Toyota Rav 4 2021, owner reviews, disadvantages

2021 RAV 4 Exterior

RAV 4, the previous 4th generation crossover, appeared in Russia in 2014. In 2015 there was the first restyling of the model. The next, fresh update is presented in 2021.

The presentation of the new, 5th generation RAV 4 took place at the New York Auto Show in March 2021. Japanese automakers began mass serial production of the crossover in 2021. In Russia, the car has been produced since November 2021 at the automobile plant in St. Petersburg. The price of the basic model is from 1,800,000 rubles.

The car received a new body and began to look more solid and brutal. The upper part of the radiator grille has noticeably widened and received a chrome mesh with large cells. The fog lamp niches have become deeper. Wheel arches with plastic linings are square in shape.

Already in the basic version of the car, the head and rear optics are presented in LED design.

Large, body-colored rear-view mirrors are electrically adjustable and folding. More expensive trim levels received chrome door handles and front and rear bumper trims.

The new version of the crossover has more chopped edges: there are noticeably fewer smooth lines in the body. The taillights are located higher. All this gives the car an impressive and unusual exterior for this model.

Dimensions

The RAV4 body has changed slightly in size. The length is 4,600 mm: it has decreased by 5 mm when compared with the previous release. Width – 1,855 mm: 10 mm more. The height of the 5th generation, on the contrary, decreased by 25 mm and became 1,690 mm.

The distance between the car’s axles – 2,690 mm – has increased by 30 mm. Changing the size of the wheelbase and reducing the front overhang improved the off-road qualities of the car. The approach angle has increased, and the crossover overcomes obstacles on the road better.

Increasing the distance between the front and rear axles of the car has increased interior space. The RAV4's luggage compartment is 600 liters, which is 80 liters more than its predecessor.

Changes in the dimensions of the crossover body did not affect its weight - 1,570 kg, and when fully equipped - 2 tons.

In the new generation, various modifications are equipped with wheels with a diameter of 17, 18 and 19 inches. The minimum ground clearance is 195 mm, which is 15 mm more than the 4th generation. The change in ground clearance did not affect the stability and behavior of the car on the road.

In the 5th generation, with a modified body, the width of the A-pillars was reduced. The side windows at the rear have increased in size. These changes improve driver visibility.

Interior and cabin comfort

The interior decoration and technical equipment have not changed globally. Owner reviews of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 indicate that the quality of interior materials has improved. Plastic has become more wear-resistant, leather coverings have become soft and elastic.

Above the central panel there is a multimedia system screen (depending on the model, 7 or 8 inches), rising above the console. Below the monitor are climate control vents.

On the center console there are control keys for the audio system, climate control and vehicle driving mode. Below the control panel in the new version there is a shelf with LED backlighting and wireless charging for a smartphone.

On the central tunnel, to the left of the gear shift knob, there is a lever for driving types - Eco, Normal, Sport. The electric parking brake button is installed on the same panel.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel with multimedia system control keys installed on it. The column has height and reach adjustments. Behind the steering wheel is a dashboard consisting of two dials and a 7-inch display located between them.

On the left is a tachometer, on the right is a combined fuel level indicator and a thermometer showing the coolant temperature. The monitor located between the dials displays the speedometer and information from the car's on-board computer.

In the basic version of the crossover, the driver's seat is equipped with mechanical adjustment and heating. In expensive versions, electrical adjustment with 8 positions and memory of 2 positions is available. A wide armrest with a niche for storing small items separates the driver's seat from the passenger seat.

By increasing the wheelbase, the space for rear passengers has increased by 40 mm.

The rear bench can comfortably accommodate three average-sized adults. For comfort, there are climate control deflectors, a folding armrest, USB connectors, and a ceiling light.

Frequent problems and malfunctions

Owners are best aware of the shortcomings of the Toyota RAV4, produced since 2008. Based on their reviews, we can identify the main malfunctions of the car.

Engine

The downside of the installed two-liter engine is “weakness”. You have to press the gas pedal harder, which is aggravated by large wheels and all-wheel drive. The engine can't cope, even with 152 horsepower.

Some forum users complain about the pump, which leaks every 50 thousand kilometers, others report that the engine is difficult to start in winter.

Chassis

The 2008 car received a tuned chassis. The car drives smoothly, albeit hard. You shouldn’t drive quickly over potholes with bumps; drivers complain about the pillars breaking through.

Rear seat passengers are not always comfortable. If the chassis has not been serviced for a long time, it begins to shake.

Transmission

Operating a car equipped with an automatic transmission is accompanied by problems with sudden acceleration. “Automatic” does not always change gear down when you press the gas pedal to the floor.

Some car enthusiasts complain about the adaptability of the same box, believing that it does not remember the driving style or takes a very long time to be reconfigured for each new driver.

Powertrain of the updated RAV4

The fifth generation of the crossover is equipped with gasoline and hybrid engines. There is no hybrid model on the Russian market. Automakers did not provide a diesel RAV 4 2021, which upset fans of this version, judging by reviews online.

Cars produced in Russia are equipped with two types of engines. The two-liter engine has a power of 149 l/s, the 2.5-liter unit has 199. The developers have applied innovations and improvements: the engines have become more powerful and more economical. Fuel consumption is less, but, according to real owners, in mixed mode the same figures remain - 10 liters per 100 km.

The fifth generation RAF 4 is equipped with three types of transmissions:

Mechanical - on models with front-wheel drive, with an engine capacity of 2 liters.
CVT – for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models with a 2-liter engine.
8-speed automatic transmission - installed on all-wheel drive versions with a 2.5 liter engine.

