Toyota RAV4 2018 Problems

Toyota's fifth-generation RAV4 model is built in three different plants in Japan, one in China and one in Ontario, Canada. The three plants (Obu, Takaoka and Tahara) are located in Aichi prefecture, and will service different world markets (including Europe and Australia).

It depends what you're going to use it for but, generally, the highest spec model is generally the best one to buy. If you're looking for something a bit more rough'n'tumble for off-road duties the base model might be the pick, however.

Toyota have sold their RAV4 model in both all wheel drive and front wheel drive guises, but have no opted to sell a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive model. The difference between all wheel drive and four wheel drive comes down to AWD vehicles lacking locking hubs or a low-range option in the transmission.

Toyota's RAV4 soft-roader is rated by the manufacturer to tow up to 1500kg if using a trailer with brakes, or 750kg if the trailer doesn't have brakes. That is the maximum, which means I wouldn't plan on towing boats with the RAV4 as even small boats will be over 750kg once you include the weight of the trailer and associated gear.

Turn the key to ignition on, so the engine is off but all the dash lights are illuminated, and then select trip computer A. Turn the key off then, while holding down the DISP button on the steering wheel, turn the ignition back on so the dash lights are on but the engine is off. Turn the key back off, then start the car and the maintenance light will not be illuminated.

While it won't get car enthusiasts interested enough to look up from their copy of Chrome Pipes and Mullets, the RAV4 is a reliable and fairly low-cost mode of transport. They aren't really off-roading machines, but they will still handle dirt roads and a little bit of hard-packed sand, and they can rack up hundreds of thousands of kilometres with ease, so long as they're serviced regularly.

The current-generation RAV4 is 4570mm long.

Push in the button on the side of your Smart Key, and pull the tab holding in your emergency (manual) key. This allows you to unlock the car if your Smart Key's battery is flat. Once you remove the manual key you can split the Smart Key case in half using the emergency key, exposing the battery. Pull down on the tab holding the battery in and the battery will pop out. Replace it with a new CR1632 battery (some use a CR2032 battery) and snap the Smart Key back together!