2013 Toyota RAV4 Reviews

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.VALUEPrices 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.TECHNOLOGYThe 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.DESIGNBeauty 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.SAFETYRAV 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.DRIVINGThe 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.VERDICTIf 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 autoPrice: $41,490Warranty: 3 years/100,000 kmService interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 stars (forecast)Engines: 2.0-litre petrol, 107kW/187Nm; 2.5-litre petrol, 132kW/233Nm; 2.2-litre diesel, 110kW/340NmTransmissions: 6-speed manual and auto, 7-speed CVT; FWD or AWDThirst: 5.6L/100kmDimensions: 4.57m (L), 1.84m (W), 1.71m (H)Weight: 1660kgSpare: space saver (optional full-sized $300)Also: Toyota RAV4 GXL diesel review | long term 1

It's almost inevitable. Once you two are no longer DINKS, an SUV appears in your driveway. The convertible lacks boot space, the V8 ute has no rear seat and the full-on 4WD is too big.The solution seems to be a compact or medium SUV. There are worthy station wagons to consider but new car buyers want to look like explorers, not breeders. Check the shopping centre or school car parks -- easily a third of vehicles have more than 150mm of ground clearance.Today's SUV is far from the 4WDs of yore -- it's easy to drive and load, child friendly, frugal with fuel and competitively priced.  The toughest surface these machines face is a wet speed bump so four of the five we've assessed have a 2WD variant.If you want to carry seven or more, that's the terrain of people-movers and large SUVs. Stay tuned for that. Weekly running costs include purchase, finance, registration, insurance, servicing; based on 15,000km a year, private ownership; costs vary between states and variants.Toyota RAV4 The new model brings with it a diesel -- it's unsuited to towing, so the 2.5 petrol is the option for versatility. Boot space is 506L (or 577L without a full-size spare). It has only 160mm of ground clearance and a low chin, so steer clear of serious obstacles. It scores for driver's knee airbag, spacious and quiet cabin with good storage but loses for a sharpish ride.Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmRunning costs: $199-$235 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 107kW/187Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cyl, 132kW/233Nm; 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 110kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 6-speed auto, CVT; FWD/AWDThirst: 5.6L-8.6L/100km Tank 60LDimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: GXL 2.5 auto AWD $35,490Price: from $28,490Subaru ForesterOne of the newer models here, the Soob still leans to the off-road side of the equation. There are diesel and turbo petrol options but most buyers won't need that amount of urge. Boot space isn't great at 422L but the Forester gives occupants ample room and a smooth drivetrain. The CVT is much better than previous versions.Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmRunning costs: $210-$230 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl boxer, 110kW/198Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cyl boxer, 126kW/235Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl boxer turbo diesel, 108kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed man, CVT; AWDThirst: 5.9L-8.1L/100kmTank: 60LDimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: 2.5i-L $35,990Price: from $30,990Mazda CX-5If evidence was needed that SUVs are moving away from their off-road origins, the Mazda provides it. An A-grade unsealed surface is about as adventurous as you'd want to get with the little Mazda but it has few peers for on-road dynamics and nothing comes close to its Skyactiv turbo diesel powerplant. The absence of rear vents can be overlooked but at least the child seat anchor points are on the seat backs. It's got the longest wheelbase of this quintet, which suggests reasonable cabin space, but boot space is below par at 403 litres and ride quality isn't as supple as the Honda.Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmRunning costs: $203-$244 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 114kW/200Nm; 2.5-litre 4cyl, 138kW/250Nm; 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 129kW/420NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 6-speed auto; FWD/AWDThirst: 5.7L-7.4L/100km Tank 58LDimensions: 4.5m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: Maxx Sport 2.2Price: from $27,880Nissan X-TrailThis version has been around for nearly a decade, hence it rates four crash safety stars from ANCAP rather than the now standard five. It tops the braked towing capacity with 2000kg, adding to its versatility despite just 410L of boot space. It has off-road prowess, diesel variant (in AWD only) and a ``lite'' option, the 2.0-litre front-driver.Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmRunning costs: $219-$243 pwSafety: 4 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 102kW/198Nm; 2.5-litre 4-cyl, 125kW/226Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 127kW/360Nm (auto 110kW/320Nm)Transmission: 6-speed man, 6-speed auto, CVT; FWD/AWDThirst: 7.1L-9.1L/100kmTank: 65LDimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: 2.5 ST $32,690Price: from $28,490Honda CR-VOnce dominant then long lost, the Honda is getting back where it belongs. Chief asset is cargo space of 556L, the best of the bunch despite a full-size spare, although marred by roof-mounted child seat anchors. Footprint is compact but Honda says there has been no change to passenger space. Compared with previous model, much quieter and easier on the backside. Pricing is canny, there are front and all-wheel drive variants and a diesel is imminent.Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmRunning costs: $189-$225 pwSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 114kW/190Nm; 2.4-litre 4-cyl, 140kW/222NmTransmission: 6-speed man, 5-speed auto; FWD/AWDThirst: 7.7L-8.7L/100kmTank: 58LDimensions: 4.5m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Stuey's pick: VTi-S AWDPrice: from $27,490

