Big test: Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Renault Koleos

Review and photos of the new Toyota Rav 4 2021

The new 2021 SUV is a modification of its predecessor and incorporates only the best from crossovers and SUVs. The 5th generation car is made of innovative composite material. This made it possible to reduce the weight of the machine by almost 10%.

The photo of the Toyota Rav 4 impresses with its brutality and improved design.

Assembly:

• Generation – 5 (2019).
• Class – SUV D2.
• Place of assembly - Russian Federation (St. Petersburg).
• Platform – TANGA K.
• Characteristics of engines – petrol, 2.0 or 2.5 l (hybrid).
• Drive – front/all-wheel drive.
• Gearbox – 6MT CVT.
• Number of complete sets – 4.
• Cost – from 27.5 thousand dollars.

The first thing that has changed is the exterior of the car. Now the front of the SUV will look confident and brutal thanks to a powerful bumper equipped with sharply defined LED headlights. An improved trunk and a redesigned rear area of ​​the car give the Rav 4 even more confidence and impressiveness.

The body itself is made of high-strength stainless steel.

Motor power has increased. Now it is 178 liters. With. Fuel consumption per 100 km – 7.7 liters. Model hybrid with a volume of 2.5 liters. has a slightly higher productivity - 200 liters. With.

For now, you can get acquainted with the improved version of the Toyota Rav 4 in pictures or sketches, since the most interesting details will be known only after the car is released.

Dimensions of the new model:

• Length – 4595 mm.
• Width – 1854.
• Height – 1699 mm.
• Fully equipped weight – 2150 kg.
• The distance between the wheel axles is 2690 mm.

The volume of the fuel tank has increased slightly and amounted to 55 liters.

First generation (1994-2000)

The compartment capacity depends on the body type:

• on the basic 3-door version of the XA10, the volume is only 176 liters; to transport large cargo, it is necessary to remove the rear sofa, which is not equipped with a folding mechanism;
• on the 5-door version with an extended wheelbase, the trunk has a volume of 407 liters, the spare wheel is located on the outer part of the door;
• after restyling in 1997, the capacity was 173 and 409 liters, respectively (the spare wheel remained outside the door, the seat folding mechanism was not provided);
• on the modification with a Soft Top folding roof and 3 doors, the compartment retained the capacity at 173 liters.

The car manufacturer was aware of the insufficient trunk capacity and provided in advance the possibility of installing roof bars. An additional plastic case with streamlined contours made it possible to transport bags or suitcases and had a capacity of up to 500 liters.

When installing a trunk, fuel consumption increased, but the extra things did not confine passengers in the cabin and did not worsen comfort on long trips.

Description and photo of the salon

The photo shows that the interior of the Toyota Rav 4 is made of high-quality material and upholstered in soft plastic and genuine leather. The shape of the steering wheel with ventilation deflectors has also changed.

The dashboard has also been upgraded - now instead of voluminous round shapes there is a speedometer. On the left side of the speedometer there is a tachometer, and on the right there are marks indicating the fuel level and coolant temperature.

The top of the front panel is equipped with a tablet – a standard but practical solution.

The new model now has the ability to control the microclimate in the rear row of seats. The seats themselves have good lateral support, however, according to experts from the states, if a person is tall, the knees will rest against the backs of the front seats. The rear seats are folding.

Additional built-in features:

• mobile connection;
• wireless Wi-Fi network;
• voice control of the car;
• blocking/anti-blocking;
• sound accompaniment;
• blind spot monitoring system;
• video surveillance with a 3600 view of high-resolution images.

The interior of the SUV has a large capacity and is equipped with additional devices in the form of charging sockets and the ability to install a child seat in the cabin.

Toyota RAV4 trunk dimensions

The RAV4 model first appeared in the production program of the Japanese concern in 1994. The first generation vehicle was based on the Celica GT-Four chassis, belonged to the SUV 4 category and had permanent all-wheel drive. The model name is an abbreviation of the English phrase Recreation Active Vehicle, indicating a vehicle for active recreation, and the number 4 denoted the transmission of torque to all wheels.

