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The new 2021 Toyota RAV 4 differs from its predecessor not only in its striking appearance, but also in its design features. If the 4th generation car looked quite simple and modest, then the new product captivates with its original and slightly daring design. The car also pleased us with its modern interior and many options that make travel more comfortable and safe. And, of course, it is impossible not to note that this model received a new automatic transmission. Let's take a closer look at what surprises the Japanese auto industry has prepared for drivers.
Body
The car is based on the TNGA platform. It is familiar to fans of Toyota Camry cars. Thanks to this design solution, the machine is quite stable and controllable. The new body of the Toyota RAV 4 has become more rigid than its predecessor.
In terms of dimensions, the 2021 model is slightly different from the previous one. It became 5 mm shorter and grew 1 cm in width. The wheelbase has changed the most. The manufacturer lengthened it by 3 cm.
As for the appearance, the body has become more prominent and brutal. The new product has acquired a truly memorable design. But this is not the main thing.
The manufacturer paid close attention to weight distribution. To optimize this parameter, the fuel tank and electric power steering were shifted. This made the car more stable and maneuverable.
Toyota with CVT
Variable speed drive
The variator (CVT) is reliable and is a continuously variable type of transmission. On the 2021 Toyota Rav 4, the CVT can be connected to a two-liter engine that produces 146 horsepower. Such a car accelerates to 100 km/h in approximately 11.5 seconds.
The peculiarity of this gearbox option is that it maintains the optimal number of revolutions per minute in direct dependence on road conditions and speed. The CVT allows you to save on fuel. When changing speeds, there are no jerks, and decent dynamics are noted. The CVT is a worthy competitor to a manual transmission. However, in terms of service life, it may fail earlier than an automatic transmission. At the same time, restoring a CVT is no less expensive.
The CVT box device includes two sliding shafts, a belt, and pulleys. The general interaction of the component mechanisms of the gearbox ensures a smooth change in the gear ratio. A planetary gear is used.
There is a torque converter, which is heavy. Its main function is to ensure a smooth start from a standstill, which eliminates the appearance of characteristic jerks.
The variator is controlled by a special system that includes a central processor.
Salon
Thanks to thin pillars and a lowered hood line, the interior has become lighter and more spacious. The front panel has become lower, which also visually increases the space. At first glance, the decoration seems simple and a little rough, but if you look closely, you can feel a unique style in every detail. Massive, somewhat old-fashioned handles blend harmoniously with a modern instrument panel and a large color display.
The front seats are comfortable and equipped with lateral support. There is plenty of legroom for passengers in the back row. Seat adjustments are provided for rear passengers. The controls are conveniently grouped.
The trunk is almost 80 liters larger than its predecessor. It has convenient niches and pockets for storing small items.
Which RAV4 to choose - with automatic transmission or CVT?
Automatic transmissions have a longer lifespan compared to “robots”: an automatic transmission can travel up to 300 thousand km, a CVT may require repairs after 100 thousand km. However, the robotic gearbox provides absolutely smooth gear shifting, which is important for comfort, and is fuel efficient.
CVTs are more expensive to repair. At some service stations they are not serviced, but are immediately replaced as a whole. Also, CVT transmissions are not suitable for extreme conditions.
If you plan to buy a new RAV4, you can choose a car with a CVT. It will provide fuel savings. On the used car market, models with automatic transmissions are preferable, since the service life of such transmissions is longer.
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Engines
The manufacturer plans to abandon diesel engines altogether, so in 2021 it introduced only gasoline and hybrid versions. There will be no turbocharged engines either. The manufacturer is betting on hybrid engines and expects that about 90% of sales will come from them.
The hybrid version of the 5th generation Toyota RAV 4 will surprise you with a completely new 2.5 liter A25A-FXS petrol engine. This motor is paired with an 88 kW electric motor. The total power of this car is 218 hp.
The all-wheel drive version has a separate electric motor for the rear axle. This increased torque at the rear wheels by as much as 30% and increased overall power by 4 hp.
Cars are also produced with a conventional 2-liter gasoline engine. The power of this engine with combined injection is 175 hp.
What is automatic transmission and CVT?
RAV4 vehicles are equipped with a 4-, 6-, or 8-speed automatic transmission, depending on the year of manufacture and modification. In the classic version, the automatic transmission is a torque converter, the first prototypes of which appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century. The main elements of the automatic transmission are:
- Fluid coupling that works with transmission fluid. It is located on the flywheel and transmits torque from the crankshaft to the gearbox.
- Hydraulic control mechanism. It is responsible for the operation of the planetary gearbox.
- Gearbox. This is the main working element of an automatic transmission, also known as a “planetary gearbox”.
The automatic transmission shifts gears smoothly, with barely perceptible jolts, which only an experienced driver can notice.
The CVT is installed on all- and front-wheel drive versions of the RAV4. This is a robotic continuously variable transmission, its main elements are:
- drive belts;
- metal chain (a timing belt can be used instead);
- filter;
- hydraulic unit with rotating and driven shafts.
A special feature of the variator is its discreet, stepless gear shift. This is achieved by disconnecting and connecting the pulleys and the drive belt.
Transmission
The manufacturer has pleased its fans with a reliable gearbox - Direct Shift-CVT. Let's take a closer look at the features of this transmission.
