Thanks to Toyota for providing me with the 2016 RAV4 to test for a week, in addition to facilitating me with gift cards to bring you this giveaway! All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Affordable Family Crossover: Toyota RAV4 Review + Gas Card Giveaway

This past Mother’s Day weekend I enjoyed cruising around Atlanta in the all new 2016 Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 is a great crossover option for busy families like mine. It’s great on gas mileage, getting 24 mpg through the city and 31 mpg on the highway. I drove the RAV4 around Atlanta for about a week before I had to head to the gas station. There are two driving modes to help you customize your drive. ECO Mode maximizes fuel economy and sport mode provides for more fast paced acceleration, but uses more gas. 

It seats 5 comfortably with lots of leg room for everyone. The exterior is really stylish, and I like that this crossover doesn’t have the “mom” look and feel like minivans. I’m not particularly a minivan mom, so the RAV4 is just my speed. This specific model was equipped with the backup camera that of course is always useful, but didn’t come with navigation or the smart key system. Equipped with Dynamic Torque Control and All Wheel Drive, the 2016 RAV4 gives you a smooth ride and handles the road well. 

 If you’re planning travel, or going to carry some cargo, the Toyota RAV4 has convenient split rear seats. 

Either side of the back seats fully fold down for optimal space to load almost anything. 

There was so much space in the back of the RAV4 that the kids and I were able to have a picnic right inside the car. 

 My kiddos even thought the RAV4 was a fun car to ride in.

I had an amazing Mother’s Day, and driving around Atlanta in the RAV4 simply made it better. 

Memorial Day Weekend Fuel Tips + Gas Card Giveaway

Memorial Day weekend is finally here so that means many of us will be on the road these next couple of days. Whether headed to visit family, or on our first road trips of the summer, we all want to save money at the tank. Toyota has joined automotive expert Jeff Fortson to help make holiday travel more fuel efficient. 

Tips:

• Use the cruise control (and the optional radar-activated cruise control system) for holiday road trips. Both systems minimize sudden acceleration and de-acceleration. According to fueleconomy.gov, speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can decrease gas mileage by 33 percent.

• Be sure to check and properly inflate each tire, including the spare before you set out on a trip. Gas mileage can be improved if tires have adequate pressure. Some vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitor system which alerts you when it detects tire pressure is critically low. If the car isn’t equipped with this system, a tire gauge can be purchased at the local parts store and the service department can check the air pressure.

• Rent a fuel-efficient vehicle. If you are renting a car, you may want to consider a hybrid vehicle, such as Prius or Prius V.

• Use the factory installed navigation system or a favorite app from your smartphone.  These navigation systems will alert drivers of traffic congestion and provide you with the shortest route to your destination.

• Always pack smart. Just like flying, you should only take necessary items for a road trip.  Avoid using the roof rack, if possible, because it reduces the aerodynamics and decreases fuel efficiency.  

• Watch the A/C. It is recommended that you use the air conditioner when driving highway speeds. When driving in stop-and-go traffic, turn the air conditioner off and allow air to circulate through the vehicle.

Gas Card Giveaway

For Memorial Day Weekend, I’m giving away three (3) $25 Gas Cards! This giveaway is easy entry! As you enjoy your weekend, simply upload pictures to Instagram or Twitter tagging me @mommyweek on either platform and use the hashtag #ToyotaMemories. I’ll choose three photos on Tuesday of next week and notify the winners via Direct Message. I can’t wait to see your pictures! 

For more on the 2016 Toyota RAV4, price points, and a dealer near you visit Toyota.com!
 For more from the automotive expert Jeff Fortson, visit JeffCars.com.

Ashley