When choosing an all-wheel drive crossover, one cannot help but pay attention to the first CUV in world history. Does it remain out of competition thanks to improvements with the change of generations, or have other automakers surpassed the Japanese giant? Let's look at the Toyota Rav 4 in detail - technical characteristics, configurations, pros and cons in comparison with other crossovers, prices for new and used cars.
The Japanese company Toyota today ranks first in the world in the production and sales of cars, and its RAV4 turned out to be the world's first crossover (Crossover Utility Vehicle, abbreviated as CUV), although it is increasingly classified as an SUV. Today, the fourth generation of “ravchiki” has been created, presented in various configurations. What is the global pioneer in the CUV class that our Toyota RAV4 review is dedicated to?
Toyota is the largest automaker
Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in 1937 by the Toyoda family of Japanese entrepreneurs and industrialists, who began their business thirteen years earlier with the production of automatic looms. It was the proceeds from the sale of the patent for the Toyoda loom to the British company that served as start-up capital, allowing the company to develop and launch its own car model. The second letter “d” (Toyoda) was changed to “t” (Toyota) - and a new brand is ready!
In 2007, Toyota for the first time surpassed the American General Motors in the number of cars produced and sold, and since 2012 it has constantly maintained the status of the largest automaker in the world. The company is also the largest publicly traded company in Japan.
A Toyota representative office opened in Russia in 1998, and since 2002 a subsidiary, Toyota Motor LLC, has been operating. In 2007, the company’s Russian plant was launched, which is located in St. Petersburg and (according to the official website toyota.ru) is engaged in the production of a full cycle of Camry and RAV4 models.
History of the compact Toyota crossover - RAV4 model
The first RAV4 was born in 1994 - in the form of a mini-crossover. It was conceived as a car for young people who love active recreation. Hence the letters in the name: they took Recreation Active Vehicle and got the abbreviation RAV. The number "4" indicates all-wheel drive. This generation has already been officially sold on the Russian car market.
The newest Toyota Rav 4 today - generation IV - was presented in November 2012 in Los Angeles.
First generation
The first "Ravchiki" (SXA10) were produced from 1994 to 2000 by the Toyota plant in Japan. At the start they were produced with three-door bodies, but already in 1995 the plant also launched production of 5-door ones. Only gasoline engines were used, with a power of 135 and 178 horsepower, a volume of 2.0 liters.
Length / width / height of the car - 3730 / 1695 / 1655 (hereinafter - millimeters), ground clearance - from 195 to 205, wheelbase - 2200.
Despite the four in the name, the cars were both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. The gearbox was also equipped in 2 versions:
- automatic transmission 4-speed;
- mechanical 5-speed.
The 1998 modification underwent minor restyling (optics, bumpers, radiator grille) and had a body version with a fabric roof.
Second generation
The release of the second generation of Toyota mini-crossovers (CA20W) dates back to 2000-2005; they were also assembled only in Japan, with three- and five-door bodies, all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
Main changes compared to the first “Ravchiki”:
- gasoline engines - 1.8 l / 123 horsepower, 2.0 l / 150 hp, 2.4 l / 161 hp;
- a 2.0 l / 116 hp diesel engine was also used for the first time;
- body increase - length / width / height of one modification 3820 / 1735 / 1665, another 4155 / 1735 / 1690;
- increase in wheelbase - 2280 in one modification, 2490 in another.
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The second generation also underwent restyling with a change in the shape of the optics and radiator grille - in 2004.
Third generation
III generation of “Ravchikov” - 2005-2013. — refers not to mini, but to compact crossovers. Length / width / height reached 4395 / 1815 / 1685, wheelbase - 2560. But the ground clearance decreased to 180-190.
Please note: the extended crossover called the Toyota Vanguard, which is officially sold only in the Japanese car market, belongs to this generation. In addition, a modification with a 6-cylinder 3.5-liter engine and also an extended body was produced for the USA.
During this period, the automaker abandoned the 1.8-liter engine, permanent all-wheel drive in favor of front-wheel drive with rear-wheel drive, and most importantly, a three-door body. The interior of the cabin was completely changed.
In 2010, the first crossover in history was updated - the characteristics of the Toyota Rav 4 underwent 4 fundamental changes:
- the appearance of version III LWB with a car length of 4625 mm, a wheelbase of 2660, increased trunk volume and a more spacious interior;
- increase in power of the 2.0-liter engine to 158 hp, 2.4 liter - up to 184 hp;
- the appearance in some trim levels of a continuously variable transmission (variator, CVT) instead of an automatic or manual transmission;
- introduction of 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions.
