2010 Toyota RAV4 Reviews

There was no such car as an SUV when Toyota unleashed the RAV4 on the local market in 1994. In the course of the next 19 years it has evolved from a cheeky three-door for the unattached and free-at-heart into a full-sized wagon for the family.NEWOnce alone in the market it now has to compete against a vast number of models from rival carmakers. The third generation RAV4 released in 2006 was a step along the evolutionary path. Gone was the youthful three-door that announced the new model in 1994, and the constant four-wheel drive system was replaced by an on-demand all-wheel drive system in line with most of its rivals.The four-door wagon was one of the roomiest in the class accommodating five adults, although the one forced to sit in the centre of the rear seat would have found it a little cramped. The rear seat slid back and forth, and could be split and folded for versatility in carrying passengers and loads as needed.Power buyers could choose between a smooth 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a lusty 3.5-litre V6. The four-cylinder could be coupled up to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while those ticking the box for the V6 got a five-speed auto.One of the big changes in the third generation RAV4 was the switch to an on-demand all-wheel drive system. In effect it drove like a front-wheel drive car most of the time, only engaging the rear wheels when slip was detected at the front. Hard core four-wheel drive fans might feel cheated by the switch, but most RAV4 buyers wouldn't notice a difference.The RAV4 has a towing rating of 1500kg, but some owners find that the four-cylinder engine struggles when hauling a caravan at around that weight. If you plan to tow with your RAV4 it's perhaps best to look at the V6.NOWFor years Toyota enjoyed a reputation for building cars that gave little or no trouble, but that reputation has been tarnished somewhat in recent years when it had to recall a number of cars, including the RAV4.One recall related to the tightening of the adjustable rear suspension arm following a rear wheel alignment. If not tightened enough the threads on the arm could wear causing the arm to fail. Another concerned the possible fitment of a prototype instrument panel reinforcement, which could fail and affect the steering.A third related to the sliding electrical contact module in the driver's-side power window master switch, which could feel sticky when operated and could stop working or over-heat and melt. Other than those potential issues the RAV4 is a solid car that really does give little trouble.As it is with all cars it's important that the RAV4 is serviced according to Toyota's recommended schedule, which calls for servicing at 10,000km or six-month intervals. That's more frequently than some other carmakers recommend, but it's worthwhile sticking to the schedule to underpin the longevity of the car.Although few RAV4s hit the dirt like their bigger brothers, they are quite capable off-road and could be used in the bush. With that in mind it's worth taking a careful look over any potential purchase, checking underneath for damage to the underbody, suspension or driveline, and also take a close look at the bodywork for damage that might have been sustained off-road.SMITHY SAYSSafe, solid and reliable wagon for the family.Toyota RAV4 - 2006-2010Price new: $31,990 to $41,990Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, 125 kW/224 Nm; 3.5-litre V6, 201 kW/333 NmTransmission: 5-speed man, 4-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 9.1 L/100 km (2.4), 10.5 L/100 km (V6)Body: 4-door wagonVariants: CV, CV6, Cruiser, Cruiser LSafety: 4-star ANCAP

When launched in October 1994, the Toyota RAV4 was a cute and cheeky 4WD. Over the years it expanded in size and from the latest model in February 2006 has become positively staid – sounds like the typical human life cycle doesn’t it!In the ‘teenage’ years of its life cycle, the funkiest of all RAV4s arrived in January 1998, but barely lasted two years on the market. Though called Cabriolet by Toyota, it is in fact an old-style soft-top. The roof is reasonably easy to pull down and erect, but we still recommend a bit of practice at home before you set out on a topless trip on a cloudy dayThe great majority of Toyota RAV4s have a two or four-door station wagon body. The former is on a shorter wheelbase than the latter, so misses out on both rear-seat space and luggage carrying capacity.The RAV4 isn't designed to conquer the great Aussie outback, Toyota has plenty of other 4WDs and SUVs capable of dong just that, but it is a lot more competent than you might expect. Good ground clearance, big wheels and handy approach, departure and ramp angles mean it can take on rocks, ruts and rough stuff with plenty of verve. The short-wheelbase is, naturally, better than the LWB if you want to get serious off-road.These little Toyota SUVs use what are virtually car tyres and don’t have a low-range transfer case. Better tyres can make it just perfect on the beach.The RAV4’s first engine was a modern 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that gives better than average performance for its class. The engine was extensively modified at the beginning of 1998 to give it a broader spread of torque. The four-cylinder engine was increased in