Toyota RAV4 is very popular among domestic drivers. Thanks to its brand, which is considered the standard of reliability, the car has become an unconditional bestseller. Despite the existing shortcomings, most crossover owners are satisfied with their purchase. Compared to cars of a similar class, the problems of the Toyota Rav 4 are not so critical.
Gasoline problems
If you look at the powertrain part, by and large, little has changed - the 2-liter petrol engine 3ZR-FE (146 hp) remained the same, the new unit 2AR-FE (2.5) retired the former 2.4 and kept the two of them company diesel 2.2 (150 hp) 2AD-FTV, unprecedented for Rav4.
I have no serious reason to dissuade you from any of the listed engines. Yes, “millionaires” have not been installed here for a long time, but each of the listed engines, with normal care, is capable of reaching up to 400 tkm without major piston repairs. Of the problems they all have in common are fairly harmless, but still chronic leaks of the cooling pump, that is, the pump.
Considering the units separately, it is difficult to argue that it is better to choose the 2.5 2AR-FE among gasoline engines. Gluttonous, but high-torque, resourceful and reliable. Among the weak points, only the already familiar Toyota clutch changes in timing phases, which, like on the related Camry, can “chatter” harmlessly when starting up.
3ZR-FE on chain replacement
The two-liter 3ZR-FE sometimes frays the ground wire due to its not very good location. Just like the 2.5, the 2-liter has a chain, but the chain turned out to be not the most durable - it happens that by 200 tkm it stretches out and needs to be replaced. Otherwise, the motor is not picky and reliable.
Frayed negative wire for version 2.0
Advantages of the updated version of RAV4
The minor disadvantages of the SUV are offset by the advantages of the new model.
The owners consider the improved technical characteristics of the car engine to be the main advantage. The gasoline power unit has become more powerful, which improves the dynamics of the SUV. An increase in power of almost 30 horsepower did not result in excessive fuel consumption. It remains at the same level as previous RAV4 releases.
An improved body with an increased wheelbase has a positive effect on the vehicle's stability on the road.
Cross-country ability has increased due to increased ground clearance.
The maximum wheel size installed on a car is now 19 inches. The luggage compartment volume reached almost 600 liters.
There were many complaints about the quality of leather coverings on previous models. In the new version, the skin has become smoother and more elastic. The quality of the interior plastic trim has improved.
Plus diesel, minus reliability
Diesel 2AD-FTV (2.2) was noted for its oil consumption and tendency to form soot. Moreover, solid deposits quickly form not only on the surfaces of the combustion chamber, increasing the already inherent lubricant consumption. The EGR gas recirculation valve also clogs the intake cavities with soot, from which they have to be cleaned frequently, or the valve must be turned off once and for all by software, which is what many RAV4 owners resort to.
The turbine itself doesn’t ask for anything to eat or drink here. If “underblowing” or “overblowing” suddenly happens, the culprit is usually a jamming actuator, much like with VAG engines. Preventive lubrication with heat-resistant compounds will be very useful.
2AD-FTV requires periodic cleaning of the intake line and the USR valve, which, in fact, is the culprit of what is happening
As is the case with many diesel engines, injectors with a pump are demanding on the quality of diesel fuel and the timing of replacement of the fuel filter. Of course, it won’t be possible to refuel such a Rav4 anywhere with impunity either - such savings will sooner or later cost an expensive replacement of fuel equipment. But with periodic maintenance and careful operation, the engine can last no less than gasoline engines.
CVT survivability
Toyota workers increasingly continue to combine their creations with lightweight and economical Aisin CVTs. The K111F model was already installed on the previous generation Toyota RAV4 and has earned a good reputation, or more precisely, this CVT belongs to the caste of one of the most reliable.
The CVT can only be seen on 2-liter models. Previously, you shouldn’t worry about 200 tkm, but with proper care, that is, without overheating and timely oil changes, it can last all 300 tkm. Cases of breakdowns at 50 tkm also happen and, fortunately, are very rare.
The Aisin K111F variator belongs to the caste of some of the most reliable
You can find out about the weak points of the U760F automatic transmission, which works with a 2.5-liter unit, in our Toyota Camry review. I will only say that under the hood of the Rav4 such a gearbox works with no less devotion and dedication, allowing 300 tkm to be driven without serious incidents, but again subject to periodic oil changes.