The design has also changed, the most radical innovation being the integration of the radiator grille into the front bumper.
The modified “Ravchik” appeared on the Russian market immediately - sales started on June 1, 2010. And in October 2011, the company reduced the power of the 3ZR-FAE engine to 148 “horses” in cars produced for the Russian market in order to provide customers with savings on transport tax.
Fourth generation
The fourth generation of Rav 4 has been produced since 2013, except in Japan, at factories in the Chinese city of Changchun and in the Russian St. Petersburg.
The crossover has again grown significantly in size (except for height) - 4570 / 1845 / 1670, the design of the front bumper has changed, which now evokes associations with a bulldog bite, but most importantly - the spare wheel has disappeared from the rear door, moving under the trunk floor, and the door itself has open up, stopping loosening.
We've outlined a brief history - let's move on to the description of the Toyota RAV4.
Owner reviews
RAV4 has been sold on the Russian car market since the beginning of mass production. And the domestic car enthusiast has already formed a solid opinion regarding the entire RAV4 series. It is praised for its reliability, simplicity of design, cheap spare parts and good maneuverability. They put the car on a par with crossovers such as Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage and others.
In order not to be unfounded, we will give as an example reviews from Toyota RAV4 owners. In them we focus on fuel consumption:
Mikhail, Lipetsk
I bought a 2001 RAV4, 2.0. I was very pleased with the price, an excellent car for the city. In the city, consumption is about 12 liters, which is quite normal. It drives comfortably off-road, all-wheel drive works great. I'm happy with the car.
Alexander, Voronezh
I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota Rav4, manual transmission, used. Despite this, it is quite reliable. I drove it for 4 years and during that time it never let me down. Consumption is small, from 7.2 to 9 liters per hundred square meters. Stable on slippery roads.
Leonid, Novy Urengoy
I bought a 5th generation RAV4, only from the showroom, CVT. Not complaining. I really like the appearance and design of the car. The salon is comfortable and pleasing to the eye. It feels great in cold weather and does not skid on slippery roads. Consumption ranges from 7.5 to 8.6. l. I am absolutely satisfied with the car and recommend it.
Yuri, Nizhny Novgorod
I own a 2021 Toyota RAV4. In addition to the beautiful appearance both outside and inside, I really want to praise the all-wheel drive. Since I often drive uphill, it often saves me a lot. I’m also glad that the engine warms up quickly - you don’t have to wait long, in severe frosts it warms up and starts quickly. Consumption is good: from 10 to 14 in the city and on the highway from 6.5 to 9.5 (depending on the time of year).
Vasily, Volgograd
I recently picked up a 2013 RAV4. I really like the compactness and design of the machine. Very convenient and wide in functionality. What is especially pleasing is that the car consumes little gasoline - only about 7-8 liters per hundred kilometers. Cross-country ability is simply class! I didn't regret the purchase.
Ilya, Moscow
My family and I decided to buy a car. We settled on a 2003 RAV4, manual transmission, 2.0 engine. The car is great. The package includes everything except leather interior and sunroof. I didn't experience any problems with warming up. Cross-country ability is good, you can go into sand, mud, anywhere. Consumption is a little high - 12 liters in the city and 10.6 on the highway, but the car is used, there’s no getting around it. Fortunately, there are no problems with spare parts - they are quite cheap and widespread.
Nikolay, Bryansk
Previously owned a 2014 Rav4. Now I bought a new one, 2019, to replace it and am happy with the purchase. The design is much more beautiful, and with it the car's dynamics are better. The interior is comfortable and has much better sound insulation. It doesn’t let you down on roads or off-road – thanks to the all-wheel drive and CVT. Consumption is acceptable: 7 on the highway and 9 in the city. I save much more money on gasoline.
German, Vladivostok.
I bought a Toyota RAV4 2009, 2.0, manual transmission. For a used car it does a very good job. All-wheel drive, as stated, provides good off-road performance. The design, although a little old, is overall pleasing to the eye. It drives smoothly on the road and does not skid on icy roads. Comfortable and warms up quickly. It consumes little - 9-10 liters in the city and 7-8 liters on the highway. Reliable - during 3 years of operation, I rarely had to contact service.
Dmitry, Kaliningrad.