Surprise, surprise. Toyota has been caught out by the success of its first diesel RAV. For years we've hounded local execs to introduce a diesel version of its best-selling soft roader. Instead of listening they introduced a V6. But that's all changed with the introduction of the latest RAV4 the V6 is gone and demand of the diesel has exceeded expectations. Doh…TECHNOLOGYThe 2.2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel delivers 110kW of power and 340Nm of torque, the latter in rather narrow range between 2000 and 2800 revs. It's paired with a traditional six-speed auto but the driver can change gears manually if desired. It's not hi-tech, but it's smooth and powerful and doesn't suck much fuel and 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 been getting a solid 7.3).VALUEIt's bigger and better looking than before and comes in two and four-wheel drive guise, with a choice of three engines, three transmissions and three trim levels: GX, GXL and top of the range Cruiser. Our test vehicle is the mid-range, all-wheel drive diesel GXL priced from $38,990 with the optional $2500 auto fitted that takes the price to $41,490 before on-roads.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 automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, power-retractable exterior mirrors, keyless smart entry and push-button ignition.DESIGNIt looks a lot like the Corolla and the look will obviously be carried over to other models too. It's a lot bigger than RAVs of old too, but because the spare wheel has been moved from the back door it's actually 55mm shorter.SAFETYRAV scores a full five stars for crash safety. Seven airbags, stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, tilt-and-telescopic steering column and cruise control are all standard equipment, while automatic AWD models get downhill assist to help manage slippery descents.DRIVINGWe like it. It's easy to drive with comfortable seats and roomy interior. The diesel provides plenty of oomph, 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. When things get slippery the all-wheel drive kicks in to provide sure-footed, four-paw grip.There's also a new Sport mode to liven things up. It weights up the steering, sharpens throttle response and delivers more aggressive gearshifts. Rear legroom is generous. Thinner front seats create an extra 41mm of leg space for rear seat occupants. The tow capacity is now 1000kg or one tonne (from July 2013 production).VERDICTThis one's a keeper. Looks good, goes good and doesn't use much fuel but GXL misses out on satellite navigation.

