Over time, the car gains mileage, so the parts gradually wear out, and the working fluids lose their properties. To extend the life of the car, it is necessary to diagnose it in a timely manner. In the article we will consider the maintenance requirements of the Rav 4 4th generation. To determine the list of required actions, a maintenance schedule is used. It is designed for every 10,000 km, so we will tell you about each maintenance.
Maintenance 1, 2 and 3 (10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 km)
For Rav 4, the actions of the first three services prescribed in the regulations are the same for mileage 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000. The list of diagnostic criteria for maintenance consists of the following items:
At the first stage the engine oil is changed ; it costs approximately $32 (888080845) for 5 liters. You will also need to install a new O-ring for $0.5 (9043012031).
Oil filter replacement - $5 (0415231090).
Changing the filter element in the cabin, which costs $7 (87139YZZ08).
Toyota oil
Check plan for maintenance 1 and each following:
- drive belt
- crankcase ventilation design
- cooling connection parts
- exhaust gas removal device
- fuel pipes and fastening materials
- various hinge covers
- comprehensive diagnostics of front and rear suspension elements.
- Fastening the chassis to the body.
Money loves counting. What do the RAV4, Tiguan and Tucson cost over five years?
We love crossovers, but these ones especially. RAV4 and Tiguan have been fighting each other for the first place in sales in their class for many years (last year the Japanese won, and the year before the German won). The Tucson lags somewhat, but also never falls off the bestseller list. Judging by the price lists, each model has its own niche: Hyundai is a step below Toyota in terms of prices, and Volkswagen is in the middle between them. However, if you calculate all the costs of owning a car over five years or 100,000 km, the situation turns out to be different.
Difference at time of purchase
The most recent model in our trio is the current Toyota RAV4, which has been on sale since late 2021. The current generation of Tiguan is already four years old, but at the end of 2020 it underwent a light restyling. The youngest car of the selected ones is the Tucson, which debuted six years ago. The new Tucson has already been presented, it should appear at Russian dealers in the coming months. True, neither prices nor modifications have been announced yet, so in our calculations we take the outgoing Tucson, which is still a current model. In terms of operating costs, little will change in the future generation (it will be possible to judge more accurately when the new product hits our roads and enough data has accumulated on it).
The most affordable of our trio is the Hyundai Tucson with a price starting from 1,744,000 rubles; for the Volkswagen Tiguan you have to pay at least 1,799,900 rubles, and the Toyota RAV4 costs from 1,970,000 rubles. However, this picture is somewhat deceptive. For these amounts, all three companies offer single-wheel drive modifications with “mechanics” - frankly speaking, not the best option. With Hyundai and Toyota, at least you immediately get a decent naturally aspirated 2.0 engine with 149–150 hp, but Volkswagen has a turbocharged 1.4 in its base, producing only 125 hp.
Hyundai Tucson
An “automatic”, variator or “robot” is simply necessary for crossovers in this category, and here the situation is as follows: a Tucson with an automatic transmission costs from 1,794,000 rubles, a Tiguan with a “robot” DSG - from 1,909,900 rubles (this amount already includes 150 -strong modification 1.4 TSI), RAV4 with continuously variable transmission - from 2,228,000 rubles. But all this is front-wheel drive.
We believe that in this class the required minimum still includes a 4x4 transmission, and this raises the price of a 150-horsepower Hyundai to 1,959,000 rubles, and a similar RAV4 to 2,334,000. The Tiguan has a problem: after the restyling that occurred at the end last year, version 1.4 with all-wheel drive disappeared from the range of modifications. It should return within this year, but for now the 4x4 version only comes with the more powerful 180-horsepower 2.0 TSI engine.
Toyota RAV4
For a fair comparison, let’s take all three cars in versions with 180–200 horsepower. Tucson 2.4 (184 hp) AT 4WD will cost at least 2,069,900 rubles, RAV4 2.5 (199 hp) AT 4WD - from 2,548,000, and Tiguan 2.0 TSI (180 hp) DSG 4Motion - from 2,269,900 rubles.
