In recent years, the Toyota RAV4 in the sales ranking has slipped from first place to the category of average statistic, which, of course, cannot suit Toyota management. A small update of the model and the appearance of an extended modification are intended to reverse the decline, which will allow the RAV4 to go beyond the class of compact crossovers and compete with mid-size cars. This, of course, will create certain difficulties for us, journalists, since it is now not clear by which department to sum up the upcoming sales results of the RAV4, since the versions in the compact body still remain in the production program. But the buyer will certainly like this variety. Now the Toyota RAV4 is not only an ideal choice for wealthy housewives, but also a completely respectable car for men who previously preferred to drive crossovers such as the Mitsubishi Outlander XL or Subaru Forester. Toyota RAV4 is now not only not inferior to them in size, but is also able to provide a comparable level of dynamics: the extended version is equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter gasoline engine with 170 hp, while compact ones are content with the previous 2-liter 152 hp motor.
Marks of Excellence
Externally, the elongated RAV4 differs from its compact counterparts in having more prominent bumpers, giving it a courageous and mature look, but from a distance it is not easy to distinguish a short car from a long one, since the developers tried to maintain the same body proportions so that the elongated version does not look too heavy. The increase in length was divided between the wheelbase and the rear overhang (the wheelbase increased from 2560 to 2660 mm, and the overall length from 4415 to 4625 mm), so that the extra centimeters went to both the luggage compartment and the rear seat passengers. The equipment for the elongated car was chosen to be the richest and includes leather upholstery, electric adjustment of the driver's seat, a proximity key, a parking radar and other pleasant, but expensive little things, which in total brought the cost of the car to an impressive level of 1,391,000 rubles. For comparison, let's say that the basic compact version of the RAV4 with a 2-liter engine and manual transmission costs 999,000 rubles, which, frankly, is also not cheap at all. Most competitors are more affordable, but Toyota has a high level of standard equipment, including a full range of passive and active safety systems, and a reputation as an ultra-reliable car that will never force its owner to visit the service more often than the scheduled maintenance schedule dictates.
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Proven weapon
Having studied the technical specifications of the updated RAV4 in advance, we saw in it only one potentially weak point that could show the Toyota crossover not in the most favorable light compared to its competitors - this is the outdated 4-speed hydromechanical automatic transmission. Rivals delight with either a large number of gears or the presence of a manual shift mode, and sometimes both at the same time, but the Toyota transmission has proven the validity of the thesis that “old doesn’t mean bad.” The “automatic” turned out to be surprisingly efficient: the engine power almost does not drown in the depths of the torque converter, and you can get the desired acceleration at any time. Gears shift smoothly and predictably, so you only remember the existence of a gearbox when getting in and out of the car, that is, when you need to move the selector lever from position “P” to position “D”. So is it worth looking for good from good and developing a new box if the old one does its job perfectly? Toyota decided it wasn't worth it. The use of a variator or a gearbox with a large number of gears could theoretically have a positive effect on efficiency, but even in city mode with the air conditioning running, the extended RAV4 did not seem too voracious to us - the maximum fuel consumption did not exceed the rated 12.6 liters per 100 km.
Test drive Toyota RAV 4. Toyota RAV4
The updated RAV4 has entered the Russian market. Moreover, in two modifications at once - on a regular base and an extended one, which clearly gave the car “masculinity”. But, as it turned out, there are other advantages
Looking at this crossover, it’s hard to believe that 15 years ago it was first presented to the public in the form of a small 3-door car that was instantly appreciated by women. Of course: a small, cozy car, but with a high seating position and all-wheel drive. In general, a very practical “cutie”. Later, in its second and third generations, the model partially shed this image of “femininity”, but in the conversations of Russians, the thought slipped through: they say, “Rafik” lacks solidity and masculine confidence. Accordingly, this limited sales.
Apparently, a similar situation existed in some other countries. It’s no coincidence that the Toyota people came up with the idea of increasing the base, and with it the body of the car. No sooner said than done. And now in the USA, along with the regular one, a version of the Toyota RAV4 appeared, grown in all directions: having lengthened the base by 100 mm, the designers extended the body by 210 mm in length, added 40 mm to the width and, together with the roof rails, 35 mm to the height . All this was supported by some design innovations and we got what we were striving for: a serious and multifunctional crossover that can no longer be endowed with certain gender characteristics. As a result, demand for the model among Americans began to grow, which predetermined its introduction to the European markets, including the Russian market in the summer of 2009.
