Rafik, innocent of anything: review of Toyota Rav4 IV generation

Content

• Faces of Toyota Rav4 (CA40)
• Toyota Rav4 engines
• Rav4 and off-road
• Toyota Rav4 in everyday life
• Toyota Rav4: who is it for?
• Weaknesses of Toyota Rav4
• What to take and how much

Rav4 has been on the Russian market for 6 years, but during this time it has not been involved in a single scandal, recall campaign, mass marriage or childhood illnesses. Even the generations before last Camry and Corolla had problems with blistering paint or a leaking roof, but the Rav4 did not.

This is partly due to the work on bugs that had to be done after its predecessor, the CA40. He deserves cuffs and slaps in the face for his oak suspension and slow-witted variator. The fourth generation “Rav 4” has nothing to complain about. Why? We'll tell you in the review.

Real reviews from mechanical owners

Vitaly, 41 years old, Kostroma

In 2021, I purchased a RAV4 crossover from a car dealership and was specifically looking for a modification with front-wheel drive and a manual transmission. The machine is used 95% on paved roads, so eliminating all drive wheels reduces fuel consumption and reduces the cost of maintenance. The gearbox allows you to quickly accelerate when overtaking on the highway, and the presence of a 6th stage ensures low engine speeds during country trips. The process of switching stages is easy, the elastic motor does not require constant use of the lever.

Kirill, 28 years old, Tula
I purchased a 2nd generation RAV4 with a manual transmission for periodic fishing and hunting trips. After registration, I changed the oil in the crankcase and the oil seal, which had signs of leakage. The gearbox shifts easily, but after several trips on muddy roads, problems with the clutch appeared. I installed a new disk and basket, and at the same time checked the condition of the ring gear on the flywheel. After the repair, I drove more than 15 thousand km on roads with different surfaces, there are no complaints about the operation of the transmission units.

Faces of Toyota Rav4 (CA40)

The IV generation Rav4 debuted on the Russian market at the beginning of 2013, and was restyled in 2021. And this was precisely restyling, not modernization. Body panels, optics, and some interior details have changed. Technically, the entire life cycle of the Rav4 went through the same set of units.

SA40 also changed its registration. Pre-styling versions came to Russia from abroad. After the upgrade, full-scale assembly, along with welding and painting of the body, began to be carried out in St. Petersburg.

There was no drop in quality or popular love due to the move. The buyer did not seem to notice the change of factory, so imported and localized copies cost approximately the same on the secondary market.

Technical characteristics of Toyota RAV 4 with manual transmission

The main technical parameters of RAV4 crossovers with manual transmission are shown in the table. Values ​​are given for 5-door bodies (applies to XA10 and XA20 generations). Modifications with manual transmission are distinguished by a curb weight reduced by 10-20 kg, which has a slight effect on dynamic capabilities and fuel consumption.

The table shows a gradual increase in the weight of the car, associated with an increase in interior dimensions and an increase in passive safety.

At the same time, there is a drop in gasoline consumption and an improvement in dynamic characteristics.

Toyota Rav4 engines

Rav4 in the fourth body received the same engines as its predecessors: gasoline - naturally aspirated, diesel - supercharged:

• 2.0 l (146 hp) - simple, reliable, but sluggish;
• 2.5 liters (180 hp) - more energetic, mainly due to the normal automatic transmission, which does not steal the dynamics;
• 2.2 l (150 hp) - absolutely beautiful, flexible and economical, but expensive.

Paired with the last two engines is a full-fledged six-speed automatic transmission, and with the younger engine there is a CVT. Mechanics are still found with a two-liter unit, but rarely - about 5% on the secondary market (242 out of 4,287).

An automatic is less common than a variator. For some reason, Russian buyers of the Rav4 did not like the diesel engine. Heavy fuel options account for only about 10% of proposals.

A real rarity and basic single-wheel drive versions. Of the current offers on the secondary market, only 15% (622 units) have front axle drive. Everything else is 4x4, which in the Rav4 is implemented through an inter-axle coupling.