RAV4 2021, 2.0 l, manual transmission.
I don’t regret buying the car ex-showroom at all. The design is simply wonderful - both outside and inside. It drives great on wet roads, without skidding or other incidents. It handles well on dirt and mud - in a word, as a crossover, this car is simply wonderful. Consumption - 7 liters on the highway and 9 liters in the city. Overall, the car is good, although it cannot boast of capacity.
Kirill, Yekaterinburg.
I've been driving a 2013 RAV4 for a whole year, automatic transmission. I often hear from others that this is not the best car, which I cannot agree with. The car looks beautiful on the outside and is comfortable on the inside. Drives well both on road and off-road. Many people complain about noise, but as a former owner of a Skoda Octavia, I have to say that in comparison, Toyota's noise reduction is okay. Consumption – from 6.5 to 8 l.
Technical characteristics of Toyota Rav 4
Engine
The line of engines installed on the third (XA30) and fourth (XA40) generations of Toyota Rav 4 is distinguished by low fuel consumption, fairly high torque and reliability.
The main parameters of the motors that the manufacturer has been equipping Russian RVs with since 2005 are presented in the table.
| Engine | 1AZ-FE | 2AZ-FE | 3ZR-FAE | 3ZR-FE | 2AD-FTV | 2AR-FE |
| Volume, l | 2 | 2,4 | 2 | 2 | 2,3 | 2,5 |
| Fuel | Gasoline AI-95 | Gasoline AI-92, AI-95 | Gasoline AI-92, -95, -98 | Gasoline AI-92, -95 | DT | Gasoline AI-92, -95 |
| Type | Inline, 4 c. | 4-speed, VVT-i | Inline, 4 c. | Inline, 4 c. | Inline, 4 c. | Inline, 4 c. |
| Power, hp | 144-152 | 145-170 | 148-158 | 140-146 | 150 | 169-184 |
| Torque, Nm / rpm | 190-194 / 4000 | 214-219 / 4000 | 189 / 3500, 189-196 / 3800, 198 / 4000 | 187 / 3600, 190-194 / 3900 | 340 / 2800 | 233 / 4000, 167-235 / 4100, 344 / 4700 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | 8,9-10,7 | 7,9-12,4 | 6,9-8,1 | 7,9-8,1 | 6,7 | 7,9-11,2 |
Chassis, running gear
The third generation RAV4 has all-wheel drive only, with the exception of the Standard trim, which is available in either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.
Drive type of generation IV configurations:
- Classic - front;
- Standard (Plus), Comfort (Plus) - front or full;
- the rest are full.
The clearance of the 2013-2018 Toyota Rav 4 in some modifications is 197 mm, in others - only 165.
For parking near curbs and driving on problematic Russian roads, high ground clearance has an absolute advantage.
3 types of transmission with which RAV4 is available:
- manual transmission;
- automatic transmission;
- variable speed drive.
Body, dimensions
Dimensions of Rav 4 fourth generation - length / width / height, mm:
- RAV4 2012 Classic, Standard (Plus), Prestige, Elegance - 4570 / 1845 / 1670;
- RAV4 2012 other configurations - 4570 / 1845 / 1715;
- RAV4 restyling 2015 - length increased to 4605, Comfort (Plus) and Standard (Plus) are available in two versions, height 1670 or 1715, other dimensions have not changed.
The number of seats for passengers, regardless of configuration, is 5.
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The trunk volume after restyling in 2015 is 577 liters in all trim levels, before it - only in Prestige Plus, in the rest 506 liters.
Interior equipment
The interior beauty of the Toyota RAV4 is no different. But it is distinguished by comfortable adjustment of the seat backs, which can be tilted to any degree and even folded onto the floor, turning the cabin into a real bedroom.
3 trim levels with seat upholstery and leather front panel trim:
- Prestige;
- Exclusive;
- Prestige Safety.
Leather upholstery means a combination of natural leather and synthetics.
Safety
The safety of Toyota RAV4 2009 and newer is ensured by:
- traction control system;
- stability control system;
- disc brakes with ABS;
- side airbags for the front seats;
- active head restraints of these seats;
- full-size side curtain pillows.
