Review of Toyota Rav 4 2nd generation, photo

General overview of the 2009 Toyota RAV 4

The cars belong to the 3rd generation, introduced in 2005. Only the 5-door body remained in the production range, and the shortened modification became a thing of the past along with the XA20 generation. The transmission began to use a clutch to engage all-wheel drive with push-button control. Under normal road conditions, torque was sent to the front wheels.

Car appearance

Crossovers of the XA30 generation underwent a slight modernization at the end of 2008. Changes affected the engine and the design of the front part of the body, and also affected the rear area of ​​the car. A special limited edition model was offered, differing in the design of the radiator grille and bumper.

The Sport version for the USA was distinguished by the installation of a wing on the upper edge of the trunk door. These vehicles did not have a spare wheel; instead, the tool kit included a first aid kit for quick repairs and a compressor with an electric motor.

Exterior design and colors

The crossover was equipped with head optics with lenses and round fog lights; a silver trim with a frame made of glossy plastic was provided under the lower edge of the bumper. The trapezoidal radiator grille with a wide horizontal beam gave the car an aggressive look.

The turn signals were located in the mirror housings, and the wheel arches were emphasized by flat surfaces that followed the cutout configuration.

For the Russian market, 9 color options were available (surcharges were required for some shades).

Interior

The interior retained the side round air ducts with guide elements; the dashboard was visually divided into halves with a symmetrical design by the central part. In front of the driver there was a dial instrument cluster with a large speedometer dial, in which there was a trip computer window.

The finishing materials were not of high quality, which was noted not only by Russian but also foreign buyers.

Appearance and dimensions

The review of the second generation Toyota RAV4 should begin with a consideration of the body elements. The car was produced from the beginning of the 2000s, so its appearance corresponds to the fashion of those years. The second generation became larger in size when compared to the version that was more suitable for use by women. Now it is a brutal and “muscular” car, radically changed in appearance.

The manufacturer produced two versions of the second generation car: with three doors and five. The first was liked by women for its miniature size, the second was more suitable for men.

In 2003, restyling took place; the manufacturer slightly updated both versions of the car.

In this form, “Ravchik” existed until 2005, then the third generation came out, where the three-door version was no longer available.

Dimensions of the version with three doors before restyling:

• Length: 3820 mm.
• Width: 1735 mm.
• Height: 1665 mm.
• Ground clearance: 205 mm.
• Wheelbase: 2280 mm.

After the update, the machine received the following parameters:

• Length: 3850 mm.
• Width: 1735 mm.
• Height: 1695 mm.
• Ground clearance: 195 mm.
• Wheelbase: 2280 mm.

The car body did not receive any significant changes.

The dimensions of the five-door version in 2000 were as follows:

• Length: 4215 mm.
• Width: 1785 mm.
• Height: 1670 mm.
• Ground clearance: 195 mm.
• Wheelbase: 2490 mm.

After the update the car looked like this:

• Length: 4245 mm.
• Width: 1735 mm.
• Height: 1715 mm.
• Ground clearance: 195 mm.
• Wheelbase: 2490 mm.

The five-door version was significantly longer than the three-door, which is why the latter was used by women.

Russian car configurations

Several equipment options were offered on the territory of the Russian Federation. The base included front airbags, electric heated mirrors and rear window. The driver and passenger seats were manually adjusted in 4 directions, and the steering column was adjusted. Standard equipment included manual air conditioning and electric door windows. The full-size spare tire was located on the outside of the trunk door and was equipped with a plastic protective case.

Standard

The car could be supplied with a manual or automatic transmission. Headlights with halogen lamps and plastic exterior parts were painted in body color. A central lock was provided, and the all-round glazing had a protective athermal coating. An electrically driven wiper was installed on the tailgate, and there was a luggage net on the inner lining.

Comfort

Starting from the Comfort version, control buttons for the radio and on-board computer were placed on the steering wheel. The rear seats could be adjusted in length and backrest angle, which ensured the transportation of additional cargo in the trunk. A front armrest with a hinged lid provided storage for small items. The client could order a car with a manual or automatic transmission.

Elegance

The modification featured an expanded package of safety options, including side airbags. The driver and passenger seats were adjustable in height and had adjustable lumbar support. There were light and rain sensors that controlled the operation of lighting equipment and windshield wipers. The cars were supplied only with automatic transmission and were equipped with cruise control.