With these engines you already get good dynamics. The fastest is the Tiguan (8.1 seconds to “hundred”), the worst is the Tucson (9.6 seconds). Volkswagen has a “hotter” option - boosted to 220 hp. and acceleration in 6.8 seconds. Such a car will cost 2,969,900 rubles. Competitors do not have fast options, but Hyundai has an economical 185-horsepower 2.0 diesel engine at a very reasonable price - from 2,129,000 rubles.
Volkswagen Tiguan
We settled on all-wheel drive petrol versions with a capacity of 180–200 horsepower. This is no longer the “required minimum”, but, one might say, a “cool option” that costs 5–10% more than the required minimum.
| Hyundai Tucson | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Modification | 2.4 (184 hp) AT 4WD | 2.5 (199 hp) AT 4WD | 2.0 TSI (180 hp) DSG 4Motion |
| Equipment | Family | Comfort | Respect Plus |
| Price today, rub. | 2 069 900 | 2 548 000 | 2 269 900 |
With these engines, you get quite rich equipment at no additional cost. Volkswagen immediately has three-zone climate control, while competitors have two-zone. Toyota has seven airbags (competitors have six). Volkswagen and Hyundai have a heated windshield. Toyota has an electric tailgate. All three cars have heated front seats and steering wheel, tire pressure monitors and cruise control. In general, the level of equipment is similar for everyone, a lot can be added with options, but in our calculations, for the sake of purity of analysis, we do not take into account fees for additional options or richer configurations: this is how the method of calculating the residual value of a car gives the most accurate figures.
Difference in fuel costs
No matter how much Volkswagen says that turbo engines provide good efficiency, the traditional Toyota naturally aspirated engine is less voracious, if you believe the passport data. In terms of fuel consumption, the Tiguan and RAV4 are close, but the costs in monetary terms are very different due to the fact that Volkswagen is required to fill with 95-octane gasoline, while Toyota allows AI-92.
The Tucson has the worst fuel economy ratings, although it also has a conventional naturally aspirated engine, like Toyota. Perhaps the Japanese brand wins here due to combined injection, while Hyundai has direct injection. And even though the Korean crossover also allows you to use low-octane gasoline, it is this that requires the highest fuel costs.
We will assume that crossovers spend 80% of their mileage in urban conditions and 20% outside the city (we take consumption indicators in one mode or another from the operating instructions). Then fuel costs per 100,000 km will look like this:
| Hyundai Tucson | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Modification | 2.4 (184 hp) AT 4WD | 2.5 (199 hp) AT 4WD | 2.0 TSI (180 hp) DSG 4Motion |
| Gasoline brand | AI-92 | AI-92 | AI-95 |
| Gasoline price (RUB per 1 liter) | 44,15 | 44,15 | 47,3 |
| Traveled in the city (km) | 80 000 | 80 000 | 80 000 |
| Consumption in the city (l/100 km) | 12,0 | 9,4 | 10,6 |
| Gasoline consumed in the city (l) | 9600 | 7520 | 8480 |
| Gasoline costs in the city (RUB) | 423 840 | 332 008 | 401 104 |
| Traveled outside the city (km) | 20 000 | 20 000 | 20 000 |
| Consumption outside the city (l/100 km) | 6,6 | 6,1 | 6,4 |
| Gasoline consumed outside the city (l) | 1320 | 1220 | 1280 |
| Gasoline costs outside the city (RUB) | 58 278 | 53 863 | 60 544 |
| Total fuel costs (RUB) | 482 118 | 385 871 | 461 648 |
Maintenance cost difference
How much does the simplest service cost, such as just an oil change? Anyone who has been interested in the most affordable options knows that, if desired, you can always keep it to 3,000–4,000 rubles. However, when undergoing official maintenance, during which nothing is changed except the oil and oil filter, RAV4 owners shell out around 14,000 rubles, unless there are special promotions. Cool? Now let's talk about everything in order.
Hyundai Tucson
Toyota customers have good reason to expect decent reliability from their cars, but everything comes at a price. The costs for scheduled maintenance are much higher here, and you need to go for service more often - every 10,000 km versus 15,000 for other brands. And the prices are impressive. Every odd maintenance is just an oil change and an 11-point check of the car, such as “checking the fixation of the driver’s floor mat” (no joke!). And for this, dealers charge approximately 13,000–15,000 rubles. According to the regulations, the air filter is changed only every fourth service, and the cabin filter is changed at even numbered service visits. If you think that under your operating conditions it is better to change filters every time, get ready that the minimum maintenance price will increase to 16,000–18,000 rubles!