Both types of engines run on 92 gasoline. Fuel tank – 55 liters: the volume remains the same.

Options and prices

The 2008 Toyota RAV 4 was sold in four trim levels. Minimum – “Standard”, its characteristics:

Power unit type: gasoline 1AZ-FE.
Engine capacity: 2 liters.
Engine power: 152 horsepower.
Box: “mechanics”.
Acceleration to 100 km/h: 10.6 seconds.
Maximum speed: 185 km/h.
Fuel consumption: 8.5 liters in the combined cycle.

Functions and systems:

electric booster;
headlight washers;
halogen low beam;
electric mirror drive;
heated rear glass;
telescopic steering wheel adjustment;
heated front seats;
four electric windows;
seven airbags;
systems: ABS, EBD, BAS, ESP, TCS, HAC.
air conditioner;
on-board computer.

A similar version with automatic transmission was produced, in which fuel consumption and acceleration to “hundreds” increased, but the maximum speed decreased. It also added a rear windshield wiper blade.

The maximum version is called “Prestige Long”. Specifications:

Ground clearance (mm): 190.
Trunk volume (l): 540.
Track width (mm): 1560.
Weight (kg): 1690.
Load capacity (kg): 500.
Fuel tank capacity: 60.
Power unit type: petrol 2AZ-FE.
Engine capacity: 2.4 liters.
Engine power: 170 horsepower.
Automatic transmission".
Acceleration to 100 km/h: 10.6 seconds.
Maximum speed: 180 km/h.
Fuel consumption: 9.6 liters in the combined cycle.

Distinctive features and systems:

PTF;
sensors: rain, light;
roof rails;
multifunction steering wheel;
starting the engine with a button;
leather interior;
lumbar support on front seats;
electric adjustment of the driver's seat;
keyless entry;
Cruise control;
climate control.

The maximum equipment increases the degree of comfort from driving a car. The first restyling of the third generation does not have diesel versions.

Specifications

The updated model is available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions. Each rear axle shaft with all-wheel drive has traction distribution. This design innovation is implemented by installing independent couplings on the rear axle that evenly accept the load.

The updated all-wheel drive version has three suspension settings. The driver can install them himself, depending on the condition of the road surface:

Normal – for asphalt and concrete roads with smooth surfaces.
Off-road - has two switching modes: the first is for driving on crushed stone and gravel, the second is for driving on sand and mud.
Winter – driving on compacted snow and ice.

Updates to the suspension design and increased ground clearance have improved the crossover's off-road capabilities. The car holds the road better when the surface is uneven.

No innovations were used in the steering system. The car is equipped with electric power steering. The electronic unit sets the value for the force applied to turning the steering wheel. The higher the vehicle speed, the more you need to turn the steering wheel.

Disc elements were used in the braking system of a car. The front ones are ventilated. An air gap between the surfaces serves to reduce the temperature during braking.

Pros of Toyota RAV4 2021 in owner reviews

All the pros and cons of the Toyota RAV 4 2021 can be found out from the reviews of the owners. The positive aspects of the updated version include:

New engines begin to work better; with increasing power, increased fuel consumption is not observed.
The stability of the crossover on the road has increased by increasing the distance between the axles.
The modified suspension and increased ground clearance increased its maneuverability.
Thanks to the design with sharp edges, the exterior has become more impressive and brutal.
The head optics have been improved through the use of an LED system.
The quality of interior materials has changed: wear-resistant plastic, soft and elastic leather covering.

The advantages of the new version cover the noted disadvantages of the crossover.

Reviews of Toyota RAV4 2018-2019

Comments from our readers and reviews from real owners of the 2018-2019 Toyota RAV4 are published here. How the engine behaves, reviews about the hybrid, automatic transmission (variator), shock absorbers. All the disadvantages of Toyota Raf4, disadvantages and operational problems. Fuel consumption in the city and on the highway. The most recent reviews are posted at the top.

Our article about Toyota Rav 4 2021.

Konstantin Whether to buy Rafik or not is up to the owner, but in my opinion, most of the reviews are custom-made. As for me, the tablet was in vain attached to the parprise. July 31, 2019

Yuri I drove the new RAV 4 in Finland. The crossover is simply super, the car is very comfortable, the trunk is like that of a Subaru Forika, with good equipment you will like everything. I will sell the 2021 Subaru and exchange it for a RAV4 at maximum speed. And those who haven’t sat or driven in a Toyota RAV4, but evaluate everything based on photos and pictures of the car, don’t lie to people, please. July 30, 2019

Andrey K. Rav4 5th generation is a cool car. Sell your Volkswagens and buy a Rafik. German boxes are crap for a crossover. Too much praise... Toyota has always been a reliable car. June 29, 2019

Mikhail Design in the spirit of the times - very stylish. Now the Toyota RAV4 cannot be called a women's car, but the interior, like most of its analogues, is modern and attractive. In any case, it does not leave indifferent either fans of the brand or opponents - which means the model is a success! April 16, 2019

Dmitry The pinnacle of interior design - in the middle of the panel there is a tube TV “Record”... March 31, 2019

Dmitry The new Toyota Rav4 looks like a Renault Duster from the side... Toyota's design has always been lousy. March 31, 2019

Dmitry I’m currently driving a 2021 RAV 4 fully equipped. Everything is fine, good device! But the new model is even cooler in all respects! I'll definitely change it as soon as it goes on sale. Drive Hondas or Mazdas! How many people, so many opinions!!!!

Disadvantages of Toyota Rav 4 2021, owner reviews