Periodic oil changes in the automatic transmission will be mandatory if you are going to drive the car indefinitely.
The diesel engine received one of the most problematic gearboxes - Aisin U660F, known from the Camry sedan with 3.5. It’s just that under the hood of the Rav4, the automatic transmission, surprisingly, behaves more compliantly, even despite the fact that the torque of the heavy fuel 2.2 is similar to the gasoline 3.5, and the car’s weight is greater. Probably, low diesel speeds reduce the risk of “frying” the clutches and less wear products are formed.
With all-wheel drive there are no problems here. Even if you want to find fault with something, you can mention the tendency to blow snot through the seals of the rear gearbox. And in search of truly weak points, you need to look lower, that is, the chassis and steering.
New body
When creating the new body, the developers used the improved TNGA platform - Toyota New Global Architecture. As a result, buyers received a more stable, dynamic and comfortable model with improved characteristics.
The main directions of the new platform are reducing the weight of the car and lowering the center of gravity. These changes have improved handling and road stability. According to the developers, thanks to the use of innovations, the body rigidity of the new generation RAV 4 has increased by more than 50%.
The length of the body decreased slightly, by only 5 mm, and the width increased by 1 cm. The distance from the front to rear axle of the car increased by 3 cm. Due to the increase in the wheelbase, according to the owners, it became easier for the car to overcome obstacles that arise on the road.
More space in the cabin. Trunk volume has increased by 80 liters.
The ground clearance has increased by 1.5 cm, which is significant. Owners note that with increased ground clearance on the 2021 RAV4, handling has not deteriorated, but cross-country ability has improved.
Reviews from owners of the new “RAV 4” 2021 line indicate that visibility has improved due to a decrease in the thickness of the A-pillars and an increase in the size of the rear side windows. It has become easier for the driver to monitor the traffic situation.
The shape of the front part of the SUV has changed. The body with more noticeable edges began to resemble the Lexus UX. For the first time in Toyota models, consumers will be able to order a separate car roof color, which will give each car a unique design.
Change the rubber bands
Owners of the first batches of Toyota Rav4 XA40 were faced with unexpected warranty replacements for some parts and assemblies with a clearly flawed design. The most common problem in the chassis was the trailing arms of the rear suspension. The former “soft” silent blocks broke through with a roar in the pits; instead, dealers installed rubber bands without holes. The car becomes stiffer, but without the ominous noises in the rear. This is understandable; Toyota owners will always choose the latter between comfort and reliability.
Rear trailing arm silent block
The second weak point, which was fixed mainly under warranty, was the steering rack, which made knocking noises when driving over bumps and when the steering wheel rocked from side to side. The problem is not so widespread, mainly due to the fact that many owners moved from the previous generation of Rav4 and took the rattling in the steering column for granted and already familiar.
Front suspension Rav4 XA40
The Rav4's suspension life is generally longer than that of many competitors. The only thing is that the front stabilizer bushings have become a real consumable, often not reaching 50 tkm. The silent blocks of the front levers last 100-130 thousand km, shock absorbers about 150 tkm. The rear suspension after the above-described modernization travels more than 200,000 km without knocking.
Rear suspension of single-wheel drive version
The brake discs wear out earlier than we would like and have difficulty getting through the second set of pads. By 50,000 km, the residual thickness, as a rule, is already close to the minimum permissible value. This was not the case with the previous Rav4. Is the quality going downhill?
Rav4 brake discs are replaced not much less often than pads
Electrical trifles
If we consider that the model is becoming more and more complex, then this conclusion is quite logical. For example, in terms of units, Toyota rarely come up with anything new, and here, as we see, everything is very, very reliable, however, without improving the electrics and comfort options today, modifications could not go anywhere without leaving a trace.
Although, at the same time, nothing particularly terrible happened. The first versions of the Rav4 were noticed in the independent life of the electric trunk lid: either it would not open completely or it would not close. In such cases, you usually have to replace a rather expensive door control unit. Fortunately, the manufacturer corrected the defect in time, and this did not lead to mass protests by motorists for the right to drive a reliable car.
The standard head unit also sometimes malfunctions and freezes, but all it needs from you is a firmware update. This is not for you to resolder the board, like the price competitor Hyundai Santa Fe.