Toyota RAV4
To be fair, we note: Volkswagen has a similar price level, but the German brand requires six service visits per 100,000 km, and the Japanese brand requires ten. For this reason, the costs for RAV4 owners are much higher.
Moreover, the Japanese brand does not have a single price list for the country, there are not even estimated recommended prices on the official website, so every visit to the dealer is a surprise in terms of costs. If spare parts cost approximately the same for everyone and the standards are the same, then the cost of work is different for everyone. In addition, some dealers provide good discounts, but there is no place to see the full picture - you have to call the showrooms.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Hyundai and Volkswagen allow you to select a city directly on their official websites and see the prices of all local dealers. You can choose where it is more profitable. In large cities, prices are generally ten percent higher than in smaller regional centers. Regardless of which station you choose, the Tucson is more than half as expensive to maintain as the RAV4, and the Tiguan is about in the middle (but still noticeably closer to the Hyundai than the Toyota). When working with the maintenance calculator on the Volkswagen website, please note that the list includes pre-restyling modifications first, and only further are options for the 2021 model year crossover, and in its case, maintenance rates are increased by 15%.
| Hyundai Tucson | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| TO-10,000 (rub.) | 13 200 | ||
| TO-15 000 | 11 718 | 17 021 | |
| TO-20 000 | 18 000 | ||
| TO-30 000 | 13 643 | 13 200 | 25 270 |
| TO-40 000 | 27 000 | ||
| TO-45 000 | 11 718 | 17 021 | |
| TO-50,000 | 13 200 | ||
| TO-60 000 | 16 704 | 18 000 | 25 270 |
| TO-70 000 | 13 200 | ||
| TO-75 000 | 11 718 | 17 021 | |
| TO-80 000 | 37 000 | ||
| TO-90 000 | 13 642 | 13 200 | 25 270 |
| TO-100,000 | 27 000 | ||
| Total maintenance (RUB) | 79 142 | 193 000 | 126 873 |
Tire difference
The Tiguan and Tucson ride on 17-inch wheels, and although the Korean model has slightly lower-profile and wider tires, this has almost no effect on the price. But 18-inch tires for the RAV4 are naturally more expensive, although their tread width and profile height are exactly the same as those on the Tucson (that is, in terms of performance, they are almost identical). In the process of preparing this material, we came across the fact that not every tire model can be found on sale in all three sizes. We settled on the popular, although expensive, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV tires (for winter) and Pirelli Scorpion Verde (for summer). In comparative tests, these tires traditionally occupy high positions, and we believe that owners of crossovers with top-end engines do not skimp on good tires.
Let's add another 10,000 rubles on top for tire fitting for five years and we get:
| Hyundai Tucson | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Tire size | 225/60 R17 | 225/60 R18 | 215/65 R17 |
| Winter Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV | 39 200 | 48 000 | 41 240 |
| Summer Pirelli Scorpion Verde | 31 920 | 31 920 | 33 200 |
| Tire service | 10 000 | 10 000 | 10 000 |
| Total tires (RUB) | 81 120 | 95 560 | 84 440 |
Difference in brakes
Motors with a power of 180–200 horsepower encourage dynamic driving, which means that some drivers will experience increased brake wear. According to our estimates, the average owner of such crossovers should budget for one replacement of the front and rear pads along with the discs per 100,000 km. Fortunately, powerful modifications of these cars do not require the use of any more expensive pads and discs in comparison with, for example, 150-horsepower versions. The level of expenses is approximately the same. In our calculations, we took the prices for original spare parts in large online stores (the savings compared to dealer offers are not very large, but still noticeable).
| Hyundai Tucson | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Front pads | 5211 | 5181 | 5416 |
| Front discs | 7852 | 11 096 | 9324 |
| Rear pads | 2933 | 3773 | 4069 |
| Rear discs | 7998 | 9370 | 7586 |
| Works | 9000 | 10 000 | 10 000 |
| Total brakes (RUB) | 32 994 | 39 420 | 36 395 |
Warranty difference
At first glance, all three brands offer similar warranty conditions (three years or 100,000 km), but there are nuances. Toyota has no additional goodies, even through corrosion will be eliminated free of charge only within these limits of age and mileage (whichever comes first), and then the manufacturer is not responsible. In this regard, Volkswagen has the most luxurious conditions - a full 12 years (!) guarantee against through corrosion.