size to 2.4 litres in 2003.From October 2007 a V6 engine option with the capacity of 3.5 litres joined the fray. It goes without saying the V6 has plenty of grunt, but it can be on the thirsty side at times.You have a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission in most models. The V6 comes only with a five-speed auto. The four-speed automatic is a modern unit that works well and doesn’t take too much edge off the performance, but many computers now provide five or six forward ratios.Toyota has been number one in the Australian automotive market for a number of years. So it has dealers in almost all areas of Australia, even those which are ignored by other big players in our market. So getting spares and repairs isn't likely to be a hassle.Dealers in the most remote zones are more likely to carry spare parts for LandCruisers than for the RAV4s. Nonetheless, you aren’t likely to have to wait for more than a few days for parts to be shipped to the bush from one of the major cities.Insurance is generally in the low to moderate range and there doesn't seem to be a huge variance in premium prices between them.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe Toyota RAV4 is built to a high standard but it’s still wise to have a full inspection after doing your own check up. Most RAV4s never go off road, but look closely for panel and underbody damage, just in case.Scratches in the paint and and/or the door sills and lower body corners are tell-tale signs a RAV4 has come into contact with solid objects, perhaps only bushes and similar shrubbery. But it all costs money to have rectified.If you come across sand in the underbody, try it for a salty taste. RAV4s appear to be well rust proofed but salt water really rips into steel if it gets half a chance. Check the condition of the trim, especially in a soft-top as the latter may have been caught out in the rain or even driven in the surf - again check for that salty smell or taste.Listen and feel for loose components in the transmission system that have been abused in off-road driving. The engine should start first time every time, and idle smoothly even when completely cold. If there is smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration the engine may be in a bad way.If a manual gearbox is reluctant to go down from third to second when the change is hurried, trouble could be brewing. Automatic transmissions which have had a hard life may be reluctant to change and could be slow at engaging a drive gear from Neutral or Park.CAR BUYING TIPSilly as it may sound, beware the 4WD that has been off-road. So few do any real work these days that it’s easy to find one that’s never been off sealed surfaces.

The 2WD addition to the Toyota RAV4 line up is $3000 cheaper than its all-wheel-drive brother. This fact alone should prick some ears, but with the promise of an identical feature list, it becomes a very attractive option.EngineThe RAV4 CV is powered by a 2.4 litre, in-line four-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 125kW at 6000rpm and 224Nm at 4000rpm. A four-speed automatic transmission gets power to the two front wheels. The combined fuel economy figure is 9.1l/100km and it emits 218g/km of C02.ExteriorBody coloured bumpers, exterior door handles and power mirrors, and tinted UV cut glass are all standard on the CV. You also get 17-in alloy wheels, rear mudflaps and a body-coloured rear spoiler at no extra cost.InteriorThe spacious interior features a clutter free and intuitive dash with cruise control, optitron instrumentation and steering wheel mounted audio controls.The 60/40 rear seats fold flat and there is plenty of storage including a storage box in the centre console, a sunglasses holder, drink holders, map pockets and cargo area under-floor storage.SafetyAs well as a comprehensive airbag package, the RAV4 CV includes anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, Toyota Safe-T-Cell, traction control, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist and down hill assist control.DrivingThere is an immediate feeling of space in the new 4 x 2 RAV. The dash is shallow and particularly in the passenger seat it feels very light and spacious. The dash features are few and simple, enhancing the airy feel.The comfortable driving position gave good vision all round and the seats were comfortable and relatively supportive. The back seats crammed in three medium sized men but it was only a short trip and there would have been a few numb limbs had it been any longer.Driving the new front-wheel RAV4 is a different experience to the 4x4. There is the typical understeer but you seem to get more out of the pokey 2.4-litre engine. And it feels more nimble too.There was a little bit of throttle lag but nothing to worry too much about, and when it was up and running the ride was smooth and gear transition was silky and appropriate.City driving was comfortable and jerk-free much like a hatch. On long trips the RAV had a little wind woosh off the exterior mirrors and tyre noise up through the floor was negligible. Small pot holes and ruts were taken car of with no trouble.The RAV4 exterior has improved a lot over the years, particularly since it got a little bigger. It looks a lot stronger and the lines and curves are bolder and sportier. Certainly one to watch in the mid-size SUV sector.

