Disclosure: I was given a Toyota RAV4 to test drive for a week in exchange for a review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
As I started planning our trip to Winter Park this summer I knew I wanted to have a car that was comfortable for the kids, could hold all of our luggage for the weekend, and would be a safe and easy drive up the mountain. Driving a Toyota RAV4 through the mountains I felt safe and comfortable on a solo trip with my kiddos.
Road Trip Fun With The Kids
I have had the pleasure of driving multiple Toyota vehicles over the years and none of them have disappointed me! As my lifestyle has changed significantly I am finding that I am more aware of my safety and my children’s safety as we travel alone. My current car is almost 10 years old, for the most part it is a great car still but on my solo road trips with my kids I want to make sure we are traveling as safe as possible. Thankfully Toyota has us covered.
Mountain Travel Made Easy
I love taking the kids to the mountains in the summertime, it always a nice break to get out of the city, enjoy the cooler weather and get some fresh mountain air. One of the biggest concerns I have about the trips to the mountains is the actual drive. I am a Colorado native but there are times that driving in the mountain highway traffic and windy roads can still give me anxiety.
Knowing that I have a reliable car that handles well on those mountain roads is key! I drove the RAV4 around town for a few days before we headed to Winter Park and I loved the way it handled in town so I was sure that we would have a nice smooth trip to Winter Park for the weekend as well. Sure enough, the moment I hit those switch backs heading to our final destination I felt confident and loved the zip that the car had going up those mountain roads.
While the RAV4 does not have the third row seating, there was plenty of room for our luggage in the back of the car and plenty of space for Jude and Teagan to be comfortable for the long drive – thanks to the weekend mountain traffic. When we got to our destination it was also clear that this car was perfect for driving to and from activities at the YMCA – Snow Mountain Ranch.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – The Details
Well, because I am not a car expert, let me start with the details I noticed first. The body of this car is so appealing. It is sleek, updated and looks like it is ready for a great road trip. I especially loved the wheels and the all terrain look and the kids enjoyed the moon roof. The interior was just as nice as the exterior. Super updated with sleek designs and colors. Sure, it is a family car but it is no MOM car!
The RAV4 Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s assisted by two electric motors. In terms of having to worry to stop for gas it was great to know that the RAV4 Hybrid achieved 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined! PERFECT!! This was the first time I had driven a Hybrid car and I loved it. I thought it would be a difficult drive up the mountain due to the electric motors but I was wrong.
The smooth ride was also my favorite…no bouncing during our mountain fun. If you are looking for a car that can be great for in town driving, road trip fun and mountain adventures, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid should be on your list.
TOYOTA SAFETY FEATURES I LOVE
One reason why I love working with Toyota is because of the safety features in all of their cars. Toyota is truly building cars to keep our families safe while on the road. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is built with a new feature, Toyota Safety SenseTM (TSS). Toyota Safety SenseTM (TSS) is a bundle of active safety features designed to help protect you and your passengers from harm. Standard on 16 models at no additional cost, TSS will provide an exceptional experience!
I was really sad to see this car get picked up from my driveway a few days ago. It really was the perfect family car for a great weekend trip to the mountains. I especially loved giving the Hybrid model a try as this is something I would love to add to my driveway one day!