Prestige

The modification was intended only for the Long version with an extended wheelbase. The cars were equipped with 2-zone climate control and leather trim with heated front seats. The radio with disc player and navigation supported the Bluetooth wireless protocol for connecting smartphones. There were airbags in the backs of the seats and curtains to protect the head. An engine start button and keyless entry were provided.

Foreign car variations

Vanguard
In the Japanese market, the car was sold under the designation Toyota Vanguard and could be equipped with a 7-seater interior. For Australian customers, the CV, Cruiser, Cruiser L and a special Altitude version were offered. In addition to the inline engine, a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder unit from the Camry was available. For the North American market, modifications were supplied with V-6 engines and an inline 4-cylinder 2AR-FE, developing 178 hp. With. When using a 6-cylinder engine, a 5-speed automatic transmission was installed.

American cars were equipped with the Toyota Star Safety system with support for directional stabilization. Manual or diesel versions were not sold in the US (due to specific customer requests). For Mexico, the Base and L models were available, distinguished by the use of a front-wheel drive transmission, which had alloy wheels with a diameter of 16″ as basic equipment.

In addition to the version with a 4-cylinder engine, a modification was available with a V-shaped 3.5-liter engine and 4WD drive.

Beginning in 2009, the lineup added a limited-edition Sport version with a V-6.

In the spring of 2009, production of the RAV4 began in China, and subsequently Chinese factories began to assemble numerous clones of the crossover. Models offered were 2.0 Classic, 2.0 Luxury, 2.0 Luxury Navi, 2.4 Luxury and 2.4 Luxury Navi. Under the hoods were 1AZ-FE and 2AZ-FE engines with a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission. Chinese RAV4s were distinguished by chrome-plated bumper trims, and front and rear parking sensors were installed by default.

Rav 4 2009 contained the Toyota Star Safety system.

Specifications

Cars for the 2009 model year have undergone interior and exterior changes, but the design of the body and chassis has remained unchanged. The range of power plants for European buyers included a 2.2-liter supercharged diesel engine. In Russia, such cars are rare, since the engine is not highly reliable even when using high-quality fuel.

Car dimensions

Main dimensions of a car with a standard base:

• body length – 4415 mm;
• width – 1815 mm;
• height – 1685 mm;
• ground clearance - 190 mm;
• wheelbase – 2560 mm.

Engine

The 4-cylinder 1AZ-FE, which had a power of 152 hp, became standard for the Russian market. With. with a volume of 2 liters. The Long version was equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE. Both engine options had a 16-valve valve timing system with support for a phase control system. The engines complied with Euro-4 standards and were equipped with neutralizers and a gasoline injection system. By using 2 oxygen sensors, a stable composition of the air-fuel mixture was maintained, which increased efficiency.

Transmission and chassis

Cars for the Russian market used a 5-speed manual transmission, a 4-speed automatic transmission or a CVT. On vehicles with all-wheel drive, a multi-plate clutch was installed on the rear subframe. The unit operated in automatic mode, transmitting part of the power flow when wheels slipped and according to signals from the stabilization sensor. The clutch was locked with a button at speeds up to 40 km/h.

The crossover retains independent wheel suspensions with anti-roll bars, springs and telescopic shock absorbers.

Fuel consumption

When using the base 152-horsepower engine with a manual gearbox, the car burned 11 liters in the city, and about 7.2 liters of gasoline on the highway. The use of an automatic transmission led to an increase in fuel costs to 11.6 and 7.4 liters, respectively. The Long version with a 2.4-liter engine required 12.6 and 7.9 liters of fuel under similar conditions. Owners note that during standard operation, crossovers can consume up to 15 liters of A-95 gasoline in the city, and on the highway they fit into 8.5 liters only if they are driving quietly at a speed of 90-95 km/h.

Fuel consumption is about 7.2 liters of gasoline.

Maintenance costs

The age of cars and high mileage require constant attention; in addition to routine maintenance on cars, it is necessary to change elements of the suspension or braking system. The price of a standard maintenance with an oil and filter change at an unofficial service center will cost 6-8 thousand rubles. The advantage of RAV4 cars is the high reliability of the engine and gearbox; spare parts for the suspension are produced by a number of alternative suppliers, which reduces repair costs.

