TOYOTA FRESHENS UP RAV4

In hindsight it seems strange that Toyota’s decision to launch its first RAV4 model back in 1994 was considered something of a gamble. Until then most passenger vehicles with drive to all four wheels were seen either as a rural workhorse or an overweight and cumbersome suburban people mover.

RAV4 was different. While still a 4WD and with a similar shape it was significantly smaller and lighter with the term ‘crossover’ being used prior to it being replaced by the now usually accepted ‘SUV’. Indeed the names SUV (for Sports Utility Vehicle) and RAV (Recreational Activity Vehicle) are almost interchangeable. Incidentally the ‘4’ in RAV4 stood for 4-wheel-drive, but was retained when 2WD models were added to the range in 2010.

If it was indeed a gamble then it’s one that has paid off handsomely with the Toyota RAV4 being at the forefront of the SUV revolution that has transformed the global motoring scene in the past couple of decades and with Australian sales approaching a quarter of a million. Worldwide that number is in excess of six million.

While most vehicles grow in size as they evolve over the years few can match the growth of the RAV4 which began as a 3715 mm long three-door wagon and, with the arrival of the latest five-door model in December 2015, now measures 4605 mm in length.

Exterior changes to the latest RAV4 include a bolder front design, with a larger lower grille; restyled front and rear bumpers; LED projector head and taillights; LED daytime running lights; new wheel-arch mouldings and rocker panels; shark fin antenna; and three new colour options.
The higher-specced GXL and Cruiser models also get new wheel designs. The GXL has 18-inch black alloys with bright machined spokes while the Cruiser’s have five pairs of spokes. The entry-level GX has 17-inch steel wheels.

INTERIOR
Effectively a mid-sized family vehicle RAV4’s cabin has plenty of space in the back for three mid-sized children or two full-sized adults in comfort. There’s plenty of headroom even with the sunroof, something that frequently causes us discomfort, even in tall SUVs.

An attractive new matte black trim with silver accents has been added while GXL and Cruiser also get a new two-dial instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch colour display.

Cargo space is 577 litres with the standard space-saver spare wheel, dropping down to 506 litres with the optional full-sized spare, the latter results in an ugly hump in the cargo area floor. The Cruiser gets a powered rear door.

Extra and thicker insulation has been added for the MY16 RAV for reduced road, tyre and exhaust noise.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Engine and transmission options are unchanged from the previous model. There are three engines, 2.0-litre petrol (107 kW and 187 Nm) in the 2WD variants, 2.5-litre petrol (132 kW and 233 Nm) and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (110 kW and 340 Nm) in the heavier AWD ones.

The 2WD RAV4 gets the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or CVT automatic, with seven preset selectable ratios.

The turbo-diesel AWD RAV4 comes with the choice of the six-speed manual or conventional six-speed automatic gearboxes while the petrol AWD variants are six-speed automatic only.

A first-ever hybrid variant of the RAV4 was shown at the 2015 New York Motor Show but Toyota Australia is not planning to add it to the local range.

The AWD RAV4 models use Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD. Front-to-rear torque distribution can vary from 100/0 to 50/50, with front-wheel drive is engaged under normal driving conditions to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Dynamic Torque Control AWD, also works with Vehicle Stability Control and electric power steering systems to enhance handling and safety under all driving conditions – not just off road.

INFOTAINMENT
All models have multimedia audio units operated through a 6.1-inch full-colour touchscreen display, as well as controls on the steering-wheel. While functional enough it’s not up to the standard of the more advanced systems in many of its competitors.

Bluetooth pairing is intuitive and prompt.

The topline RAV4 Cruiser has an 11-speaker JBL sound system with DAB+ digital radio.

SAFETY
Standard safety features across the Toyota RAV4 range include seven airbags; ABS brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution; Vehicle Stability Control; Hillstart Assist; rear parking sensors; and reversing camera.

Advanced safety equipment is available with an optional ($2500) Advanced Safety Pack in automatic variants of the mid-spec GXL and standard in the Cruiser. These use a forward-facing camera and radar to trigger a number of systems, including Pre-Collision System with forward collision warning and automatic emergency brake; Lane Departure Alert; Automatic High Beam; Active Cruise Control; Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
DRIVING
Our test was in the 2.5-litre petrol Toyota RAV4 Cruiser. We’ve tested the 2.0-litre previously and feel the extra half litre is needed for what is a relatively large vehicle. We’ll try and get into the diesel to round off the comparison in the next few months.

Performance is capable without being in any way exciting. Steering is reasonably well weighted and responsive and it corners safely while driven as a vehicle of its type should be.

The default drive setting is to the front wheels with AWD selectable at speeds up to 40 km/h. We took it over some moderate gravel during our test and although there was some harshness over humps and hollows it proved capable enough.

Fuel consumption during our week-long test averaged out at around 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres, around the typical margin for error (+ 1.0 L/100 km) that we expect when comparing with published figures.

SUMMING UP
Although it now competes against a large range of competitors from almost every car marker in the world Toyota RAV4 continues to be one of the top sellers. The Toyota brand name obviously works in its favour as does its range of engines and pricing.

Despite the additional equipment price rises have been contained, indeed some automatic petrol models are down by $500. Manual petrol variants are up by $500 while turbo-diesel variants have risen between $1000 and $2000.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
GX 2.0-litre petrol 2WD five-door wagon: $27,990 (manual) $29,990 (CVT)
GXL 2.0-litre petrol 2WD five-door wagon: $31,990 (manual) $33,990 (CVT)
GX 2.5-litre petrol AWD five-door wagon: $32,990 (automatic)
GXL 2.5-litre petrol AWD five-door wagon: $36,990 (automatic)
Cruiser 2.5-litre petrol AWD five-door wagon: $44,490 (automatic)
GX 2.2-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon: $35,990 (manual) $37,990 (automatic)
GXL 2.2-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon: $39,990 (manual) $41,990 (automatic)
Cruiser 2.2-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon: $49,490 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Toyota dealer for driveaway prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2.5-litre petrol AWD five-door wagon)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.494 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 132 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 233 Nm @ 4100 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 91RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.5 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 198 g/km

DRIVELINE:
Six-speed manual or continuously variable (2WD petrol)
Six-speed automatic (AWD petrol)
Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic (AWD turbo-diesel)

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4605 mm
Wheelbase: 2660 mm
Width: 1845 mm
Height: 1685 mm
Turning Circle: 10.6 metres (11.2 metres with 18-inch wheels)
Kerb Mass: 1590-1600 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years / 100,000 km