Honest test drive of the Toyota Rav4 in the XA50 body with the M20A-FKS 2.0 D-4S 149 hp engine

New Toyota Rav4 model: photo, new body

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV. This well-balanced car has a spacious interior, high-quality materials with numerous standard features, and an economical engine that delivers the power you need. The RAV4 has earned prestigious awards for its combination of cargo and passenger space, safety and reliability ratings, positive owner reviews and available features.

Fact!

The RAV4 is one of the most well-equipped SUVs in its class. Its price is slightly higher than average.

Its competitors, the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, are cheaper. If you intend to purchase the model in question, you will have to spend additional money on the features that come standard on the new Toyota model.

Toyota RAV 4 I-II - model description

General information about the model

RAV4 is a compact crossover. The car combined the advantages of SUVs, such as all-wheel drive and the increased carrying capacity and efficiency of passenger cars. The abbreviation RAV4 stands for Recreational Active Vehicle 4 Wheel Drive. The first generation was positioned as a youth car for active recreation, as the name of the car suggests. The first cars had three doors. Attractive design, compactness and ease of operation have made the Toyota RAV4 a favorite of women. When the five-door version appeared, the car began to claim the title of family car. Toyota RAV4 of the first and second generations was produced in Japan, at a plant in the city of Tahara.

Model history

The Toyota RAV4 crossover concept was presented back in 1989 at the Tokyo Motor Show. And five years later, the official premiere of the production car took place in Geneva. The model was built on the Toyota Celica platform and was called Toyota Fun Cruiser. In May 1994, the car went on sale with the new name Toyota RAV4. A year later, a five-door version extended by 40 cm appeared. In 1997, the model underwent some modifications, in particular, the interior trim was improved and a sunroof appeared. In 1998, the Toyota RAV4 was restyled: the optics were changed, a new audio system was installed, an electronic odometer was installed, the door trim was replaced, and a version of the body with a fabric roof appeared. The first generation Toyota RAV4 was officially sold in Russia.

2000 is considered the year of birth of the second generation Toyota RAV4. In models of this generation, the wheelbase and the body as a whole have increased. After another 2 years, configurations with an automatic transmission appeared. In 2004, another restyling took place. The optics, radiator grille, bumpers were changed, and a more powerful engine was installed.

In 2005, the third generation premiered.

Technical features

Despite the fact that Toyota RAV4 I and II generation cars are more than ten years old, they still do not require frequent repairs during operation. Body panels are well protected from corrosion, so the first generations of RAV4 are perfectly preserved. Car engines are reliable and unpretentious. If you change the oil regularly and on time, the engine can withstand 300-400 thousand kilometers without requiring major interventions. If you drive the RAV4 mainly around the city, the suspension will also last a very long time.

The brakes on this model also do not cause much trouble. Brake pads may need to be changed only after 100-150 thousand kilometers.

The cabin is quite spacious. The rear seats can not only be folded, but also removed from the cabin altogether, which frees up space for luggage. In addition, the new interior trim has become much better quality.

Interesting Facts

In Russia, the Toyota RAV4 received the nickname “Rafik”. Interestingly, about 20 years ago this was the name given to the minibuses (RAF) of the Riga Bus Factory. When minivans stopped being produced, the nickname went to the new Toyota crossover.

Mikhail Galustyan drove the second generation RAV4 for a long time.

When the first Toyota RAV4 first appeared on the Russian market, they immediately made it onto the list of the most stolen cars.

In 2003-2004, of all makes and models in the US excluding the Volkswagen New Beetle, the second-generation RAV4 had the highest proportion of female drivers.

Advantages and disadvantages of the model

According to the German technical control service TUV, the Toyota RAV4 is among the ten most reliable crossovers. For comparison, the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan X-Trail took 42nd and 52nd positions. According to the test drive results, the RAV4 showed excellent results in terms of handling. Despite the fact that this car is not intended for serious off-road use, it is quite capable of taking a country road. Toyota electronics are considered one of the most durable; even on the very first models, breakdowns rarely occur.

The disadvantages include a cramped interior in the three-door version and a battery that quickly discharges in cold weather.

Toyota RAV4 Awards and Sales

Toyota RAV4 has gained great popularity and recognition. This car has received various awards, for example, “the best compact car” in 2002 according to the World Information and Marketing Association, and the Grand Prix of the magazine “Behind the Wheel” in the “Middle Class” category.

The first generation Toyota RAV4 was the most popular and best-selling crossover in America and Europe. In 2004, more than 70 thousand of these cars were sold in the United States. In Russia in the same year, about 2 thousand Toyota RAV4 were sold.

RAV4 has always been of interest to car thieves due to the high level of liquidity on the secondary market.

2022 Toyota Rav4: restyling

The latest restyling did not affect the profile of the car. The dimensions of tires and wheels remained unchanged. At the same time, the dimensions of the SUV itself have changed upward, which can be seen in the photo.

The model, which will be available in 2022, boasts independent suspension, a stiffer chassis, electric power steering and three engine options.

The gearbox is also available in several options. You can choose between manual, automatic or CVT. The latter is available in the Comfort Plus package, which is also ready to provide the following components:

• multimedia system;
• rear view camera;
• rear parking sensors;
• xenon headlights.

Both petrol and diesel engines are available. The main engine runs on gasoline and has a power of 180 horsepower with a volume of 2.5 liters.