Toyota RAV4 2021 – 5th generation of the Japanese crossover Toyota RAV 4
The new Toyota RAV 4 was officially presented at the 2021 New York Auto Show. The 5th generation Japanese compact crossover Toyota RAV4 has completely changed its image, with aggressive, strict and brutal design accents, and moved to the new modular TNGA K platform, becoming one of the most anticipated premieres of the auto show in New York. In our review of the new Toyota RAV4 2018-2019 - photos and videos, price and specifications, technical characteristics of the 5th generation of the super popular Toyota RAV 4 model. Sales of the new generation Toyota RAV4 in America will start at the end of 2021 at a price not yet announced by the manufacturer. However, we can assume that the cost of the 5th generation of the Toyota RAV 4 crossover will be from 25,000 US dollars, which is slightly more than the cost of its predecessor - the fourth generation Toyota RAV4.
Follow the link for reviews of Toyota Raf 4 2018-2019.
We would like to note that the new generation of Toyota RAV 4 will appear in Europe only in a year, in the spring of 2021, and in Russia, car enthusiasts will have to wait even longer for the new generation of the Japanese crossover... the new product will hit the assembly line of the Toyota plant in St. Petersburg towards the end of 2021. In the meantime, we invite our readers to carefully get acquainted with the new generation of Toyota RAV4 - a potential bestseller in the domestic market. By the way, the predecessor of the new product, the 4th generation crossover, was highly popular both in America (more than 408,000 copies were sold at the end of last 2021) and in Russia, where 32,931 buyers chose the Toyota crossover. At the same time, RAV 4 became the most expensive car in the top ten of the Russian market, occupying 10th place with a ridiculous lag of 388 cars behind the Lada XRAY.
Having changed generations, the Japanese crossover Toyota RAV4 has radically changed in appearance. There is no trace left of the calm, and in some places even dull, exterior design of the predecessor’s body. The new generation of the compact crossover RAV 4 from Toyota demonstrates a brutal, strict, charismatic and athletic exterior design with notes borrowed from crossovers of the Jeep and Lexus brands. The front part of the body of the new product is formed by the harmonious fusion into a single composition of a large trapezoidal false radiator grille, strict headlights and a massive bumper with high-mounted fog lamps.
From the side, the crossover body shows brutally angular wheel arches with massive plastic linings, powerful and swollen surfaces of the wings and doors, a windshield frame heavily tilted back, a flat roof line resting on powerful rear pillars with a reverse slope, a compact rear, decorated with charismatic stampings.
The rear of the new generation Toyota RAV 4 is strict, straightforward and attractive. There are high-mounted, pointed lampshades of LED side lamps, a regular rectangle of a large tailgate, and a solid bumper with powerful plastic protection.
The new generation of the crossover, having moved to the TNGA K platform with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link, acquired a stronger body, with torsional rigidity increased by 57% compared to its predecessor. At the same time, the new Toyota RAV 4 received a 30 mm larger wheelbase than the previous generation of the model, the body of the new product increased in length by 5 mm and width by 10 mm, the ground clearance increased by 13 mm, but the height of the body became smaller by 5 mm. It only remains to add that the track of the front and rear wheels has become larger, the maximum wheel size has grown to 19 inches, and the body overhangs have become more compact.
The external overall dimensions of the 2018-2019 Toyota RAV4 body are 4595 mm long, 1854 mm wide, 1699 mm high, with a 2690 mm wheelbase and 210 mm ground clearance.
Strictness and solidity are also observed in the interior design of the 5th generation of the Japanese compact crossover Toyota RAV 4. At the same time, many interior details, instruments and equipment present in the Toyota RAV4 interior are familiar from the Toyota Corolla Hatchback. There is a compact multifunction steering wheel, an instrument panel with a 7-inch color screen in the center, a color screen of the Entune 3.0 multimedia complex rising above the dashboard (depending on the equipment level with a diagonal of 7.0 or 8.0 inches), dual-zone climate control .
We would also like to note the original architecture of the front panel and center console, new seats for the driver and front passenger with bright side support bolsters, rich equipment in the basic version of the new product and high-quality finishing materials. For American car enthusiasts, the new Toyota RAV4 crossover is offered as standard with a wide range of options: Entune 3.0 multimedia with a 7-inch color touch screen (Wi-Fi Connect, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, rear view camera), 8 airbags, climate control , electric parking brake, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 safety systems (Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist ).
As additional options, the manufacturer offers electric driver and front passenger seats, dual-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof with a sunroof, an electric tailgate with a contactless opening function by waving your foot under the bumper, and a JBL audio system. with 11 speakers with a power of 800 W, an interior mirror with the ability to display images from a rear view camera, leather interior trim.