The cars were sold in the domestic market and actively promoted throughout the world. For example, in Russia, the first Toyota dealers offered a crossover since 1997.

All generations have a body with a luggage compartment combined with the interior. For loading and unloading, a swing or lift-up door is used, equipped with glass and an electrically driven wiper and a nozzle for supplying liquid.

Trunk "Rav 4"

The manufacturer has also made improvements in the luggage compartment. In the new model, the trunk is equipped with a hydraulic electric drive. There are several USB chargers located inside.

However, there were some drawbacks - the trunk was slightly reduced in size, which made it possible to make changes to the rear bumper and completely change the headlights.

The side has undergone minor changes - the window located on the trunk has changed its shape.

The maximum volume became 570 liters.

Second generation (2000-2005)

Introduced in 2000, the new version of the RAV4 featured a redesigned body with 3 or 5 doors and a range of upgraded engines with reduced fuel consumption and improved environmental parameters. The base 3-door XA20 had a luggage compartment capacity of only 150 liters. The version with 5 doors had a volume increased to 410 liters. With the seat folded, the parameter reached 766 liters. The renovation of the appearance and interior carried out in 2003 did not affect the dimensions of the car, the size and layout of the trunk (the spare wheel in the trunk remained at the rear of the car).

Modifications

Not only the outer skin of the car has undergone changes, but also the interior. The material used to make the upholstery and seats has been updated. There are many additional built-in functions - a wireless network, a security system while moving.

The Rav 4 car itself looks powerful and confident in the photo and in reality.

Computer controlled functions:

• ABC system;
• emergency braking;
• airbags;
• door locking;
• Ascent assist system.

The rear mirror has also been enlarged, allowing it to cover a larger viewing area, which significantly increases safety when moving.

Domestic assembly will allow the production of only 2 variants of the RAV4 SUV with a volume of 2.0 and 2.5 liters.

The car will be presented in one petrol version.

The 2.0L variant is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The SUV, designed for 2.5 liters, is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Kits:

1. Standard. Cost – from 15,700 dollars. The basic kit consists of a stabilization and air conditioning system, airbags (7 pcs.), light sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel, alloy wheels (17 inches), LED optics and a media function control system.
2. Comfort. The cost varies from 31,000 to 35,800 thousand dollars depending on the transmission and engine. Equipment: 18-inch alloy wheels, hydroelectric trunk lid, keyless use of the car, heated windshield, climate control, cruise control, fog lights, rearview cameras, slats for carrying cargo, 8-inch display.
3. Prestige. Price – from 36 thousand dollars. The kit will include leather interior trim, a heated rear seat system, wireless device charging, a system for adjusting and selecting travel modes, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels.
4. Prestige Safety. Cost – from 41,300 dollars. In addition to the basic options present in standard packages, the following features will appear: additional security systems, video surveillance at 3600, navigator, cruise control.

The last 2 options will be available only with a 2.5-liter engine.

Big test: Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Renault Koleos

Information about Toyota RAV4 is outdated - update stereotypes. The fifth-generation crossover has a new GA-K platform and a more rigid body. New Dynamic Force family engines and automatic transmissions. The pendants are also new. And two types of all-wheel drive are offered: with a conventional multi-plate clutch - for simpler versions, and with separate clutch packs for each axle shaft - on top models. This is not just a new RAV4 - it's super new!

We are terribly interested in how the rethought Rafik will perform against the backdrop of strong competitors, to which we feel free to include the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5. Don’t discount the Renault Koleos either; despite its age, the “Frenchman” still has some gunpowder left in its flasks. By the way, two years ago the editors of Automobiles already conducted a comparative test with a similar composition of participants. Except that instead of the Tiguan, the game was played by the more democratic Skoda Kodiaq. That time, the victory went to the “Czech”, and the RAV4, now of the previous generation, took last place. It's time to get even!