More and more manufacturers are realising they can attract extra sales by creating two-wheel-drive versions of their 'soft roaders'.2WD buyers are looking for the practicality of the wagon - a commanding driving position, perhaps a little higher ride height for a short drive down a dry dirt track, the 'look' of an SUV, strong suspension, and in some cases seven seats - without getting a people-mover.If they don’t need to go offroad, in the snow, through muddy tracks, they don’t need the four-wheel-drive ability. But they can get everything else they want with 2WD versions of the SUV.What’s the benefit of 2WD?By opting for the 2WD version, the vehicle costs thousands of dollars less because that second set of drive-shafts, differentials, wheel joints and bits are not in the vehicle. And that means the 2WD versions weigh considerably less. Less weight means less fuel, a cost saving to the owner and lower exhaust emissions for the planet. And less weight means better performance in acceleration and handling.The month of May this year was the best-ever May for new-vehicle sales in Australia. Part of the reason was a staggering 29 per cent growth in SUV sales over May of last year. Clearly Aussies still love their SUVs and many of those extra sales were because of 2WD versions.Toyota offering its large Kluger in 2WD and 4WD, in all trim levels. The choice (between 2WD and 4WD) will give buyers an alternative purchase decision based on their real needs. Toyota also offers the RAV4, which gets revised gear ratios for with 2WD.Ford launched its Territory SUV in 2004 in 4WD and 2WD right from the start. But some brands don’t offer the full choice of models of the 4WD. For example, the Kia Sorento 2WD cannot have Kia's excellent turbo-diesel engine of the 4WD, but it's recognised that 2WD buyers are looking for lower buying and running costs and so only a base model engine is provided.KIA SORENTO - $36,490 Drives well with good ride; six-speed automatic, fuel economy Engine sometimes works hard to move 1814kg weightA much better onroad wagon than previous (4WD-only) model. The 2WD Kia Sorento is available only with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to keep down cost.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 128kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 226Nm @ 3750rpmTransmission: Six-speed automatic; front-wheel-drive.HOLDEN CAPTIVA - $27,990 Low price, plenty of Holden dealers for back-up Modest power, tows only 1500kg, no auto optionThe Holden Captiva 2WD gives wagon motoring to Holden followers not wanting a V6 or V8 Commodore Sportwagon. Captiva has been selling well lately.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 103kW @ 5200rpmTorque: 220Nm @ 2400rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual; front-wheel-drive.TOYOTA KLUGER - $40,990 Engine power, full model range, including seven-seater Large, blunt design, fuel useThe larger option from Toyota can be had in all the trim levels of the Kluger 4WDs, which means seven-seaters as well. The well-known 3.5 V6 engine is a good 'un.Engine: 3.5-litre, V6, petrolPower: 201kW @ 6200rpmTorque: 337Nm @ 4700rpmTransmission: Five-speed automatic; front-wheel-drive.FORD TERRITORY - $39,890 Torque at low revs, parts costs, seven-seat option Size to park, fuel use, dating body shape, auto only a four-speedThe only Australian-designed and built SUV, Territory uses Ford Falcon running gear and is a popular vehicle, especially now that Falcon wagon is ceasing production.Engine: Four-litre, six-cylinder, petrolPower: 190kW @ 5250rpmTorque: 383Nm @ 2500rpmTransmission: Four-speed automatic; rear-wheel-drive.BMW X1 sDrive18i - $43,500 BMW owner pride, diesel option, equipment, fuel economy, 1430kg weight Expensive parts and servicingBMW's new compact SUV in two-wheel-drive form is known as the sDrive. It is one of the low-cost ways of getting behind the famous BMW badge and suits Yuppies.Engine: Two-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 110kW @ 6400rpmTorque: 200Nm @ 3600rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual (optional six-speed automatic); rear-wheel-drive.TOYOTA RAV4 - $28,990 Fuel economy, Toyota reputation, modest kerb weight (1525kg), price Tows only 1500kgRAV is the most recent 4WD SUV available in 2WD and uses the Toyota Camry 2.4 engine. RAV started the compact SUV segment and has kept updated nicely since.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 125kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 224Nm @ 4000rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual (optional four-speed automatic); front-wheel-drive.