Buyers will also be offered two special versions of the new crossover: the XSE sports version (sporty notes in the decorative design, two-color body paint, suspension specially tuned for a sporty feel), the Adventure off-road version (powerful bumpers, larger plastic lining around the perimeter of the body, massive roof rails , special rims).
Technical characteristics of Toyota RAV4 2018-2019. The Toyota RAV 4 crossover is built on the TNGA K modular platform, and the closest co-platform brothers of the new product are the Toyota Camry and Toyota Avalon sedans of the latest generations. For the American market, the 5th generation RAV4 received two power plants. The basic version of the Toyota RAV4 with a four-cylinder naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine (206 hp 249 Nm) accompanied by 8 automatic transmissions. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive with a clutch connecting the rear wheels is available as an option. As an alternative, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is equipped with a Toyota Hybrid System power plant consisting of a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force gasoline engine, an electromechanical CVT and a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The hybrid power plant has a total power of 180 horsepower and 221 Nm of maximum torque.
Interestingly, for the expensive trim levels of the new generation Toyota RAV 4, the Japanese company offers an advanced Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD all-wheel drive system with individual clutches for each of the rear wheels, which provides traction vector control. At the same time, the driveshaft is equipped on both sides with simple cam couplings, ensuring its complete shutdown when driving along the highway. Also in the technical arsenal of the new product there is a Multi-Terrain Select system, which allows you to select the optimal operating mode of electronic systems for various road surfaces.
Toyota RAV4 configurations
8 current Ravchik trim levels presented on toyota.ru:
- Standard;
- Standard Plus;
- Comfort Plus;
- Style;
- Adventure;
- Prestige;
- Exclusive;
- Prestige Safety.
Also available on the secondary market:
- Classic;
- Comfort;
- Elegance;
- Prestige Plus;
- Prestige Black.
RAV4 trim levels differ in tires and wheels, degree of safety and comfort, design, multimedia systems, additional storage and cargo transportation options.
Features of the model presented on the Russian market
The Rav 4 model, which is produced and sold in Russia, differs from Toyota crossovers for Japan, the USA and/or Europe:
- engine characteristics;
- body dimensions and wheel pair dimensions;
- adaptation to harsh Russian winters.
At the same time, with adaptation to domestic road conditions, as the test drive of the Toyota Rav 4 shows, things are not going well. On bumps and potholes the car shakes and bounces too much, which is not typical for an SUV. It follows that the “Ravchik” is more correctly classified as a city car (crossover), but for off-road driving it is worth looking for another vehicle.
Salon and functionality
The interior of the new generation Toyota RAV4 is also designed in a very solid and minimalist style. In front of the driver there is a small-diameter multifunction steering wheel and an instrument panel with a central 7.0″ diagonal display. Just to the right, above the center console, is the Entune 3.0 infotainment system display. The screen size depends on the version (7 or 8 inches). Below it are analog elements for controlling the operation of the air conditioning system, divided into two zones.
The exclusive layout of the center console and front panel of the crossover deserves attention. The car has new front seats with pronounced lateral support. The quality of interior finishing materials has also increased noticeably. Already in the initial configuration of the 5th generation Toyota RAV 4, many interesting options appeared.
So, in America, the basic version of the RAV4 will receive the following content: a multimedia complex with a 7-inch diagonal touch screen (rearview camera, Wi-Fi router, Apple CarPlay, etc.), electronic handbrake, 8 airbags, climate control.
Specialists from Japan paid a lot of attention to the issue of security. In addition to the above-mentioned airbags, the car is equipped with a whole set of systems:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection;
- lane departure warning system with cornering assistance;
- adaptive cruise control with automatic acceleration and braking function;
- automatic light switching system;
- traffic sign recognition function;
- traffic lane control system.
For an additional payment, the following functions are available to buyers of Toyota RAV 4 2018-2019:
- electrically adjustable front seats;
- seat ventilation for driver and front passenger;
- heated two rows of seats;
- climate control with two zones;
- panoramic roof with electric sunroof;
- premium JBL sound system with 11 speakers with a total power of 800 W;
- leather interior;
- electric drive of the fifth door with support for opening with a wave of the foot under the rear bumper;
- wireless charging for mobile devices;
- an interior rear-view mirror on which an image from a rear-view camera can be displayed.