It's been a long time coming but Toyota has finally delivered a diesel version of its popular RAV4 sports wagon. Priced from $35,490 the diesel is $3500 more than the equivalent petrol model. As such, it will probably account for only a small number of sales  but we could be wrong?VALUEThe new RAV4 comes in two and four-wheel drive, with a choice of three engines, three transmissions and three trim levels: GX, GXL and top of the range Cruiser. Our test vehicle is the mid range, all-wheel drive diesel GXL priced at $38,990 with the optional $2500 auto fitted which brings 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.  Steel wheels are standard and all-wheel drive models get a sound-deadening windscreen.Our GXL adds 17-inch alloys, a reversing camera, computer screen, sporty seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, power-retractable exterior mirrors, keyless smart entry and push-button ignition.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel pumps out 110kW of power and 340Nm of torque from 2000 revs. The two-wheel drive petrol models gets a CVT, but in this case it's paired with a traditional six-speed auto with the facility to change gears manually.Fuel consumption from the 60-litre tank is rated at 6.5 litres/100km for the auto. The auto can tow a 500kg load (manual 550kg). Toyota has announced that the braked tow rating of all RAV4 diesels will be upgraded to 1000kg from July 2013 production, but this figure still lags behind the 1500kg rating carried by 2.5 litre petrol models, and well behind most of its rivals.DESIGNLike the new Toyota Corolla, the styling is edgier and attractive, but it looks suspiciously like a Mitsubishi Challenger from the back. Nothing like one to drive though, with sharper driving dynamics that include a new all-wheel drive system and selectable Sport mode on most models. It's 55mm shorter too, after the relocation of the spare from the door to a position underneath the rear.SAFETYRAV4 scores a full five stars for crash safety from the Australian NCAP organisation. Seven airbags, stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, tilt-and-telescopic steering column and cruise control are all standard equipment, while automatic AWD models get downhill assist to help manage slippery descents.DRIVINGIt's early days yet but our initial impression is favourable.  It's a delight to drive, comfy and roomy inside and the torquey diesel provides plenty of oomph, 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. When things get slippery the all-wheel drive system pushes power to the rear wheels for sure footed, four-paw grip.Sport mode contributes to better handling and a more dynamic, sporting drive by decreasing power-steering assistance to give the driver a more direct feel. It also sharpens throttle response and adapts the control logic for the automatic and CVT gearboxes to allow for more responsive gearshifts.It's too early to report on the long-term fuel consumption -- we'll be back in the near future to tell you about that -- but it's sure to be better than a petrol model.VERDICTSo far so good. It's been quite a while since we last drove a RAV4, but this one feels like a keeper.

Small SUVs are the auto equivalent of smartphones: you have to be seen with one. Those who haven’t already caught on are rushing to buy (or build) light and compact crossovers. In Australia, couples and families hold the view that SUVs represent the “best of both worlds”.With fuel economy and comfort to rival a small car; the space to carry furniture or friends and a high ride height for the “command” seating; SUVs are a multi-purpose lifestyle accessory. It’s just a case of which design suits that lifestyle.THE CARSExcluding the all-paw Forester, the rest of the fleet are front-wheel drive models. All are entry level automatic or continuously variable transmission versions. And all sold more than 1000 cars last month, making them as mainstream as a Toyota Camry.THIRSTSkyActiv technology gives the Mazda CX-5 the lead in the weekly fuel costs at around $26.33. That’s more than $8.50 cheaper than the dearest vehicle here, Hyundai’s iX35. It is small change over a week but adds up to more than $425 a year being siphoned out of the wallet/purse, so it’s worth considering.SERVICINGCaps off to the capped-price carmakers. Online disclosure means it is easy to see how much servicing of a Toyota or Hyundai will be. As yet, Honda doesn’t have the option of capped price servicing, while Subaru and Mazda want vehicle identification before they’ll quote the costs. Hyundai heads this pack with one yearly visit to the dealer that will cost $259.DEPRECIATIONBuying a new car is an investment in emotion, not practicality. The best-performing of this group - the Mazda, Subaru and Honda - will be worth just 54 per cent of its new price value in three years, according to Glass’s Guide. The Hyundai and Toyota will have halved in value over that period.MISCGovernment charges vary by state; check with your local authority for registration on a specific vehicle. The capped price servicing won’t cover items subject to wear in the normal course of their life, such as tyres, windscreen wipers and brake pads.*Fuel costs based on April national average of 142.6c for 91 ULP and 15,000km travelled annually.Mazda CX-5 FWD Fuel use @ 6.4L/100km = $1368.96 p/a = $4106.88 over 3 yrsCost $29,880. Residual value after 3 yrs 54 per centServicing: $394 first yr; $1745 over 3 yrs/60,000kmToyota RAV4 CVTFuel use @ 7.4L/100km = $1582.86 p/a = $4748.50 over 3 yrsCost $30,990. Residual value after 3 yrs 50 per centServicing: $340/yr; $1020 over 3 yrs/60,000kmHyundai ix35 ActiveFuel use @ 8.5L/100km = $1818.15 p/a = $5454.45 over 3 yrsCost $28,990. Residual value after 3 yrs 50 per centServicing: $259/yr; $777 over 3 yrs/45,000kmSubaru Forester 2.5iFuel use @ 8.1L/100km = $1732.59 p/a = $5197.77 over 3 yrsCost $32,990. Residual value after 3 yrs 54 per centServicing: $542.72 first yr; $1983.70 over 3 yrs/75,000kmHonda CR-V VTiFuel use @ 7.7L/100km = $1647.03 p/a = $4941.09 over 3 yrsCost $31,790. Residual value after 3 yrs 54 per centServicing: $483.64 first yr; $1450.92 over 3 yrs/60,000km 

