volunteers in the back to come home with me too. Now if only I had more time to make all the food. My waist and butt forgive me for that.
Next to the space, my other favorite feature of the RAV4 was the touch screen in the dashboard. So most newer vehicles have this feature, but what was great about this one was how simple it was to use. I've driven a zillion rentals during my years of traveling as a consultant and let me tell you some are a huge pain to figure out. This was simple and did everything at the touch of your finger.
Some of the other things I loved about the RAV4....
- Genius power. No key required, just a simple power button to start the vehicle.
- Surprisingly smooth drivability. RAV4 handled very well. I'm used to driving a car & when I drive SUV's almost always have a bumpy ride. My Mom even stated it was really good. My parents have a Ford SUV & she said you feel every bump in it. The Toyota ride was very smooth. It handled turns smoothly and withstood bumper to bumper Phoenix traffic without giving me whiplash.
- Crazy comfortable. You know how you sit on something for the first time & you feel like you could sit on it forever? That's how I felt in the RAV4. I do a lot of sitting in the traffic and my car is old & not very comfortable anymore. In the RAV4, I didn't mind sitting much. The seats are cozy yet firm.
Overall I really enjoyed my week driving the RAV4 and was sad to see it go. I am in the market to buy a new vehicle this year and it might just be a Toyota RAV4. Thank you Toyota for giving me the opportunity!
Now who wants a ride with me? Where should we go? #letsgoplaces
Lots of Health, Food & Love,
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Disclaimer: I was provided a free Toyota rental for a week in exchange for this post, all opinions stated are my own.
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Jessie says
Although Joshua and I don't and will not be purchasing a car here in Kuwait, thanks for sharing your review. Always good to know what cars are good & which ones are bad.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
This is the coolest blogger promo ever. They need to lend me one to drive across the country. Filled with your muffins for snacks.
Megan says
Yeah for muffins! Shipping them is a challenge though.
Lisa @ RunWiki says
I had to see our attorney the other day, so I drove my husbands commute and let's just say...I cried for him. I do not envy anyone who has to deal with traffic on a daily basis. My sisters family lives in the Phoenix area and she does a lot of driving. I feel for you! The Rav4 sounds like it made it a little more tolerable.
Megan says
It's frustrating, but the people I work with make it worth it. They're pretty awesome. 🙂
Mandy says
I have a new Toyota and LOVE it! So much thought obviously went into designing it. Now if this darn snow would go away so I can drive it again!
Megan says
Good choice! I bet it handles well in the snow too.
Suzy says
That's awesome. I love the new car smell. My Honda Odyssey smells like old milk. I love your necklace!
Megan says
Thank you!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
So you think that they would sub out a loved and well taken care of 2007 RAV 4 for the new one??.... At the Chicago Auto Show they were showing it with a giant unicorn on top.
I would have taken either lol
Megan says
If only it were that easy, right? I need a new car. Mine clunked out today.