Company representatives also report two special versions of the new generation Toyota RAV4:
- XSE is a sports version of the model with original decorative elements, a two-tone body and special suspension parameters.
- Adventure is an off-road modification of the crossover with more aggressive bumpers, larger protective linings, powerful roof rails and new wheels.
Comparison of Toyota RAV4 with competitors
4 direct competitors of the Toyota RAV4 with a 2.5-liter engine (alphabetically):
- Mitsubishi Outlander;
- Nissan X-Trail;
- Subaru Forester;
- Suzuki Grand Vitara.
All, except perhaps Subaru, surpass the Rav 4 with lower prices. But the advantage of the Toyota crossover is that it is available with automatic and manual transmission, while competitors only have a CVT transmission. It also benefits from a spacious interior, good acceleration and a vaunted Toyota engine.
Toyota RAV4: Is it worth buying a diesel version of the crossover
In March of this year, the Japanese introduced a new generation of RAV4. The machine is built on the global TNGA architecture, and its sales in Europe will begin in 2021. Then, as expected, the crossover will reach Russia. This is a fundamentally new car, which is completely different from its predecessor both outside and inside.
In the meantime, Russians have to be content with the restyled version of the fourth generation RAV4. And the main question can be formulated as follows: gasoline or diesel? We usually speak about heavy fuel vehicles, as well as station wagons, with respect. Low consumption, excellent low-end traction, reliability - all this makes you think about whether you should opt for a diesel engine.
But in the end, when it comes to buying a car, Russians prefer gasoline versions. Firstly, they are cheaper, and secondly, the quality of diesel fuel at our gas stations scares off many. And if in the Moscow region it is now extremely rare to get access to “legal” fuel, then certainly not in all regions the situation is so rosy. So, diesel has plenty of minuses and pluses. But let's move directly to the RAV4.
It would be somewhat strange to talk about the appearance of a car whose life cycle is coming to an end. And in terms of interior and ergonomics, nothing new can be said. You can read about all the interesting details of this car in our first test of this model. Let's focus on the main features - the engine and Yandex Auto.
Under the hood, Toyota has a 2.2-liter 150-horsepower 2AD-FHV turbodiesel. There are no big problems with him. This engine has the same service-to-service mileage as gasoline engines (10 thousand kilometers). The main thing is to change the oil on time, fill in high-quality fuel and take care of the turbine. Then the engine life will be hundreds of thousands of kilometers.
Engine noise only enters the cabin at idle. I can't hear any rumble while driving. This is especially important for those who don't like diesel rattling. Paired with a 2.2-liter engine, there is a six-speed automatic transmission. And it's hard to find fault with him. Gear shifts occur on time and smoothly; they can only be tracked by the movement of the tachometer needle.
According to the passport, acceleration to “hundreds” is 10 seconds. Slowly? Well, you can’t tell from the feelings. This engine is ahead of its gasoline counterparts in terms of torque - 340 Nm at 2000-2800 rpm. The RAV4 not only starts off briskly, but once it picks up speed it doesn’t wane. You especially notice this on the highway. There is enough traction for efficient and safe overtaking. Plus, it cannot be said that acceleration at high speeds becomes less effective. This engine is equally suitable for those who often drive long distances and for those who travel mainly in the city.
The suspension, like that of the petrol version, is worthy of all praise. It copes well with small and medium-sized irregularities, joints, and speed bumps. To “break through” it, you need to try very hard.
In addition to the usual Drive mode, the box also has ECO and Sport. However, I didn’t notice much difference between them. Yes, if you drive for a long time in economy mode, the fuel consumption will be slightly less, but in Sport the engine adds a little more. But this, of course, cannot be called fundamental changes.
By the way, about consumption. This is why many people buy a diesel car. In the combined cycle, the RAV4 consumes around 9-10 liters per “hundred”. Excellent result. And if you remember what numbers the petrol version showed (15 liters), it becomes doubly pleasant.
A car with Yandex.Auto is equipped with an integrated modem, and the price of the car includes paid traffic for one year. The system from the Russian Internet giant includes navigation, music streaming, weather forecast, browser and other services, united by a single graphical interface and available for control, including using the voice control function.
If you don’t have a SIM card with Internet, then Yandex.Auto picks up Wi-Fi from your smartphone in access point mode. I was able to try this function - everything works. Navitel navigation is also available offline, which has basic maps (although why it is needed is not very clear).