Japanese spaces
Say what you like, but an additional 20 cm for a mid-size car is a serious increase. Especially if you put both versions side by side - the regular one and the updated long one. The “big” RAV4 undoubtedly looks much more solid, assertive, and powerful. A new radiator grille with a bar into which the brand emblem is “inscribed”, a slightly modified bumper and headlights (including LED rear ones), and different alloy wheels. But still the main thing is the dimensions. Already from the outside you can see that the inside has become more spacious, and the trunk has gained the most. The interior of this car is 45 mm longer than that of the version with a regular wheelbase, and the rear overhang is 110 mm larger. And immediately an additional 65 mm appeared for the rear passengers’ legs, and the trunk volume increased by as much as 130 liters (that is, by almost a third - from 410 to 540 liters).
However, even this indicator is not the limit. Firstly, the rear seats move about 15 cm back and forth. Secondly, the inclination of both backrests is adjustable. Thirdly, they can be folded altogether (entirely or in a 60:40 ratio). We get a huge, flat area on which two adults can even sleep - ideal for traveling or going out, for example, fishing and hunting. But even without such transformations, the trunk is good: capacious, spacious, with a mesh that does not allow luggage to fall out. By the way, you can put a rubber mat-pallet on its floor to protect it from dirt and moisture, and under the floor itself there are two spacious “hides” where a jack, tools, a warning triangle can easily fit, and there will be a lot of space for other things. Finally, above the wheel arches are... small pockets and cup holders. But this is already an atavism of the American version, in which they propose to install a couple more chairs for children.
Well, everything is clear with the trunk and rear passenger compartment: the updated long RAV4 is almost flawless for its class. Indeed, in addition to unprecedented space, it also has other components of comfort. For example, there is a built-in armrest with two cup holders in the back of the sofa, and small pockets in the door panels (plus nets for small items behind the front seats). There is a reading light on the ceiling. What's ahead?
As it should be, the first row is even more comfortable. The driver's seat is equipped with an electrical adjustment unit, including lumbar support; both seats have lateral support, although not too pronounced (but this is not a sports car). The visibility in all directions is excellent, the side mirrors are large, and they are not in danger of being scratched in a parking lot - they can be folded electrically.
While maintaining the overall interior design style, designers and engineers added new touches to the restyled version of the car. Thus, additional buttons have appeared on the steering wheel, and now from the steering wheel you can control an audio system with a six-disc CD changer, a voice command switch, a Bluetooth system, and even a display on the dashboard. The design of the climate control controls has also been changed, and the instruments are now noticeably easier to read. There was room for an additional pocket near the armrest between the seats, and the more solid character of the car is emphasized by metal-look plastic frames on the doors and center console. Of course, it’s difficult to compare the interior with the interior of a premium car, but you can’t call it budget either: here you have leather, high-quality plastic, and carpets for your feet. Only the monochrome monitors on the dashboard and climate control unit let us down - they were too simple, although they were Russified.
Time to choose
Unlike the regular version of the updated RAV4, which has a 2-liter engine, the extended version has a 2.4-liter unit with a capacity of 170 hp under the hood. According to the manufacturer, it can accelerate the car to 180 km/h and in city mode consumes only 12.6 liters of gasoline per “hundred”. Alas, it was not possible to reach the maximum speed during the test in Moscow, but I confirm the promised fuel consumption: on the streets of the capital it ranged from 12.5 to 12.7 liters. This means that in the combined cycle (according to the manufacturer), the car’s appetite should be 9.6 liters, and on the highway it should be 7.9 liters. For a crossover with all-wheel drive, this figure is quite good.
True, to achieve it, it will take some time to adapt to the 4-band automatic transmission. No, she is not bad, but she has her own character that needs to be understood. For example, the RAV4 can quickly leave an intersection, leaving everyone else behind. However, when overtaking, if you press the gas sharply, the automatic “thinks” for a couple of moments and only then accelerates the car.