Never underestimate a cat -- they're surefooted, sleek and agile. The words come from Makoto Arimoto, charismatic chief engineer of the totally restyled Toyota RAV4. And he should know, he has 18 cats.So it's no surprise that the compact SUV has more than a touch of feline in its looks and performance. The fourth generation of the super-popular RAV4 has just launched with two four-cylinder petrol engines: a 2.0 and a 2.5-litre, and its first diesel a 2.2 litre.VALUEDespite big improvements throughout, most models are at the same level, or less than the outgoing version. The GX 2.0-litre 2WD manual is $28,490 ($500 less), the all-wheel-drives are from $31,990 (same as superseded models) and the top of the pops Cruiser AWD automatic is $48,990 (a saving of $1000). There are 16 models, three up from 2012. Gone are the three-door and the V6.All models get Bluetooth phone and music connectivity, a 60/40 split-fold reclining rear seat, roof rails, rear spoiler, cargo net and tonneau cover. Here's another thing about Makoto Arimoto: he was once a guitarist and vocalist in a Tokyo rock band, so the Rav4's six-speaker audio system should not to be underestimated.The entry GX grade is pretty well spec'd with 17-inch steel wheels, projector headlights, a CD thingo and fabric seat coverings. The GXL has alloy wheels, reversing camera, display audio, sports seats, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless smart entry and push-button ignition and Cruisers add Satnav, a blind-spot monitor, power cargo door, high-intensity discharge headlights, eight-way power driver's seat and a glass sunroof.Most also get a sport button, which sharpens torque distribution and steering and auto transmission response.TECHNOLOGYThe petrol engines are a 2.0-litre 107kW/187Nm and a 2.5-litre 132kW/233Nm, while the debut turbo-diesel is a common-rail 2.2-litre unit producing 110kW/340Nm. All three come standard with new six-speed manual transmissions. Interestingly, the GX 2WD has the option of a seven-step CVT, said to be best for economy, but AWD models get a six-speed auto. Difference is 7.4 litres/100km with the CVT, 8.4 with the auto.The diesel is rated at 5.6 manual and 6.5 with the self-shifter. There's new suspension too, Macstruts up front and a sophisticated double-wishbone set-up at the rear. Oddly, the high-torque diesel has the poorest tow capacity: 550kg as opposed to the GX's 800kg and the AWD 2.5's 1500kg.How so? It's new and we'd rather be conservative, was the unconvincing answer.DESIGNThe car has a dynamic look, which Toyota calls the `strong athlete'. But with its bright, narrow, slanted eyes and flared nostrils, it looks rather like a cat about to pounce. It has a rearward-sloping roof and a character line, and the top-hinged tailgate and 17-inch wheels, alloys on all but GX - which add to the action image.DRIVINGThe new RAV4 has a stiffer frame that, with the new suspension, helps in the handling section. The car, slightly bigger inside than before and a smidgen smaller outside, has 577 litres of cargo capacity. It is a pleasure on the road, and can also handle a fair degree of offroad action.Yes, the AWD did display surefootedness and agility on the twisty ups and downs of the Sapphire Coastal roads. Looked jolly good too, with its LED daytime lights aglow and with a gentle purr from its diesel motor. The windscreen pillars are thinner, the bonnet edges a bit higher, which make for better forward vision and more precise parking.The RAV4 has the latest in stability control and the safety package includes traction control, ABS, hill start assist and the rest of the electronic aid alphabet.VERDICTThe cat's whiskers of the compact SUV class.

