The Toyota RAV4 was built on a revised platform of an extended L version of its XA30 index. The third generation RAV4 with a standard body could not boast a roomy interior, with the boot barely able to accommodate a pram and its lid opening to the right. In the fourth generation the faults were corrected. The wheelbase was increased by 10cm and the length of the body by 13cm. As a result, there is more space on the second row than in the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. The boot volume has increased to 547 litres, with the door opening upwards.
The crossover underwent a restyling in 2015. The front end has been redesigned, the bumpers have been updated, and the list of features has been expanded.
The Toyota RAV 4 was originally supplied from Japan, but since August 2016 it has been assembled in St Petersburg.
The RAV4 earned five stars in EuroNCAP crash tests. According to the test results of the American organisation IIHS, the result turned out to be a failure. It's all about the tougher test methodology, which implies a low-overlap frontal impact test.
After modifications, the tests were repeated in 2015. It turned out that the driver's side was reinforced, but the right side remained vulnerable to low-overlap frontal impact.
Engines
The RAV4 has three engines, two petrol and one diesel. Base - 2-liter petrol (3ZR-FE / 146 hp). Top version - 2.5 liters atmospheric petrol engine (2AR-FE / 180 hp). Turbo-diesel with commercial designation D-4D has a capacity of 2.2 liters (2AD-FTV) and develops 150 hp. The hybrid model was not available everywhere.
The timing of all engines is a chain drive. There are no problems with it yet. There are no claims to reliability of engines and attachments.
Only in 2-liter engines from time to time had mishaps with running pump (3-7 thousand rubles). And a small batch of diesel engines was under warranty replacement due to defective cylinder head gasket.
Transmission
A six speed manual gearbox and Multidrive S continuously variable variator were available for the 2 litre petrol engine only. The atmospheric 2.5 along with the 2.2 diesel was combined with a six-speed automatic (U660E/U760E). Both automatic transmissions were developed by Toyota-owned Aisin.
Owners are most concerned about the variator. But in fact, it's been quite reliable. Yes, breakdowns have occurred, but very rarely. The repair cost is about 2000 dollars.
One of the conditions of variator longevity is regular oil renewal. The cost of such procedure with change of filter and gaskets in a dealer service will make about 270 USD, and in usual service - about 140 USD.
All-wheel drive system
Only the RAV 4 with a base petrol engine of 2.0 litres could be front-wheel drive. The other versions were all-wheel drive.
The all-wheel drive system uses an electromagnetic clutch upstream of the rear differential. This adjusts the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels between 0:100 and 50:50. There is also a 50:50 electromagnetic clutch lock-up which is active until a speed of 40 km/h is reached.
Transmission is reliable. Only after 80-120 km some owners had to change cardan shaft crosspieces (8-9 thousand rubles along with the work).
Running gear
The RAV4 has McPherson struts on the front axle and a multi-lever arrangement on the rear. The suspension is durable enough. The only things that need periodic upgrading are bushing (every 40-50 thousand km) and struts (after 60-90 thousand km) of the front anti-roll bar.
Silent blocks of rear suspension may be worn out after 100-150 km. Difficulties with adjustment of rear wheel geometry due to caking of camber bolts sometimes occur at higher mileage.
Shock absorbers last over 100-150 000 km.
Front hub bearings have had to be replaced in some cases after 80-120,000 km. The bearings are assembled with the hub and cost 6-10 thousand roubles.
It is often necessary to replace hub pins (50-200 roubles) which have been torn off during wheel replacement.
Other problems and faults
The Toyota RAW 4's bodywork isn't blooming yet. There are occasional comments about the paintwork. On the bonnet and on the roof (closer to the windscreen) chips form. Bare metal on the roof may get discoloured.
Paintwork cracking on sealant surface, applied on the inside of doors, is a common complaint.
Some owners complain of fogging of the tail lamps. In addition, the lights have had to be replaced under warranty due to the appearance of cracks.
After 50-100 thsd. km, one can meet complaints about worn out door stops. Repair kit for all 4 doors is available for 15 usd, and one limiter assembly is available for 17 usd.
Scuffs on the steering wheel can be detected after 20-60,000 km. The steering wheel has been replaced under warranty, some twice. Over time, the coating on the gearstick and silver door liners rubbed off.
In some instances the ceiling upholstery got wet due to condensation. Toyota has prescribed to remedy the affliction by fitting a larger felt material.
A range of RAV4s from the late 2015-2017 model year have been hit by a recall campaign due to a fire hazard. The culprit was heated windscreen washer nozzles. The defect caused water to reach the heating element, threatening to short-circuit and ignite. The unpleasant incidents took place.
Is it worth buying?
All complaints, as a rule, are infrequent and have not yet become widespread. Besides, many defects are insignificant. Toyota RAV4 of the fourth generation can be well recommended as a reliable and unpretentious family car.