External inspection in macro mode

Back in 2015, at the presentation of the fourth generation RAV4, Toyota first started talking about how to get more men behind the wheel. Marketers have calculated that the crossover’s firmly attached “ladies’ man” stigma is hindering its sales. The calculation was ingeniously simple: while ladies fall in love with the Rafik, gentlemen choose competing cars. However, the first doublet shot, due to the inexpressive appearance of its predecessor, turned out to be blank. But now... The deliberate roughness is emphasized by armor made of contact-resistant plastic. Crescent wheel arches combined with dark stripes on the roof pillars create an imitation of combat ammunition. Right on the bull's eye!

The change in image entailed a revision of production technology and technical contents

But, it seems, Toyota missed one important point: the male audience is more demanding - mistakes in build quality and the traditional Japanese savings on matches will no longer work. Meanwhile, the hood and trunk lid of the RAV4 assembled near St. Petersburg are installed with slight distortions. The gaps between the front fenders and the doors are uneven, which is why dirt still gets to the sills protected by double seals.

The electric rear door drive works very slowly, and its control button on the end of the lid is not backlit. The absence of a gas hood shock absorber on a car costing 2.6 million rubles is completely discouraging. You need to have very long arms to reach the steel stop located at the base of the hood when refilling the antifreeze without getting your clothes dirty on the front bumper.

We doubt that gentlemen will ignore such little things. Moreover, you don’t have to look far for positive examples. In Volkswagen and Renault, the hoods, pushed by gas struts, open with one movement of the hand.

But there are also complaints about the build quality. In the Kaluga Tiguan, despite strict quality control by the Germans, the gaps between the body panels are also uneven. And the bumpers are adjacent to the fenders with small steps. Even if it’s only a few millimeters, a slight bewilderment remains.

Koleos assembled in Korea is also not ideal. The curvature of the joints of the front wings with the adjacent panels does not allow us to give the Renault an “five”, although the uniformity of the remaining gaps does not raise any questions. But the doors of the Koleos slam shut with cheap sounds, and the electric motor of the trunk lid works no faster than Toyota’s.

The compact body of the Mazda is decorated with LED optics, chrome trim and 19-inch wheels

Mazda refutes skepticism that, they say, domestic assembly is inferior to imported ones. Doesn't yield! The CX-5, assembled in Vladivostok, leaves no reason for criticism. Note that only the “five” has additional seals between the doors, protecting the B-pillars from dirt and the interior from aerodynamic noise. But how heavy the hood of the Mazda is! The steel part weighs no less than a pound. Pulling it in a snatch, even a healthy man has to strain his muscles. We are afraid that fragile girls will not be able to do weightlifting at all.

Let's go to the interiors

The massive front panel with the protruding “TV” of the media system and the heavy-duty automatic selector, like a high-voltage switch, are in harmony with the brutal appearance of the RAV4. The large climate control washers with rubber inserts a la a tire tread are pleasant to hold with your hands. A tall driver has enough adjustments in the steering column and seat to achieve a comfortable position. If the builders could lengthen the seat cushion a little, it would be very good. And so the hips do not have enough support.

At night, the gloomy interior of the Toyota is brightened up by background lighting. However, of all the power window keys, only one is illuminated - the driver's one. The steering wheel is heated only by the side sections. The Japanese also skimped on the second pocket in the backs of the front seats. Saving on matches again! But there are no complaints about the convenience of passengers. The doorways are wide, like gates. There is plenty of room in front of the knees of second-row passengers. The front “seats” raised above the floor allow you to sit comfortably on the rear sofa with an adjustable backrest, stretching your legs. For lovers of electronic gadgets, there are a couple of low-ampere USB chargers.

In terms of space in the rear of the cabin, Volkswagen is in no way inferior to Toyota, and in terms of the range of amenities it is even richer. In addition to the obligatory sockets, cup holders and heated pillows, it offers folding tables and a simple weather control unit. Door pockets lined with lint eliminate the rattling of bottles or thermoses when moving. But the openings, narrowed by the wheel arches, are not as wide as in the RAV4.