Toyota has been fiddling around with its RAV4 for years, but has finally hit on a design that seems certain to be a big winner. The RAV4 began its life 20 years ago as a small, cheeky two-door runabout for the young and young at heart. But over the years it not only grew in size, it also decreased in cheekiness until the fun factor had disappeared completely.Indeed, the just superseded RAV4 was definitely on the mundane side in appearance. In typical Toyota fashion that worked well and appealed to those looking for a no-nonsense people mover with a reputation for reliability and build quality. But we don’t know of anyone who bought it for its styling…That’s all changed and the all-new RAV4 leans strongly in the sporting direction. At least it’s sporty as far as appearance is concerned, though it’s nothing special in its dynamics. On the road we found it capable enough in its handling, and certainly safe, but the word sporting no longer applies. Which is exactly what many buyers are searching for.VALUETalking of the spare tyre, Toyota has been sensible in specifying a space saver. But as some Aussies seem to like large spare wheels there’s the $300 option of a full-size wheel-tyre. This results in an ugly hump in the load area and the loss of about 70 litres of load volume. Your call, but unless we were buying a RAV4 to go into genuine off-road areas I don’t think the large spare makes sense.TECHNOLOGYFor the first time the Toyota RAV4 is offered with a turbo-diesel engine, a 2.2-litre unit producing up to 110 kW of power. Torque is a big feature of any diesel engine and the Toyota unit has 340 Nm between 2000 and 2800 revs. On paper that’s not a huge torque spread from a turbo engine, but our road testing proved it’s still pretty strong below and above these numbers. It’s only fitted in RAV4s with all-wheel-drive (AWD).Two petrol engines are offered, a 2.0-litre unit used only in the front-wheel-drive entry level model and a 2.5-litre in the AWD variants. Power and torque outputs are 107 kW / 187 Nm and 132 kW / 233 Nm respectively. The V6 engine was never popular and has been discontinued.DESIGNPresident Akio Toyoda, the head of the giant Japanese auto maker, has certainly turned things upside down. The Toyota 86 is a revelation, the all-new Corolla that came out at the end of 2012 looks brilliant. Now the RAV4 has received exactly the right treatment.Not only is Toyota RAV4 a huge improvement in style it is larger inside than before, particularly in the back seats, yet is smaller on the outside. The spare tyre is no longer mounted on the rear door, but is now under the boot floor, thus making it much easier to open the door and load the boot. The tailgate is a top-hinged unit.DRIVINGTalking about off-road driving, Toyota found us a section of rough bush on the south coast of NSW where we were able to put the RAV4 through its paces. It has good ground clearance and angles and the large wheels play their part as well. It thrived in the work we asked it to do although only a tiny number of owners will ever punish their vehicle like this.As in all recent Toyota models, the engineers have done an excellent job in noise and vibration suppression in the new RAV4. On smooth sealed roads it travels in near silence. Rough sealed and gravel roads do see an increase in noise intrusion, but the RAV4 is still pretty impressive.Coarse-chip surfaces, often a problem for imported vehicles, didn’t cause undue hassles in the medium Toyota SUV. Thus demonstrating the amount of work put into the design during Australian testing in early days.VERDICTLooks great and works hard, the all-new Toyota RAV4 is brilliant.

Pressure from cost-conscious mums and dads has forced the hybrid car company to go diesel with its new RAV4. Toyota has sold a diesel-driven RAV in other countries for more than five years and finally bows to showroom pressure this week as part of the arrival of a solid fourth-generation update of its top selling

The new Holden Commodore is the most important new car of 2013. The upcoming VF, and the VF alone, points to the future of motoring in Australia.