Hyundai Tucson
In Hyundai's warranty terms, through corrosion is not mentioned at all, but you can at least expect that in the first three years, factory defects in the paintwork will be eliminated free of charge. The bonus is that the warranty on engine and transmission components has been extended to 120,000 km or five years.
Toyota RAV4
All this is sparse. We are used to the fact that Korean brands have much more interesting offers. For example, the Kia Sportage, which shares a platform with the Hyundai Tucson, has a basic warranty of five years or 150,000 km (there are exceptions for the suspension, interior and other parts most subject to normal wear and tear).
Volkswagen Tiguan
No difference
In the case of transport tax, each horsepower is taken into account, but the spread is 20 hp. does not make any difference: the most powerful of our trio, RAV4, requires about 5,000 rubles more expenses over five years than the weaker Tiguan (remember that although Volkswagen is weaker, in terms of dynamics and torque it is the leader in our trio, so it’s an overpayment for Toyota’s power looks completely pointless).
The costs for compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance do not differ for the vehicles we have chosen, since the tariffs are tied to power. In the case of insurance, the costs are the same up to a ruble, since all passenger cars with a power of 150 hp or more. fall into the same insurance category (KM power factor = 1.6).
In our MTPL calculations, we took as an example a driver living in the Saratov region (regional rates here are approximately the same as in all major cities in the European part of Russia). Discount for trouble-free operation - 35% (KBM - 0.65). Discount for age-experience - 6% (PIC - 0.94).
Of course, expenses for washing and consumables such as wipers, light bulbs, batteries, and the like can be considered the same. In the table below we have used average numbers.
Residual value difference
If you look at the prices in Drom's advertisements for five-year-old Tiguan and Tucson in comparable modifications, it turns out that they cost approximately the same, although when buying a new car, the German model is 100,000–200,000 rubles more expensive. Even from this example it is clear that Volkswagen loses more value during operation. By the way, on the official Hyundai website it is said that the Tucson is model No. 3 in the residual value rating of the analytical agency Autostat (the Creta is said to be No. 1).
Toyota is the most expensive at the time of purchase and the most expensive at resale at five years of age. But if you carefully calculate the residual value, it turns out that the advantage of the Japanese brand over the Korean one is not so noticeable.
We thought this way: from Drome’s advertisements we selected five-year-old Tucson, RAV4 and Tiguan in the same modifications that we analyze in this article (or in similar modifications, if there is no complete analogue). Next, for each model, we calculated the median price of a five-year plan - that is, half of the units sold are more expensive, and half are cheaper. Finally, we compared the median prices with the current list price. So we got the amount by which a car becomes cheaper over five years, and a percentage reflecting the preservation of the residual value of a relatively new car.
| Hyundai Tucson | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Modification | 2.4 (184 hp) AT 4WD | 2.5 (199 hp) AT 4WD | 2.0 TSI (180 hp) DSG 4Motion |
| Equipment | Family | Comfort | Respect Plus |
| Price today (RUB) | 2 069 900 | 2 548 000 | 2 269 900 |
| Preservation of residual value for five years | 70% | 74% | 63% |
| Loss of value over five years (RUB) | 612 900 | 658 000 | 829 900 |
Let's sum up the expenses
When calculating the cost of owning certain cars, we have more than once encountered a situation where a cheaper model may ultimately cost more than the one that cost more at the time of purchase. We observed this phenomenon in the case of Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX-5: the first is more expensive for the owner, although this seems illogical. For details, see the article “Operating costs of Qashqai, Sportage and CX-5. Analytics Droma".
Hyundai Tuscon
But this time the Hyndai Tuscon, the most affordable of our trio, lived up to expectations. It even turned out that the Tucson 2.4, according to our calculations, requires slightly less expenses than the cross-platform Sportage with a less powerful 2.0 engine (see link above).