Elegant, logical, informative and nothing superfluous. The Tiguan driver's workplace is thought out to the smallest detail

The Tiguan driver is happy. In his hands is a grasping steering wheel covered in soft leather, and in front of his eyes is an informative instrument cluster display. And under the right hand are all the necessary controls - from the multimedia center to the 4Motion Active Control off-road controller. With a minimum of buttons, everything is arranged so well that you can navigate blindly, without taking your eyes off the road. It’s even a shame that with such expressive pedantry, the Germans wrapped the lower part of the front panel and door cards in hard and non-tactile plastic.

Now is the time to change to a Mazda, whose interior pleases with its quality and generous drapery of soft surfaces. But even hard plastics are pleasant to the touch. True, the small central screen with simple graphics and a meager set of functions objectively makes the interior of the CX-5 look old. Yes, and there are flaws in ergonomics. The steering column has a small range of adjustments, especially for reach. The driver's seat has a flat, short cushion and push-out backrest.

But, perhaps, the main disadvantage of the “five” is that the interior is not spacious enough. Thus, the gap in front of the knees of second-row passengers is half as much as in other crossovers. And you can’t straighten your legs—the front seats are in the way. Two USB chargers, cup holders and three-mode heating hidden in the center armrest can only sweeten the bitterness of the modest size of the “living space”.

Renault is the record holder for cubic meters of free space. Lounging on the back seat, it’s easy to cross your legs. True, the backrest, unlike the other three crossovers, is not adjustable, and the ceiling is still a bit low. There are no heated seats even in the top versions, but the richly equipped Koleos have a panoramic roof.

Once in the driver's seat, it is difficult to get rid of the “Nissan” sensations. It’s not surprising, since Koleos shares a platform with X-Trail, using some of its components. For example, a power window unit that lacks not only backlighting, but also auto modes. The steering column with insufficient reach is also from Nissan.

The front seats, however, are their own, but don’t expect any special comfort from them. The multimedia system with a vertical screen is frankly behind in terms of graphics and feature set. And the “tablet” looks archaic. The steering wheel, like in Toyota, is partially heated. We also do not approve of the poisonous blue backlight of the front panel, which disturbs the driver at night.

Step on the gas

It is logical to assume that with the new technology, the RAV4 should drive differently - in a new way. Yes and no. With a deliberately smooth start to movement, when the gas pedal has to be pressed a quarter of the way, the Rafik is very reminiscent of the previous crossover. But then the responses become more linear. When driving evenly in second gear, for example, in traffic jams, this connection even seems excessive - small jerks appear.

On the other hand, the increased range of gear ratios allows the engine to operate at lower speeds, more precisely operating the transmission chords. However, the increased potential of a 200-horsepower engine is difficult to grasp without measuring instruments. Partly because the new RAV4 is somewhere between 40-50 kg heavier than the old one. Although, according to the passport, the crossover has become faster: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was reduced by a second, to 8.5 seconds, and the “maximum speed” increased from 180 to 200 km/h.

But no matter how Toyota engineers tried to spur their bestseller, Tiguan still remained out of reach. “German” is faster and more responsive not only on paper, but also in reality. The most precise accelerator allows precise control of acceleration dynamics, a seven-speed preselective “robot” provides direct communication with the drive wheels, including through instant shifts. As a result, in terms of the quality of dynamics control, the Tiguan is much closer to hot hatches than to family crossovers, but at the same time there is no harshness or inappropriate aggression in its habits.

