The Toyota RAV 4 2018 promises to become a cult model, embodying elegant design, remarkable handling and excellent speed characteristics. The fifth generation was developed in the strictest of secrecy, with information about the car constantly changing, and the spy photos that have recently appeared on the Internet have only warmed up interest in the novelty. Even now, dealer networks are ready to line up of those wishing to become the owner of a high-quality, original, relatively inexpensive Japanese crossover.
Exterior:
The new generation of the SUV has changed significantly in comparison with the previous one. Features of the body can be called the following points:
The headlights have a small size and complex shape. At the same time, the design has diode ribbons, which look quite attractive.
The radiator grille is practically absent, it is represented by a thin ribbon, in the center placed a badge of the manufacturer.
The front bumper has a rather complex shape, at the bottom there is a massive air intake. On the sides there are niches for fog lights.
The body has a plastic protection, which eliminates the possibility of chipping.
The rear part of the crossover has lights of complex shape. In the manufacture of construction diode technology is used, the luggage compartment lid has a complex shape.
In addition, the car has a spoiler, expressed as an extension of the roof.
Interior:
In the interior, no new ideas or interesting implementations of control units can be found:
Two-spoke steering wheel with lower support.
Small display of the multimedia system and climate control unit.
The tunnel between the seats is practically not used, having made only the transmission mode selector and cupholders.
In general, we can say that the cabin is made in the classic style, which is peculiar to the Asian automobile industry. When finishing used enough quality materials, which can be called a good feature of the new crossover.
Dimensions
The RAV4's body dimensions have changed insignificantly. The length is 4,600 mm: it has decreased by 5 mm, if compared with the last release. Width is 1,855 mm: 10 mm more. The height of the 5th generation, on the contrary, decreased by 25 mm and became 1 690 mm.
The distance between the axles of the car - 2 690 mm - increased by 30 mm. The change in wheelbase and reduced front overhang improved off-road performance. The angle of approach has increased, and the crossover can better overcome obstacles on the road.
Increasing the distance between the front and rear axles of the car has increased interior space. The RAV4's boot space is 600 liters, which is 80 liters more than its predecessor.
Changes in the dimensions of the crossover body did not affect its weight - 1,570 kg, and with full equipment - 2 tons.
In the new generation, different modifications are equipped with 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheels. Minimum ground clearance is 195 mm, 15 mm more than the 4th generation. Change of ground clearance did not affect the stability and behavior of the vehicle on the road.
Technical Specifications
The updated model is available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions. Each rear axle in all-wheel drive has traction distribution. This design innovation is applied by installing independent clutches on the rear axle that take the load evenly.
The updated all-wheel-drive version has three suspension settings. The driver can set them himself, depending on the condition of the road:
Normal - for asphalt and concrete roads with a flat surface.
Off-road - has two switches: the first - for driving on gravel and gravel, the second - for driving on sand and mud.
Winter - driving on compacted snow and ice.
Updates in the design of the suspension and increased ground clearance have improved the off-road qualities of the crossover. The car holds the road better in case of uneven pavement.
There are no innovations in the steering system. The car is equipped with electric power steering. The electronic unit sets the value for the force applied to turn the steering wheel. The higher the speed of the car, the harder it is necessary to turn the steering wheel.
Pros of the 2018 Toyota RAV4 in owner reviews
All the pros and cons of the 2018 Toyota RAV 4 can be learned from the reviews of owners. Among the positives of the updated version, buyers include:
New engines began to work better, with increased power there is no increased fuel consumption.
Improved stability of the crossover on the road, due to increased distance between the axles.
Changed suspension and increased ground clearance increased its cross-country ability.
Thanks to the design with sharp edges the exterior became more imposing and brutal.
The headlights are improved due to the use of LED system.
The quality of materials has changed: resistant plastic and soft and elastic leather coating.
Weaknesses of the Toyota Rav 4
In the reviews of the owners of the 2018 Toyota Rav 4 disadvantages look insignificant, compared to the merits of the car. The main disadvantage of motorists recognizes failures in the dynamics of the crossover and low noise isolation.
In Eco and Normal modes RAV4 slows down the gas pedal. If to put a little bit more efforts, the automobile unnaturally "beaks with a nose". Judging by reviews of the 2018 Toyota RAV4, in all-wheel drive, this peculiarity of dynamics confuses owners who sat behind the wheel of the updated version for the first time on test drives.
Automakers during the presentation assured buyers that the noisiness will be less. According to testimonials from car enthusiasts, this weakness remains in the new edition. The lack of noise isolation is especially felt when the speed of the car exceeds 110 km/h.
The Japanese automakers promised improved fuel efficiency of the improved engines. The claimed fuel consumption does not correspond to the real one. In the mixed mode, it consumes at least 10 liters per 100 km.