Toyota RAV4
However, the Toyota RAV4, which costs half a million more to purchase and is also two and a half times more expensive to maintain, will ultimately compensate its owner for most of these “extra” costs. The RAV4 is a marketable model that retains its value better than its competitors. Add to this Toyota's reliability, and it becomes clear why this Toyota outsells its rivals. Over the past year in Russia, the Toyota RAV4 found 36 thousand buyers, the Volkswagen Tiguan - 33 thousand, and the Hyundai Tucson - 22 thousand.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Tiguan cannot be called a choice for the budget conscious. But it is the most dynamic, handles great, and the interior is a classic of German ergonomics. It’s not a sin to pay extra for this.
| Hyundai Tucson | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Modification | 2.4 (184 hp) AT 4WD | 2.5 (199 hp) AT 4WD | 2.0 TSI (180 hp) DSG 4Motion |
| Equipment | Family | Comfort | Respect Plus |
| Price today (RUB) | 2 069 900 | 2 548 000 | 2 269 900 |
| OSAGO | 22 895 | 22 895 | 22 895 |
| Washing | 60 000 | 60 000 | 60 000 |
| Transport tax | 46 000 | 49 750 | 45 000 |
| Petrol | 482 118 | 385 871 | 461 648 |
| Tires | 81 120 | 95 560 | 84 440 |
| Brakes | 32 994 | 39 420 | 36 395 |
| Other (light bulbs, wipers, battery, etc.) | 15 000 | 15 000 | 15 000 |
| Maintenance | 79 142 | 193 000 | 126 873 |
| Loss of value over five years | 612 900 | 658 000 | 829 900 |
| TOTAL for five years (RUB) | 1 432 169 | 1 519 496 | 1 682 151 |
| Total per month (RUB) | 23 869 | 25 325 | 28 036 |
| Total for 1 km (RUB) | 14,32 | 15,19 | 16,82 |
Maintenance 4 (40000)
When performing maintenance with a distance traveled of 40,000 for Rav 4, you will need to complete all the points from Maintenance 1. In addition, the regulations contain the following maintenance procedures:
- Change the brake fluid , the cost of a liter can reaches $12 (0882380112).
- Change the air filter ($8 1780128010 for the 2.0 engine and $13 1780138011 - 2.5).
- Change the oil in the transfer case and in the gearbox on the rear axle. A liter canister of each oil will cost $13 (888580606) and $8 (888580616).
Rav 4 service by mileage
In addition to the maintenance items prescribed in the sections of the regulations, for Rav 4 there are special maintenance criteria:
- Every 100 thousand distances traveled, the spark plugs should be replaced . The cost per piece is $6 (9091901210).
- When 160,000 is reached, the coolant must be replaced. Then the interval between replacements is reduced to 80,000 kilometers. A volume of 5 liters can be purchased for $44 (888980072).
- Change the oil in the gearbox. The level is checked every 15,000 kilometers. The cost is $14 (888580606), in addition you need a filter ($25 3533012030) and 2 gaskets ($1.5 9030132012 and $4 3516821011).
- The cost of the attachment belt is $35 (9091602653), the tensioner can be purchased for $80 (1662028090). Install new elements in the range of 80-140 thousand .
- The timing chain does not require replacement, but new parts can be installed if necessary. For the chain you will have to pay $60 (1350628011), the tensioner - $16 (1354028010), the chain shoe will cost $14 (1355928010), the tensioner - $23 (1356128010).
Timely maintenance is a guarantee of long service life for your car.
According to the manufacturer's recommendation, the first maintenance is required after a month of driving a new crossover. This is due to the need to prevent manufacturing defects. Take the time to do your vehicle inspection and increase your driving safety. Detected faults will be corrected in a timely manner, and repairs will be carried out free of charge under warranty. Maintenance of the Rav 4 must be performed at least once every 10,000 km. If you prefer aggressive driving and often drive off-road, then you need to call for maintenance once every 6,000 km. During operation, the steering, brake system, oil and coolant levels, exhaust gas composition and much more are checked.