The sporting inclinations of the Tiguan are partly explained by the less inert 2.0 liter turbo engine. While Toyota's naturally aspirated engine with half a liter of extra volume is spinning up to optimal speed, Volkswagen's TSi is already at its peak. All the more surprising is the behavior of Mazda’s “skyactive” engine. It seems to have the same cubic capacity as the RAV4 - 2.5 liters, no turbine. Even the power is similar - 194 hp. But in terms of crankshaft spin-up activity, it is much closer to supercharged units, while retaining the distinctive features of naturally aspirated engines: low-end traction and a smooth growth pattern in revs. It seems that the Mazda team managed to find a middle ground between the polar ideologies of engine building.

In addition, the CX-5 once again convinces us that in an automatic transmission the primary role is played not by the number of gears, but by maintaining constant pressure in the system and electronic software settings. Therefore, Mazda’s far from new six-speed transmission is superior in smoothness and responsiveness to Toyota’s newest eight-speed gearbox, and in terms of efficiency it is very close to Volkswagen’s robotic, consider mechanical, transmission. If you are tired of technical details, just remember: the performance of the Mazda power unit is worthy of the highest marks.

"Koleos" has the same continuously variable variator that is installed on "X-Trails" with 2.5 liter engines. Thanks to the reconfigured “brains,” the unit skillfully simulates gear changes, helping to control acceleration dynamics and relieving the ears from the monotonous hum of the engine. There is a torque converter (like classic automatic transmissions!), which also brings order when starting from a standstill and accelerating on the move. So it’s not the CVT’s fault that Renault lags behind the trio of other crossovers - it’s the engine. Still, 170 “horses” and 233 Nm are not enough for a well-fed “family man” with a curb weight of more than 1600 kg.

We jump through the pits and attack the turns

It seems that the times when the RAV4 was hammering through potholes without clearing the road are gone forever. A crossover with a rigid body and an improved chassis no longer allows this. You have to go around potholes and stay away from potholes. The former feather-like feel of the suspension has been replaced by structural rigidity. On the other hand, controllability has improved by two orders of magnitude. In terms of taxiing, the Rafik demonstrates obvious two-facedness. While observing traffic rules, the crossover in no way reveals the potential inherent in it: the steering wheel is heavy and uninformative, the body tilts. But as soon as you step on the gas, the well-tuned chassis reveals very reliable behavior in extreme conditions, maintaining a safe handling balance until the last moment.

Toyota RAV4

VW Tiguan

Mazda CX-5

Renault Koleos

Motors

RAV4, CX-5 and Koleos are equipped with 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engines with outputs of 199, 194 and 171 hp. respectively. Under the hood of the Tiguan there is a 2.0 liter turbo engine. power 180 horsepower

Believe it or not, Toyota even beats Volkswagen in terms of speed when taking gentle turns - it’s faster! But the Tiguan is no slouch either. Driving the “German” along a winding highway, you again get the feeling that you are driving a sports car.

The corresponding signals come from the steering wheel with pure feedback, the front wheels that immediately respond to the driver's commands, and the elastic suspension elements that prevent sway and roll. It seems that there is a catch in them. While the RAV4 accumulates the influence of lateral forces with increased shock absorber travel, the Tiguan, having chosen the damping limits, begins to slide off the trajectory in a four-wheel drift.

Toyota RAV4

VW Tiguan

Mazda CX-5

Renault Koleos

Transmissions

Toyota has an eight-speed automatic transmission. Mazda's hydraulic mechanics have six stages. Renault is equipped with a continuously variable variator, and Volkswagen is equipped with a seven-speed preselective “robot”

But if the behavior of the “German” on slalom can be explained by the laws of physics, then how can one justify the mediocre smoothness of the ride? Driving over uneven roads causes discomfort. And if your wheel hits a large pothole, you already worry about the safety of the suspension elements.