Some car owners have experienced premature battery death in the first two years of ownership. It seems that there are many factors, the alarm system could have contributed or the harsh Russian winters, but electronics experts say that the problem is not in additional equipment or even in the battery itself, but in a banal insufficient charge in above-zero temperatures. What’s even more interesting is that there is no cure for this, since this was intended by the manufacturer itself “for our benefit.”
Ravchik's mileage is recorded only in the dashboard. If the previous seller changed the data, then even a dealer scanner will be helpless. Evaluate indirect signs and service data
Exterior and interior of Toyota RAV 4
The 4th generation of Japanese crossovers is significantly different from its predecessors. The changes affected not so much the exterior as the interior design and functionality.
Starting from the third generation, RAV 4 comes only in a five-door version. Instead of smooth and rounded shapes, clear, brutal lines appeared. Which significantly reduced air resistance while moving.
The enlarged and massive front bumper gives the car a sportier and more aggressive look.
Narrow LED headlights and a compact grille strip have also become more aggressive. But they still remind you that the car belongs to the Japanese Toyota brand.
The Raf 4 body “lost” its spare wheel. The trunk door now opens upwards rather than to the side, like its predecessors.
The crossover has increased its dimensions compared to previous models. The car has become longer by 235 mm, wider by 30 mm, but lower by 15 mm.
The interior of the Toyota Rav 4 has undergone a more significant modernization. The first thing car enthusiasts pay attention to is the increase in trunk space due to the elimination of the 3rd row of seats. The luggage compartment volume is 506 liters. If you fold the rear seat backs, the space increases to 1705 liters.
The steering wheel is now covered with thin leather and has 2 key blocks on the right and left sides. They are responsible for the operation of the multimedia system and on-board computer. The front console has changed, which now has several levels. Almost the entire control system is touch-sensitive.
The cabin can comfortably accommodate a driver and four adult passengers. Now not only the driver's seat, but also the passenger seats are equipped with a heating system and backrest tilt adjustment.
Crossover manufacturers have significantly improved the security system in 4th generation cars. Rav 4 has 8 airbags, is equipped with a blind spot monitoring function, and an improved emergency braking system.
Sweats and hardly rusts
Many, after becoming familiar with the weak points of the latest Toyotas, are interested in the question of corrosion: Does it rot or not? In the case of the Rav4, everything is not so critical. It is, of course, better to lubricate chips that appear on the hood and arches with something, but pockets of rust on body panels do not just pop up - either there was a chip or scratch, or there was an accident.
There is some problem with the optics of the Toyota Rav4. Headlights are sometimes misleading when trying to determine the real mileage by indirect signs - after 50,000 km they become cloudy as if the mileage is 300 thousand. When buying a car, it is better to immediately buy protective film or varnish:
The taillights, in turn, often require warranty replacements due to the unexpected appearance of drips on the inside of the optics:
Door stops quickly stop recording intermediate positions. In principle, this will be another nostalgia for those who owned the previous generation of the model.
The rear view camera, also traditionally for Toyota, quickly becomes covered with a scattering of scratches, and after 100,000 km of operation, even an absolutely clean lens creates the feeling that the lens is covered with a layer of dirt. From now on you have to navigate using the parking sensors, or try to polish the camera:
Salon and mileage
It’s sad to look at the Toyota Rav4 interior after 100,000 km. The interior materials are for the most part downright cheap. Even after 50,000 km, the steering wheel is already fairly worn out, the side of the driver’s seat is pressed through, and the foam rubber of the seat cushion is slowly starting to crumble.
A few photos from pre-purchase inspections of used cars:
Leather driver's seat cushion. 50,000 km
The back of the leather driver's seat. 50,000 km
As you can see, a fabric seat holds up better over the years.
Steering wheel after 100,000 km
Automatic transmission selector handle. 70,000 km
Crickets from the center console are also not long in coming. All this must be taken into account when determining mileage using indirect signs, since there is no other way - mileage is not recorded in any of the control units, even diagnostics with a dealer scanner are useless in this regard. Only experience and intuition will help.