I have heard that this multimedia is “crude”, they say that the developers have not fully thought through and finalized everything. Although I personally didn’t think so. She has a good response, and understanding the menu is not difficult. It is possible that not everyone will like large letters. But this is a matter of taste.
The ability to monitor traffic jams in real time and choose the optimal route is why you need to buy a car from Yandex.Auto. You just don’t have to look at your phone and take your eyes off the road anymore. The usefulness of such a device for residents of megacities can hardly be underestimated.
Now let's move on to the main thing - the price. The Toyota diesel crossover will cost 2,015,000 rubles for the “Comfort Plus” package and 2,189,000 rubles for the “Prestige” package. Yes, these are not the richest versions; gasoline RAV4s have even cooler modifications, but for a comfortable life they are quite enough.
The diesel Rafik has plenty of competitors in our country. First of all, these are, of course, “Koreans”. Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson are sold from 2,054,900 rubles and 1,869,000 rubles, respectively. There is also a Volkswagen Tiguan - it costs from 1,899,000 rubles. But the “German” will have to be thoroughly finished off with packages in order to reach the level of equipment of Toyota, Kia and Hyundai. Well, or take a richer package - Sportline for 2,199,000 rubles. Although it will not be final - Volkswagen has four additional packages for this version totaling more than 360 thousand rubles.
Don't forget about the Skoda Kodiaq. It is offered from 1,783,000 rubles (but for this money you can get a completely empty version of Ambition). As a result, it will also cost more than both the “Japanese” and the “Koreans”.
In the battle of diesel crossovers, the RAV4 has its advantages. Of course, first of all it is reliability and high residual value. In terms of the latter indicator, it is generally difficult to compete with Toyota. Considering that cars become more expensive every month, this is an important factor for Russians. In Europe, by the way, sales of the Japanese heavy fuel crossover will soon stop. It is quite possible that later the Russian version will suffer the same fate. Well, this didn’t happen - Russians have the opportunity to buy a diesel RAV4.
Typical problems when operating Toyota RAV4
The notorious drawback of the “Ravchik” of all years is that the suspension is too stiff; generations III and IV have weak but unpleasant jolts when changing gears in an automatic transmission.
The third generation was “noted” by frequent breakdowns of the steering rack and a short shelf life (60-70 thousand km) of the chain drive.
The latest generation is characterized by:
- rapid wear of the continuously variable transmission and the same steering rack;
- short service life of the suspension and braking system, which must be replaced after the same 60-70 thousand km;
- low quality plastic for exterior finishing, causing knocking inside the cabin;
- insufficient quality of paint, due to which chips quickly occur;
- rather weak noise and vibration insulation.
The RAV4 also needs frequent and regular cleaning of the radiator of the cooling system, otherwise it begins to act up after 90 thousand kilometers.
What affects fuel consumption?
From time to time during operation, fuel consumption diverges from the official figures announced by the automaker. A slight increase - up to 1 liter per 100 km - is the norm for a car, but a larger deviation indicates certain problems in the car.
Here are the following reasons why fuel consumption may increase:
- Driving at high speeds and aggressive driving in general. When a car travels at high speed, the air begins to resist. The force of its resistance becomes greater, the greater the speed. Because of this, more fuel is injected into the engine, as the car tries to maintain its speed against air resistance.
- Problems with spark plugs. Faulty spark plugs add an extra 10% to fuel consumption. Therefore, to avoid this problem, it is worth changing the spark plugs on time.
- Problems with the engine management system. In this case, fuel consumption increases by half of what is officially declared. Therefore, you need to pay attention to those. engine maintenance in order to avoid unnecessary expenses on gasoline.
- Car load. If it is high, then the car consumes more fuel. To avoid this, you need to try not to load the car with excess cargo.
- Use of electronics. Air conditioning, climate control, headlights - all this consumes not only battery power, but also fuel. Don't forget to turn off electronics you're not using if you don't want to break the bank on gas.
- Low octane gasoline. “The miser pays twice,” and in this case it is true. When refueling with cheap low-octane gasoline, the engine will “eat” it with increased appetite. After all, low-octane gasoline at a certain volume will not give the engine as much energy as high-quality gasoline would. That is why the engine “eats” more fuel in order to give the required speed for the movement of the equipment.
It follows from this that problems with fuel consumption arise due to untimely maintenance. maintenance, driving style, operating characteristics of the vehicle, as well as the use of low quality gasoline.
