Toyota RAV4 GXL 2013 Review

We shed a tear after returning the RAV this week. Now and again you come across a car that is a keeper and this happens to be one of them. The diesel has been a long time coming in the RAV but it has certainly been worth the wait, smooth and economical and a better looker to boot.

VALUE

Prices for the diesel start from $35,490, $3500 more than the equivalent petrol model -- why so much? Our test vehicle, the mid-range, all-wheel drive GXL, is priced from $38,990. The auto is a $2500 option and takes the price to $41,490 before on-road costs.

Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, 6-speaker CD audio, roof rails, a rear spoiler, a cargo net and privacy screen, with a rear seat that reclines and is split 60/40. GXL adds 17-inch alloys, a reversing camera, computer screen, sporty seats, dual-zone climate air, auto wipers, power fold exterior mirrors, keyless smart entry and push-button start.

TECHNOLOGY

The 2.2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel delivers 110kW of power and 340Nm of torque, the latter in a narrow band between 2000 and 2800 revs. The petrol model gets a CVT but the diesel is teamed with a traditional six-speed auto, with the facility to change gears manually if desired.

There's nothing hi-tech about the setup, but the combination is smooth and powerful and doesn't suck much fuel -- that's all that is required. With a 60-litre tank, fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 litres/100km for the auto. We've clocked up about 4000km over the past few weeks, with the trip computer showing between 7.3 and 7.8 litres/100km.

DESIGN

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we reckon it's a step forward. The look is sharper, more angular and almost predatory with a strong resemblance to Corolla. Physically, it's larger but because the spare wheel has been relocated from the back door to a position under the car it's actually 55mm shorter.

SAFETY

RAV scores a full five stars for crash safety. Seven airbags, stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, while automatic AWD models get downhill assist to help manage slippery descents.

DRIVING

The diesel provides plenty of get up and go, particularly in the low to mid-range where you want it. During normal driving the wagon remains predominantly front wheel drive to reduce fuel consumption. But when things get slippery the all-wheel drive system kicks in to provide sure-footed, four-paw grip.

The new model also marks the introduction of Sport mode to spice things up. It adds weight to the steering, sharpens throttle response and delivers a more aggressive gear shift pattern.

Rear legroom is generous. Thinner front seats create an extra 41mm of leg space for rear seat occupants but even so our passengers complained the back seat was uncomfortable. Although it looks the same as the more expensive unit the touch screen computer misses out on satnav and the small buttons can be difficult to use when driving. The initial 500kg tow capacity has been lifted to 1000kg or one tonne.

VERDICT

If we had to go shopping for a car tomorrow, this would be one of the vehicles high on our shopping list. You can argue the toss about whether the extra cost of the diesel is worth it, but in the long run it delivers a better all-round driving experience and will continue to do so for years to come.

Toyota RAV4 GXL diesel auto

Price: $41,490
Warranty: 3 years/100,000 km
Service interval: 12 months/15,000km
Safety: 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC
Crash rating: 5 stars (forecast)
Engines: 2.0-litre petrol, 107kW/187Nm; 2.5-litre petrol, 132kW/233Nm; 2.2-litre diesel, 110kW/340Nm
Transmissions: 6-speed manual and auto, 7-speed CVT; FWD or AWD
Thirst: 5.6L/100km
Dimensions: 4.57m (L), 1.84m (W), 1.71m (H)
Weight: 1660kg
Spare: space saver (optional full-sized $300)

Also: Toyota RAV4 GXL diesel review | long term 1