Just how torturous on a vehicle is a private school driveway? As tough as a week competing in the Dakar, going by the arrivals at the kiss `n' ride bay at any well-funded school.  Few vehicles in the history of man have been so over-engineered as Mums' taxis. Even the Trojan Horse pales by comparison.But a few manufacturers have smartened up. Their 4WDs are actually 2WDs, saving money on the purchase price, fuel consumption and even tyre wear.  Hyundai did it with the Tucson City, though train spotters note the City logo as being the cheaper model.Toyota now adds a 2WD RAV4 to its line-up, dispensing with any badge changes so from the outside at least, the driver basks in the adventurist glow that inspires all SUV sales.  Beneath the soft lines of the little wagon is the same 2.4-litre engine and choice of four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. Basically, the driveline to the rear wheels is removed, saving about 60kg over the all-wheel drive version.Shedding a few kilos picks up all the athletism enjoyed by a successful Biggest Loser contestant. But it does change the way the RAV4 handles.  It feels more nimble and smarter off the lights. Cornering prowess is about the same, with the new wagon feeling like what it is - a front-wheel drive car.Pushed through a corner will reveal typical understeer. In comparison, the all-wheel drive's rear end can be felt driving through the bend and so feels more confident.Which one's better? They're both pretty good but just feel different and need a different approach.  However, in its role as a suburban taxi the handling dynamics are unlikely to become the subject of intense debate over a latte.What will interest buyers is the versatility of the new RAV4 model and its starting price of $28,990. That's $3000 cheaper than the all-wheel drive model and there's no difference in the feature list.I don't have to tell you that $3000 is a lot of money. In the automatic version tested, the $30,990 price - plus on-road costs - makes it an affordable, durable and versatile family wagon.StylingThe Toyota RAV4 has been around a long time. That's the good news and the bad news.  Up against the latest arrival in the compact SUV segment - the strikingly-chiseled Hyundai ix35 - the RAV4 looks very conservative, almost dated in appearance.People like trendy things and, unfortunately, to many the RAV4 is considered conservatively styled.  That styling simplicity slides through the doors and impregnates the cabin and, though neat and functional, is a bit plain.The upside is that the Toyota is like a really good facelift - it will last for quite a while and disguise the intervening years. Your friends may never know the true age.  That's good for resale value and one look at second-hand car market will prove the point that the RAV4 remains in demand and commands strong prices.Size and spaceThough it's classed as a compact SUV, the RAV4 range is not puny. The latest models seat five adults and come with neat features like a sliding rear seat that expands or diminishes the cargo area depending on the size of the back seat passengers.It means that carrying toddlers on booster seats will allow the seat to be rolled forward and so expand the boot to absorb a pram or two. It's a handy feature that will endear the car to young families.There's also plenty of personal storage space including two gloveboxes, one being lockable, and a height adjustable driver's seat that combines with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel to find that perfect driving position.Fit-out and equipmentControls and switchgear are big and bold for ease of use and there's controls for the audio on the steering-wheel spokes. Cruise control is standard on all models, including the base CV tested here.Also standard is stability control and ABS brakes, a four-star crash rating (out of five) and two airbags. Optional packs are available for more airbags which are very desirable.