The suspension also left an ambivalent impression. So, in the front seats you can hardly feel any road defects: even speed bumps the car goes through quite smoothly, and there’s no need to even talk about small potholes and manhole covers. But the rear passengers indicate just the opposite: every bump and pothole is sensitively felt throughout the body. But the brakes and steering wheel are quite adequate and from the very first meters of movement their operation becomes predictable and comfortable. Among other technical parameters, I would highlight the downhill assist (DAC) and hill assist (HAC) systems, as well as the emergency brake booster and the brake force distribution system. Moreover, all modifications of the updated Toyota RAV4 already have each of these systems as standard (except for DAC, which is equipped only with automatic transmissions). And this is right: there is no need to skimp on security. However, customers are given choice in other aspects. In addition to two body versions (regular and extended), the base platform offers two transmissions (5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic), six equipment levels, and ten body colors. Depending on the combination of options, the price ranges from 999 thousand to 1.391 million rubles.
Technical characteristics of Toyota RAV4
Dimensions, mm 4625х1855х1720 Base, mm 2660 Trunk volume, l 540-2067 Curb weight, kg 1690 Engine type petrol L4 Displacement, cu. cm 2362 Max. power, hp/rpm 170/6000 Max. torque, Nm/rpm 224/4000 Automatic transmission 4-band Drive connected full Max. speed, km/h 180 Acceleration time 0-100 km, s 10.6 Fuel consumption (average), l/100 km 9.6 Tank volume, l 60
Andrey Bezverkhov Photo by Jan Segal
Source: Autopanorama magazine
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Universal Soldier
The Toyota RAV4 chassis was and remains one of the best in its class. Good ride comfort is combined with precise reactions to steering inputs and exemplary directional stability. Even on a broken highway you can drive at a fairly high speed without feeling the least bit of uncertainty in the car. On dirt roads, however, like most crossovers, the chassis's car-like roots come into play, and cabin buffeting can reach unpleasant levels.
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Cross-country ability should also not be overestimated: on the RAV4 you can safely drive into some pastoral landscape, such as a picturesque meadow with haystacks and sheep, but at the slightest hint of harsh off-road reality you should immediately retreat - the vehicle’s transmission capabilities are limited by forced locking of the center coupling, and the bottom completely unprotected from stones and dirt. Despite the rugged appearance of the RAV4, it is still not an SUV at all, but just an all-wheel drive passenger car with a tall, roomy body. It is very spacious for passengers, and the driver's work is facilitated by exemplary ergonomics and good visibility. The noise level on the road does not exceed expectations and can be described as moderate. You can fit a lot of things into the trunk - the main thing is not to overload it, because in addition to the trunk there are also roof rails and a spacious underground where the spare tire is usually stored, but in the RAV4 it is mounted the old fashioned way - on the tailgate.
Toyota Rav 4 / Toyota Rav 4
Rav 4: parameters, tests (test drive, crash test), reviews, car dealerships, photos, videos, news.
Toyota Rav 4
- beginning of production in 2010. It combines style and new technologies, thanks to Toyota's developments you get an excellent cocktail of excellent design and high technical performance.
Among the existing basic colors of Rav 4, you can easily find one that suits you, but most likely you can choose it to order. We most likely do not have all the configurations of this Toyota Rav 4 model, among which there are various options for assembling the Rav 4: the gearbox can be automatic or manual, the interior is trimmed with leather or wood inserts, wheels and other additional elements of the Rav 4 body, which are certainly will be reflected in the price of the Rav 4. The technical characteristics are good, but do not forget about the safety of the Rav 4 or the engine size, which will then make itself felt in operating costs in the future, as well as Rav 4 repairs and maintenance with a warranty period. Since the purchase is made not for several months, but for several years, so consider for yourself what you will do in the summer and winter, what trips to make on the Rav 4
. The table below shows a comparison of several configurations of the Rav 4, among the parameters are reflected: what are the overall dimensions of the Rav 4, what is the fuel consumption in the city, highway or mixed, engine size, maximum speed and acceleration time to 100 km/h, curb or gross weight Rav 4, wheelbase, front and rear wheel tracks, transmission type (transmission/what kind of transmission), what drive, tire size, what horsepower or torque and what price. In addition to all the numbers, you can read reviews of car owners about the Rav 4, watch videos or news, tests (test drive, crash test).
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The trunk of the extended version is so voluminous that a couple more passenger seats could easily fit here, but the developers decided to provide the entire area for cargo, so large families, apparently, will still have to look for another crossover. For everyone else, there are no objective reasons (except for financial ones) to abandon the Toyota RAV4 - it is still one of the best crossovers on the market, only now you can choose it in the size most suitable for your goals and objectives.