The engine is 2 liter, four-cylinder with a capacity of 146 horsepower. The 2.2 liter diesel engine has a power of 150 horsepower. It comes with an automatic transmission.

checkpoint

A wide range of transmissions is available to the buyer. So, you can choose one of three gearboxes. This is a six-speed manual, a Multidrive CVT and an automatic transmission with 6 gears. By the way, the CVT is available even for versions with front-wheel drive.

However, motorists are not advised to purchase the CVT version. Over time, the variator begins to hum. The reason is the wear of the transmission cone bearings. This entails a reduction in belt life. To prevent major repairs, bearings had to be replaced early.

Toyota Rav4 interior

The Toyota can accommodate up to five people. There is ample legroom in the front and rear. Even tall passengers can easily find a comfortable position in the spacious cabin. One of the RAV4's main drawbacks is that it doesn't offer a power-adjustable passenger seat.

On a note!

Optional amenities include an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, and ventilated front seats.

The RAV4's interior features a modern design with soft yet durable materials. You won't mistake this Toyota for a luxury car, but practicality, comfort and luxury increase significantly as trim levels go up. Additional amenities include faux leather seats and unique accent stitching on the seats.

The RAV4 features a user-friendly infotainment system with a responsive 7-inch touchscreen. The interface is intuitive and the number buttons on the screen are well laid out. There are also physical knobs and buttons for things like stereo volume and temperature controls. These physical elements are generally easy to reach, with the exception of some elements on the far side of the console.

Standard Features:

• 7-inch touch screen;
• Wi-Fi;
• Android Auto;
• Apple CarPlay;
• USB port;
• Bluetooth;
• satellite radio;
• stereo system with 6 speakers.

Additional features available include an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless device charging, an 11-speaker JBL audio system and 4 additional USB ports.

Other features that may be included: dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, panoramic roof.

Other pros and cons

The fourth generation of Japanese SUVs is built on a new chassis, which was aimed at providing maximum comfort in urban use. And if earlier the Rav-4 was positioned as a jeep for active recreation, now it is an ordinary city SUV with electronic imitations of locks. But the Japanese retained the “spirit from the past.” Thus, the new Rav 4 was equipped with an improved 4x4 drive system with intelligent control. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the rolly suspension and the tendency to roll when cornering. Over time, stabilizer silent blocks, struts and wheel bearings fail. Otherwise, the car continues to please owners. By the way, the brake system has been modernized in the new generation. She received many electronic assistants. The vehicle's cross-country ability remains at a decent level.

RAV4 Ride and Handling

The Toyota provides an overall comfortable ride. Its suspension copes well with potholes and uneven roads. Handling is amazing and allows you to take corners with confidence. Front-wheel drive is standard.

Historically, the RAV4 has not been an SUV, but Toyota changed that with the introduction of the TRD Off-Road trim for 2021. With 8.6 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires and upgrades like a TRD-tuned suspension, the RAV4 can handle rough terrain with confidence.

On a note!

The RAV4 has some of the best fuel economy in the compact SUV class.

Specifications

Acceleration to 100 km/h occurs in 10.2 seconds. Average fuel consumption reaches 7.7 liters per 100 km. The maximum speed for both cars is 180 km/h. Fuel - AI-95 gasoline. For a convenient comparison of the technical equipment of Rav 4 of different generations, a table of characteristics has been compiled:

To determine which Rav 4 to choose, it is important to consider:

• number of passengers;
• travel comfort;
• average road trafficability;
• possible road trips;
• the price of the car.

On a note!

Both generations of cars are similar to each other. The ground clearance of the new models is higher, which allows driving on bad roads. The dimensions of the fifth generation are slightly larger, but this does not interfere with handling.

The new design of the car looks more aggressive and brutal. "Rav 4" is suitable for travel and active recreation. Angular shapes, updated interior space, and the presence of sensors and security systems distinguish the new generation of cars.

Options and prices

If you like the RAV4, you might also be interested in its more fuel-efficient siblings. Options and prices:

1. Standard – 2002500 rub. Gasoline 2.0 l (149 hp).
2. Comfort – RUB 2,260,500. Gasoline 2.0 l (149 hp). 2366500 rub. Gasoline 2.0 l (149 hp). 2580500 rub. Gasoline 2.5 l (199 hp).
3. Style – RUB 2,453,500. Gasoline 2.0 l (149 hp). 2667500 rubles. Gasoline 2.5 l (199 hp);
4. Prestige – 2561500 rub. Gasoline 2.0 l (149 hp). 2775500 rub. Gasoline 2.5 l (199 hp); Prestige Safety – RUB 2,712,500. Gasoline 2.0 l (149 hp). 2926500 rub. Gasoline 2.5 l (199 hp).

The basic configuration includes a 2-liter engine, front-wheel drive and a manual transmission.

The base model is well equipped and will suit most buyers. But you can upgrade the RAV4 with features like heated front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The new 2022 Rav 4 car can be purchased in both basic and advanced configurations. This model, compared to its predecessors, has not acquired any significant changes.

Comparison of Rav 4 4th and 5th generations: review

Comparison of Rav 4 4th and 5th generations must begin with external features. New cars have:

• trapezoidal honeycomb grille painted black;
• angular outlines of the body and wheel frames;
• modern optics, which have an elongated shape;
• new designs and radii of disks;
• Additionally, roof rails can be installed.

It is also important to pay attention to the trunk. It now has an electric lock and has USB ports inside. The windshield has a more rectangular angle, and the body has become almost 60% stiffer.

On a note!

The new model is available in two variations. The first is designed for city roads and quiet areas, and the second is for active travel.

The fifth generation headlights automatically turn on low and high beam depending on weather conditions. To visually compare the appearance of the two generations, you can look at photos from different angles.