Review of Toyota RAV-4 2.0 (2009)

This “dream” was bought by my father in the 2009 reystaling (more precisely, the facelift) because... he really liked the exterior design. But I had to travel, because... After a month of use, he asked me to give him my Mondeo. The bones are not official. I understand him perfectly! The fact that, on my advice, he did not pass the drive test was treated condescendingly: old age is not a joy.

The first thing that caught my attention was the short cushion of the driver's seat. With my height of 185 cm, there is practically no chance of getting comfortable. After 1 hour of driving around the city (and the same garbage on the highway), my legs began to hurt in the knees and feet, and the left one was stronger (pressing the clutch). After a week of torment, a funny solution was found. I dismantled the driver's seat and flared the holes in the front mounting area. I bought extended reinforced bolts and placed huge nuts with a face height of 2-2.5 cm, one on each side of the fastener. With this, I ensured that the lower part of the body received a backward tilt by raising the front of the chair. My thighs received at least some support, my knees hurt only after 4 hours of riding, and not just one as before.

The suspension completely follows the terrain, shaking out everything that can be shaken out of the driver and passengers. The driver will be helped by seating 3 passengers back. The front end rises, and the comfort becomes like that of the Priora. I feel good, but in the back it’s “goodbye tailbone.”

In the third month of operation (mileage 12,000 km), the fifth door creaked: there was a spare tire hanging on it. It creaked because, unlike the same old Honda CRV, it does not have an additional telescopic support at the bottom. Those. the door hangs on regular hinges (and the metal to which the hinges are attached “plays” quite a bit when the door is open!). In order not to aggravate the situation, I decided to dismantle the wheel and put it on the false floor of the trunk. In vain, after 4 months of operation it acquired the shape of a meteorite crater.

Noise insulation is practically non-existent and, funnily enough, the stamped body shapes, for example the interior of the doors, practically do not allow for high-quality noise. Either the window lifter interferes with the glass, or a thick safety rod. It is generally unrealistic to make noise from the wheel arches. And the tires are quite noisy.

The plastic in the cabin completely sucks: both painted and unpainted are instantly scratched. There are traces of flash everywhere. The hood does not have gas struts, and this is the 21st century in the yard.

Engine 2 l. When warming up, it roars like a sports car, and while driving it will get boring for anyone. Moreover, its acceleration dynamics are somewhat dull. They say it's 2.4 liters. behaves much better. There are no complaints about the box: the inclusions are short but clear, although the stick boss is extremely inconvenient for gripping with a brush.

Last maintenance 30,000, the nuts on several wheels were turned: the threads were stripped. The wheels have never been removed. After purchasing the car, I checked the tension with my hands using a standard sprayer - there were no signs of scrolling. Warranty: replacement of studs. Rubber squeaks appeared in the front when braking (especially hard when braking). OD did not find anything, but completely spilled silicone on all the rubber bands. It got better, but the squeak did not go away completely.

I can’t say anything about reliability in general, because... mileage is very low.

So as not to be accused of being unfounded, I compared it not with the Mondeo, but with the X-Trail (borrowed from my brother for a couple of days) and the Honda CR-V (test drive), I liked both. I wanted to change, but I didn’t have enough money for TRADE IN.

And finally, another fly in the ointment. After eight months of operation (mileage 36,850 km), I decided to sell it. The car was purchased for 1 million 215 thousand. with body kit and extras. At the time of sale the car was exactly one year old. I started with a million - not a single call for a month, 950 - another month, one call from outbids, let's say for 800, 920 - two more months, 3 calls - one with an exchange offer (for the same one, but with a CVT). In the fourth month I freaked out and TRADE IN her for a new petrol Kyron at maximum speed with an additional payment of 50 thousand. Dad has been traveling for six months now and is happy as an elephant.

The only question is: where do these prices come from? And for what? In all respects except price, Toyota is inferior to almost all crossovers, except, perhaps, the compact class.

Pros and cons of cars

Main advantages of cars:

• good handling;
• sufficient dynamics for the city;
• cross-country ability allows you to drive through snowdrifts in parking lots;
• the spare wheel has a standard size;
• The engine is designed to start at air temperatures down to -35°C.