Possible breakdowns of a manual transmission

Main breakdowns of the RAV4 manual transmission:

1. Increased operating noise caused by a drop in oil level. It is necessary to drain the remaining fluid and make sure that there are no metal shavings in the fluid that form when gears or bearings are destroyed. After filling with fresh oil, the extraneous noise should disappear.
2. Oil leaks through damaged oil seals; repair consists of installing new seals and adding lubricant to the required level.
3. Reverse lights not working, the problem occurs when the limit switch is broken or the wiring harness is broken. It is necessary to install a new contact mechanism or restore the integrity of the cable.
4. Difficulty switching due to improper adjustment of the rocker drive or damage to the synchronizers. The repair consists of adjusting the length of the cables or rebuilding the manual transmission and replacing worn elements. At the same time, you should check the condition of the clutch disc, which quickly wears out if used carelessly.
5. Spontaneous shutdown of the overdrive due to wear of the clutch, gear or hub. To restore functionality, you will need to disassemble the box and replace damaged parts. When the synchronizer wears out, the shift lever wobbles, which occurs when accelerating or releasing the throttle. Further wear of the ring leads to spontaneous shutdown of the speed.
6. Gradually unscrew the screws securing the plate holding the bearings in the housing. As a result, the overdrive gear and part of the secondary shaft are destroyed, and cases of crankcase rupture have been reported. It is necessary to remove the box for disassembly and troubleshooting, followed by a major overhaul.

Many owners of cars with manual transmission note a quiet, uniform hum when driving in reverse gear.

The reason is the profile of the gears and the large gear ratio. Noise is not a sign of malfunction as long as there are no abnormal sounds when using forward speeds. On cars with a 6-speed transmission, a howling noise is often observed when driving in the 1st stage. An extraneous hum is not considered a malfunction provided that other speeds are operating normally and there are no chips in the oil.

Rav4 and off-road

All-wheel drive control is entirely given to electronics - the owner is not allowed to interfere with torque distribution for the sake of fuel economy. But it will be possible to forcibly lock the clutch with a strictly 50:50 thrust distribution. The rest of the time, the automation itself decides which axis to direct how much thrust. And he usually does it wisely and in a timely manner. The Rav 4 doesn’t have the same problems as its predecessors, when the front end is already slipping and the rear doesn’t even think about connecting. Automation reacts with lightning speed.

But you shouldn’t venture into more or less serious off-road conditions: the Rav4 is geometrically uneven. On the one hand, short overhangs at the front and rear work in its favor. On the other hand, the entire exhaust pipe, including the muffler can, hangs treacherously low. You'll soon tear him out with a snag from the stronger ones.

In general, the latest Rav4 is very ambiguous in terms of adaptability to different surfaces. For example, the basic two-liter versions are more “bouncy” on uneven asphalt. Diesel engines perform better under the same conditions, mainly due to different suspension settings, selected for a heavier unit.

Therefore, if you want driving comfort, look for a diesel version with an automatic transmission. If you want to feel the road with all your senses, look at the basics.

Manual Transmission

RAV4 vehicles with a manual transmission are distinguished by a pedal unit that includes a clutch drive. The machine is equipped with a different rocker and a handle for selecting speeds; on the tip there is a pictogram with the trajectories of movement when switching. The design does not have a separate automatic transmission control unit; the engine crankcase and flywheel are designed for use with a manual transmission. The instrument cluster also differs in that it does not provide for displaying the selected automatic transmission operating mode.

In early versions, the mechanics provided improved dynamics while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption. Subsequently, automatic transmissions appeared with an increased number of steps and modified operating algorithms that are not inferior to manual transmissions.

Starting with the XA50 generation, the manufacturer began to use a variator, which provides a smooth change in speed and reduces fuel costs. The manual transmission was available with all-wheel drive until 2018, with the XA50 pairing the manual transmission to front-wheel drive only.

Toyota Rav4 in everyday life

The enormous difference between the fourth generation and its predecessors is the dimensions and geometry of the interior. It’s not that it was cramped and tight before, but in this generation it has surpassed both itself and many competitors like the Ford Kuga. The rear sofa provides a generous amount of space for all three passengers, and the trunk (500+ liters), although it suffered from the transfer of the spare tire from the fifth door under the floor, still accepts long items and large cargo.