The cardinal difference of this gearbox is a real mechanical first gear with classic gears. What is the reason for this constructive decision? Everyone knows that the classic CVT does not like off-road driving, and slipping can be fatal for it. The manufacturer decided to get away from this problem, while maintaining all the advantages of the CVT gearbox.
The geared first gear can be used to get out of mud or snowdrifts without damaging the gearbox. The efficiency of the gearing is much higher than that of a conventional belt found in CVTs. Creating a gear drive helps avoid energy losses and reduce the load on transmission elements.
Of course, the design of the gearbox has become more complex, the number of parts has increased, but this has a positive effect on the reliability and service life of the transmission.
We also looked at the principle of operation of this variator on the Toyota Corolla
Another transmission option on the 5th generation RAV 4 is the 8-speed DirectShift-8AT automatic. It shifts quickly and has an impressive range of power output. In the previous generation, only a 6-speed automatic transmission was available.
We also considered this automatic transmission when we got acquainted with the Toyota Highlander III and Toyota Camry XV70, where it is installed with a V6 gasoline engine and optimal power for the Russian market of 249 hp.
There are also versions with a classic 6-speed manual transmission. This box can be found on the previous version.
Types of transmissions for Toyota Rav 4
What transmission options can be present on this car? This vehicle may have the following types of transmissions:
- mechanical;
- automatic;
- variable speed drive.
Each of these gearboxes has its own advantageous features. When purchasing this foreign car, many novice motorists have a question: which is better to buy a Toyota Rav 4 with an automatic transmission or a CVT?
Differences between the new Toyota RAV 4 and the 4th generation
The first difference is the interior and exterior. If the previous generation could be positioned as a women's car, then the 2021 version has become so brutal that it is unlikely to interest beautiful ladies.
Toyota RAV 4 5th generation is a real man's car. It is textured, somewhat rough, but at the same time incredibly bold and memorable.
The new version has updated gasoline engines. They have become more powerful and economical. The hybrid version has also been improved; on vehicles with all-wheel drive, a separate electric motor has appeared that rotates the rear wheels.
Instead of a 6-speed automatic, in 2021 they began installing an 8-speed automatic transmission, which reduces fuel consumption and makes the car more dynamic.
The new product also pleases with modern security systems, a bright display, surround sound, increased comfort and additional options for rear-row passengers.
Toyota with automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
For city residents, it is recommended to purchase a car with an automatic transmission. The peculiarity of this box is that the risk of overloading the power plant is reduced. The engine will operate at optimal speed. The entire driving process is controlled by an electronic system. This minimizes the risk of driver errors while driving.
Despite the listed advantageous features, a car with an automatic transmission does not save fuel consumption per km. It is possible that there will be delays in changing speed limits.
When comparing a Toyota Rav 4, which has a manual transmission, with a car equipped with an automatic transmission, the latter is more expensive to maintain. Depending on your driving style, the first problems with the automatic transmission may occur after 100,000 km.
Competitors
The main competitors of the Toyota RAV 4 include the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson.
- Honda CR-V in Russia is available with all-wheel drive and CVT transmission. The car is equipped with 2 and 2.4 liter petrol engines. Maximum power - 186 hp. CR-V price starts from RUB 2,130,000.
- Mazda CX-5 is a more affordable car. The minimum configuration will cost RUB 1,550,000. The manufacturer offers a choice of 2 and 2.5 liter petrol engines, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmission.
- Hyundai Tucson is presented in 15 trim levels costing from RUB 1,500,000. up to 2,250,000 rub. Engines are available both petrol and diesel. The transmission can be selected manual or automatic. All-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions are also available.
The cost of the new RAV 4 is 1,756,000 – 2,661,000 rubles. Available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, 2- and 2.5-liter gasoline engines, as well as a hybrid version. Among the gearboxes, the buyer can choose between manual, CVT and 8-speed automatic.
Toyota RAV 4 V generation
CVT Direct Shift-CVT
Automatic transmission DirectShift-8AT
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Disadvantages of automatic transmission:
— Increases fuel consumption by 10-15%
— The dynamic and speed performance of the car deteriorates
— Often with automatic transmissions, especially not new ones, there are delays when changing gears, that is, the mechanism can think for a long time before shifting
- More expensive in price and service. As a rule, problems with automatic transmissions begin after a run of 150,000 kilometers. But some modern machines are actually durable and do not have this drawback.
A variator is a type of transmission that has no steps, that is, it has no speeds.
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Such boxes always maintain the most optimal number of revolutions depending on the driving style. If you need power, there will be speeds at which the engine will produce optimal power. Or you need fuel economy, the variator will maintain the speed that you need, for example, to save fuel, depending on how you press the gas pedal. The CVT also has a tiptronic function, which essentially simulates gear shifting, that is, increasing or decreasing the speed.
It turns out the same as with an automatic transmission. There is a function similar to kick down: pressing the pedal to the floor, the speed increases sharply, providing maximum accelerating dynamics. Advantages of the CVT gearbox:
-No jerking when changing gears
-Efficiency. With smooth acceleration, a CVT is more economical than even a manual transmission
- Outperforms all other boxes in dynamics. That is, if you take 2 Toyota Rav 4 cars, but put different gearboxes on them, then the car on which the CVT is installed will be in front
Disadvantages of the CVT gearbox:
- Less durable than a regular machine. Toyota Rav 4 variator resource
100,000 kilometers - Expensive repairs. But many are not afraid of this, since a car with a CVT has excellent dynamic properties and efficiency