Reviews of the Toyota Rav 4 car
According to owner reviews, Rav 4 is a worthy representative of comfortable SUVs. If you service it on time, buy original consumables and spare parts, you will only be happy with the crossover. Car enthusiasts like:
- body design;
- economical fuel consumption;
- increased ground clearance;
- spacious trunk;
- climate control;
- ergonomic and comfortable seats;
- safety system;
- available spare parts.
Drivers note high-quality assembly, liquidity in the secondary market, chic headlights, and quiet running on the highway.
The negative features of Rav 4 include:
- insufficient sound insulation on sand and gravel;
- low quality paint and plastic in the interior;
- incorrect multimedia firmware (works poorly from the first day);
- “crickets” in the front panel;
- hard to accelerate;
- rough ride on bad roads;
- uncomfortable backrest of the driver's seat (“lower back collapses”).
Toyota RAV 4 is more suitable for a comfortable and safe trip with the family. The car behaves well in city conditions, on asphalt roads, dry sand, and gravel. Doesn't handle off-road conditions well enough.
Is it worth buying a used Toyota Rav4 XA40
Yes, Toyota is no longer the same and has been for a long time. This is an inevitable part of the development and complexity of systems. There will be minor problems, however, thanks to the ancient units, the Rav4 to this day does not force you to worry about major repairs of the main components. Even with a CVT, having covered 150,000 km, there is still a chance for, if not the most comfortable, but at least a carefree future.
True, if you need uncompromising reliability without regard to fuel consumption, then it is better to opt for the insanely expensive version on the used market with 2.5 and a traditional automatic transmission. Do you want to spend less? I won’t discourage you from using a diesel engine either, but you should expect that sooner or later it will take away all the savings during maintenance. So take your pick.
By the way, the choice on the used Toyota Rav4 XA40 market is quite large, but truly good examples do not stagnate for weeks on sale. There are a lot of worn-out cars, with low mileage, and even technically dead variants. Don’t skimp on a good check of the car before purchasing or a quality car selection.
Cons of the car
No diesel version available. The hybrid, according to the developers, will serve as a replacement for diesel cars. But this is irrelevant for the Russian market: the hybrids have not been certified, so they will not go on sale.
And the price of hybrid models abroad is quite high.
New car design
Fresh reviews from owners of the 2021 RAV4 model added questions to the body design developers. The fifth generation was announced back in 2021. Therefore, many people saw the image and test drives.
And some car enthusiasts are confused by the angularity of the silhouette of the new SUV and its pronounced edges. The body began to resemble models from other manufacturers, which deprived it of the individuality characteristic of Toyota.
Navigation system
Drivers note the weak standard navigation system in the car. Manufacturers promise to correct this disadvantage. But when this will happen is unknown.
Noise insulation
The RAV4, even after significant design changes, remained quite noisy. This difference is most noticeable to fans of fast and dynamic driving. At high engine speeds the noise becomes even louder. At speeds over 120 km/h it is amplified by the “sounding” of the rear view mirrors.
Price
Toyota RAV 4 has never occupied a budget niche. And the new generation is not cheap. The price starts from 1 million 756 thousand rubles.
Competitors
The Toyota Rav4 has been playing in the compact crossover market for several decades and has earned the reputation of being one of the most reliable. True, today it is worthy of competition in this regard from the “Koreans” represented by Hyundai (Tucson, ix35), Kia Sportage, as well as other “Japanese” - Mazda CX-5, which we wrote about not so long ago, Honda CR-V and Nissan Qashqai. There are, of course, more comfortable options. And such cars are made by “Europeans”, in particular the Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Yeti, as well as the Ford Kuga, which has dropped out of the new car market.
Author: Denis Putkov
Related Article: Toyota Rav4 – VIN Location and Engine Number
Reviews from RAV4 owners
The bulk of sales are expected in 2021, when manufacturers begin delivering to car dealerships in the planned volume. This same year, buyers will see an off-road version of the RAV4 Adventure. For now it is available only to foreign car enthusiasts.
Sales of the updated model just began at the end of October 2019. There are few car enthusiasts who bought it. But opinions about the new crossover have already appeared on the network. On thematic forums, owners discuss the positive qualities of the model and the shortcomings identified during test drives.
There are no negative reviews about the fifth generation. There are no complaints about the factory assembly of the machine. The general opinion of motorists is that the developers were successful in making global changes in the design and construction of the RAV4.