Toyota RAV4

VW Tiguan

Mazda CX-5

Renault Koleos

Second row

The most spacious place is in the second row of the Koleos. RAV4 and Tiguan provide passengers with equal living conditions, but the “German” offers a wider range of equipment and options. The CX-5's interior is noticeably inferior in space to other crossovers

And again we turn the arrows to the Mazda - the best ride in the quartet! The CX-5 is remembered for its dense and energy-intensive suspension, which can handle any unevenness. Well, almost... Having fallen into a large hole, impacts still enter the cabin. At the same time, the crossover gives a thrill on twisted paths with almost car-like habits. The steering wheel provides maneuvers with precise and good feedback. Rolls are moderate. The rear suspension tickles the nerves, steering slightly during the turning arc. Emotions in Mazda are running high.

Toyota RAV4

VW Tiguan

Mazda CX-5

Renault Koleos

Luggage racks

If you move the rear sofa forward, the Tiguan will have the most spacious compartment - 615 liters. Next in descending order are RAV4 and Koleos: 580 and 550 liters, respectively. Alas, the CX-5 again has nothing to brag about - only 442 liters

Koleos is different: heavy, like a cast iron iron. In the city it feels a bit cramped due to its impressive dimensions and vague steering feel. I would like to take it for a long distance - to where there are more direct directions. But provided that the asphalt on the periphery is smooth, because the smoothness of the “French”, frankly speaking, is so-so. The suspension can still cope with minor road defects, but on deeper potholes comfort is scattered by vibrations and oscillations of the unsprung masses. Crossing seemingly harmless tram tracks is accompanied by savory impacts, as if the parts of the chassis were worn out. By the way, Renault's mileage is a little more than 15 thousand km.

Fifth generation

From 2021, the fifth generation of cars is available, available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The spare wheel is located under the boot floor, the compartment capacity on the XA50 SUV is 580 liters. There are additional niches in the linings for storing small items or canisters of oil or water. The rear row of seats is equipped with a backrest that folds in a ratio of 40:60 or completely, bringing the capacity to 1690 liters. There is a roller blind to cover your luggage from prying eyes. When the seats are folded, the protection is removed.

The XA50 version for the Japanese market differs in the location of the steering wheel and the layout of the luggage compartment, which has a capacity of 542 liters. With the backrests of the rear sofa folded, the capacity reaches 1650 liters. The use of a hybrid powertrain with an additional battery does not affect capacity. For the American modifications, the stated values ​​are 1062 and 1977 liters, respectively (the body does not differ in size from models for Russia or Japan)

Design

Despite its external similarity to the standard RAV4, the presented cross-coupe stands out with many original solutions. Some of them seem to have been borrowed from the recently debuted Infiniti QX55.

The presented cross-coupe received a new hood, the side edges of which, following the example of the mentioned Japanese model, recede quite far from the body. The radiator grille of the Toyota Rav 4 2021-2022 cross-coupe has acquired a different design. And the lower air intake turned out to be narrower than that of the serial SUV. From the standard crossover, the presented new product has been replaced by a characteristic cutout that goes under the edge of the hood and head optics. The front bumper also retains its embossed side niches, which house round fog lights.

The side of the body of the new RAV4 has been replenished with developed folds that run along the window sill line and connect the door handles. A thin plastic body kit protecting the wheel fenders has been transferred from the standard crossover to the coupe-like one. Due to the change in body configuration, the roof line of the presented new product drops faster towards the stern, without an obvious transition, “transforming” into heavily littered support pillars.

The cross-coupe based on the RAV4 is notable for the fact that its rear glazing turned out to be too compact for a car that is positioned as an off-road crossover. Moreover, there is also a wide wing on top, which also impairs the view from the cabin. Probably, the presented cross-coupe will be aimed at the youth segment of the market, as it has a sporty appearance. This feature of the body design is emphasized by the developed spoiler on the tailgate. Because of it, the Toyota RAV4 2021-2022 cross-coupe began to resemble the compact C-HR SUV.

The change in body configuration also led to the fact that the rear optics were also modified. Now it has a non-standard shape, rests on the spoiler on the tailgate and is connected to each other by a broken metal strip. Notable details of the presented new product also include the rear bumper. Compared to the standard RAV4, it has noticeably grown in size due to the additional plastic “canopy” placed on top.