And all sorts of little things too. Following the example of older comrades like Audi, this Rav4 received a bunch of accessories for the trunk such as nets and guides/limiters. Everything works together to ensure that oversized items do not fly around the trunk from wall to wall, but are securely fixed.

In terms of options, the restyled versions are cooler and more packaged than the earlier copies. They have an advanced surround view system that draws a beautiful 3D projection of the car and surroundings, allowing you to see all the blind spots on the screen. They are, of course, poorly drawn, because the camera resolution is low, and it’s hardly worth pursuing such options.

Very late versions of Rav4 (after 2016) had a media system with Yandex services. The same “Maps” in this version are much more detailed and accurate than the standard navigation system, which migrated to the Rav4 from the early “zeros”.

Otherwise, the equipment of pre-restyling and restyled cars is no different. Both have climate control, a USB port with the function of recharging a connected gadget, and a simple on-board computer. So if the price gap between the options you like is large, you can safely take the older and cheaper one. You won't lose anything in terms of functionality.

Toyota Rav4: who is it for?

And why “he” and not “she”? Previous generations of "Rafik" had a reputation as a ladies' man, not least due to his pretty, round appearance and easy-going personality. By the fourth generation, a reassessment of values ​​occurred.

Firstly, he became stronger, coarser, matured and sharpened; secondly, it has become more versatile as a car. And passengers of all ages, sizes and heights feel comfortable in it, they can carry loads, and they can enjoy driving. He steers, jokes, and in certain situations he even gets up sideways and drives, and boys already appreciate this.

So, if you were born a man and were previously ashamed to look towards the Rav4, now you don’t have to be ashamed. He is moderately brutal, can drive and is suitable for a family.

Weaknesses of Toyota Rav4

As we have already said, there is no obvious crime behind this generation of “Rafik”. But judging by the reviews of Rav 4 owners, there are still certain nuances.

For example, the knocking of the rear suspension arms due to the poor design of the silent blocks. The problem was solved in the very first years of production by warranty replacement of the assembly: both levers and silent blocks.

In 2015-2016, Rav4 owners complained en masse about the crooked operation of the automatic fifth door: it sometimes opened with a button, sometimes it didn’t. The problem was solved by replacing the control element. Again, under warranty.

Owners also complain en masse about the quality of the plastic. The steering wheel peels off first - and on relatively short runs. Then the interior begins to creak and knock - “praise” to the oak plastic trim, for which the Rav4 endlessly listened to the complaints of reviewers even at the time of its appearance. No wonder they scolded me! Soft linings or interior parts made entirely of soft polymers begin to “breathe” much later, and they also look more pleasant. But this is not about Rav4.

Design and principle of operation of mechanics

The box is equipped with an aluminum crankcase, in which shafts with fixed and movable gears are located on rolling bearings. A stage selection mechanism is installed on the cover, connected to the rocker by cables in a protective sheath. To switch, you need to press the pedal and break the power flow, and then move the handle to the required position. The selection is made by moving the gear blocks along the splines.

To ensure smooth connection of gears, synchronizers are provided (except for reverse gear).

Peculiarities

To lubricate the gears and bearings, a special transmission oil poured into the crankcase is used. The housing is equipped with screw plugs for checking the level and adding lubricant. There is no pump in the design; oil is supplied by splashing. The main gear and differential are located inside the crankcase. On vehicles with all-wheel drive, the design includes a gearbox with a rear axle engagement clutch; at the output there is a flange for connecting the driveshaft.

pros

Advantages of cars with manual transmission, noted in owner reviews:

• the possibility of forced activation of the stage when driving in difficult road conditions;
• fast acceleration (compared to automatic transmission);
• ability to withstand increased loads;
• reduced fuel consumption;
• ease of repair and maintenance of the gearbox.

Minuses

Disadvantages of a manual transmission:

• the need to constantly switch and press the clutch pedal when driving in traffic jams;
• if you work carelessly with the clutch, you can burn the friction linings;
• To engage reverse gear, you sometimes need to press the clutch pedal several times;
• the need to periodically check the oil level in the crankcase;
• corrosion of cable end bushings, which causes difficult shifting;
• rapid wear of synchronizers, leading to spontaneous shutdown of speeds.