If you’ve watched any television lately, you’ve been seeing lots of Kaley Cuoco, Toyota’s purple-clad RAV4 Genie. She’s granting redesign wishes for lots of happy Toyota customers, to rave reviews.

The RAV4 was totally redesigned for 2013, keeping the powerful drive it’s been known for but now sporting a sharper new body design. You’ll find the 2013 RAV4 interior has been upgraded, the spare tire no longer hangs off the back, and there’s a great new design for the liftgate.

Jose Rivera, Hoffman Toyota Sales and Leasing Consultant, says, “The new liftgate is great. The old style was a big complaint about the RAV4, especially if someone was parked close to you. So if you wanted a RAV4 but didn’t like how the old rear door swung out instead of being hinged from the roof, you’ll want to take a fresh look at the new RAV4.”

Jose Rivera, Sales and Leasing Consultant

The new Toyota RAV4 still boasts great cargo capacity, and now with its improved fuel economy it’s an even more desirable crossover SUV. Inside you’ll find a modern-looking, streamlined dashboard with a quality look and feel – no more of the old, rounded look in the previous RAV4. There’s 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 73.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down. This makes the RAV4 a leader in its class for cargo capacity.

There is no longer a V6 engine option, but Jose finds “there’s more than enough power on this model. And the six-speed transmission delivers better fuel economy than the previous model’s four-speed automatic.”

“When it came with the third row seat, most people didn’t really want it, to be honest,” Jose tells us,”or they just tended to choose the Highlander instead.” Toyota eliminated the option of third-row pop up seats. Jose likes the change. “Now it’s really easy to get in and out of the rear seat – the door opens more widely. And the setup of the rear seat is more comfortable. When you sit back you can really sink into the seat. It’s great, especially around turns. They also made the seat longer, which supports your knees better and feels more comfortable,” he explains.

Tyrrell Dabrowski, Hoffman Toyota’s General Manager

Hoffman Toyota General Manager, Tyrrell Dabrowski, is impressed with the new RAV4′s handling. “The handling is tighter and more responsive, with a better turning radius. And it has great safety features. Now the new RAV4 has 8 airbags, as opposed to 6. Backup cameras are standard now on all models, which is huge. You didn’t get a backup camera in the previous model unless you got the navigation package,” Tyrrell says.

Jose likes the new Limited edition’s memory seating option, and the blind spot monitoring. “When someone is in your blind spot, your side mirror lights up to let you know someone’s there. The Limited also has great electronic features like Pandora, OpenTable, Bing, and Traffic apps,” Jose explains.

The LE model includes an impressive list of standard features including 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, power folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a 60/40-split and reclining second-row seat. Electronically, it boasts Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with 6-inch touchscreen, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. Pretty much everything you really need!

In the XLE you also get goodies like roof rails, a sunroof, and heated side mirrors. Further options can be added, like a navigation system, Entune smartphone integration, satellite or HD radio, and even voice controls.

2013 Toyota RAV4 LE in Barcelona Red

If you’re looking for the top of the line model, you’ll appreciate its more techy options including a height-adjustable power liftgate, keyless entry/ignition, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The synthetic leather interior is more luxurious, with its steering wheel and shifter wrapped in leather, heated front seats, and the 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory settings. You can opt for a navigation system with Entune, and select a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. You’ll get the best mileage with the front-wheel-drive RAV4, EPA-estimated at 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 combined. The all-wheel-drive RAV4 also does well for fuel economy, with 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.

The new RAV4 is well recommended by Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book calls it “a well-rounded SUV with a history of reliability and good resale value.” Right now through May 31st there’s a special lease program on the base model for $219/month with $2599 due at signing, plus fees. What, you’re still reading? How come you’re not on your way to Hoffman Toyota for a test drive yet?