Disadvantages of crossovers of the 2009 model year:

• small trunk volume;
• low quality of standard sound insulation;
• Ice freezing on the bumper blocks the trunk lid;
• there is no indication of the gear engaged;
• There are no air ducts for the rear of the cabin.

Test Drive

Tests of used cars do not allow us to fully evaluate the capabilities of the equipment. RAV4s available on the secondary market have wear on the engine and transmission units, damage to interior or body parts. The dynamics of the crossover are sufficient for the city and highway, but the engine is not very efficient, and the automatic transmission changes gears with a delay. On a dirty road, the car moves confidently; all-wheel drive is activated using a button. The RAV4 is not intended for heavy off-road use; its element is the city and rare trips into nature.

Weaknesses of Toyota Rav 4 II generation

The 2nd generation Toyota RAV4 has many shortcomings in the suspension and other components of the car. Some problems are repeated systematically on all machines of this generation.

All cars have “grenades” in the suspension after 200 thousand mileage, but these are resource failures that rarely break within the “expiration date”.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on the distribution system. The element is quite reliable, but during operation you may not notice damage to the seals or oil leakage, which will lead to breakdown. A new original part costs more than 120,000 rubles; most often the gearbox is purchased for disassembly.

Another disadvantage of the second generation of Ravchik is the automatic transmission control unit. Due to unreliability, contacts can come off, and sometimes damage to the track occurs due to constant exposure to vibration.

The owners have no comments about the engines, but the first series, which were later recalled by the manufacturer, had defective threads in the cylinder block. Because of this, the “head” rose and the seal was broken.

The problem with the cylinder head does not occur on cars that are currently on the secondary market. The cause of the malfunction may be overheating, but not a manufacturing defect.

There are also “weak” radiators on cars that “lose” their cells, but the reason for overheating of the second generation Ravchikov is not in them, but in the pump. Car owners change this element every 50 thousand kilometers as a consumable.

The timing chain on these cars is reliable. Sometimes they are not changed for 300 thousand kilometers; it is worth monitoring its condition starting from 150 thousand kilometers.

Along with the pump, it is recommended to change the hydraulic tensioner, which breaks down once every 50 thousand kilometers.

Reviews from car owners

Evgeniy, 29 years old, Omsk

In 2021, I purchased a used RAV4 with automatic transmission and in the maximum configuration. When I first went out on the highway, I noticed poor sound insulation and the creaking of plastic trim panels. I decided to install additional protection from extraneous sounds and at the same time cleaned the carpeted floor from dust. The crossover is stable on any road, but due to the outdated gearbox, consumption in the city can reach 15-16 liters. Low efficiency became the reason for the sale of the car after 1.5 years of operation.

Mikhail, 35 years old, Krasnodar
I am the owner of a RAV4 produced in 2009, the car’s mileage is 169 thousand km. The seats have weak lateral support; tall people experience discomfort due to the lack of free legroom. The chassis is stiff, but on the highway there is no desire to drive faster than 110-120 km/h. In addition, as speed increases, gasoline consumption increases. Closer to 100 thousand km, a knocking sound from the steering rack appeared, so I had to buy a new one. The southern climate contributes to the preservation of the body; there are no pockets of corrosion either on the sills or on the bottom.

Line of power units and transmission

Before restyling, 4 types of engines were installed on the car. The following power unit worked in minimal versions:

• Type: gasoline.
• Volume: 1.8 liters.
• Maximum power: 125 horsepower.
• Maximum speed: 175 km/h.
• Acceleration to 100 km/h: 12.2 seconds.
• Combined fuel consumption: 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

This engine was installed only in conjunction with a manual gearbox.

The brand's engineers equipped another engine with an automatic transmission:

• Type: gasoline.
• Volume: 2 liters.
• Maximum power: 150 horsepower.
• Maximum speed: 175 km/h.
• Acceleration to 100 km/h: 10.8 seconds.
• Combined fuel consumption: 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers.

Versions with a diesel power unit were provided separately:

• Type: diesel.
• Volume: 2 liters.
• Maximum power: 116 horsepower.
• Maximum speed: 170 km/h.
• Acceleration to 100 km/h: 12.1 seconds.
• Combined fuel consumption: 8.9 liters per 100 kilometers.

In modern versions of the car, the diesel engine is the most economical; fuel consumption on such a unit reaches the same level as a gasoline engine with automatic transmission.

Similar engines were offered for five-door cars.