Car Review - 2009 Toyota Rav4 Features & Specifications

Car Review - 2009 Toyota Rav4 Features & Specifications

Compact Crossover Driver's Seat Toyota RAV4

April 19, 2009 Add Comment

2009 Toyota Rav4 - Go ahead. Stare every bit much every bit you lot like. What you’re seeing on these pages is the 2009 Toyota RAV4. We’re non kidding! That’s how “subtle” the changes are, considering the nips as well as tucks done hither nosotros supposed to maintain the RAV4 fresh against the slew of its newer competitors including the exemplary Subaru Forester. We’re non proverb that the RAV4 is a terrible machine though. In fact, despite beingness i of the starting fourth dimension to brand it with the electrical flow crop of compact crossovers, this “cute-ute” remains fairly commendable, though it has genuinely fallen from our graces.

Before you lot larn cross-eyed trying to “spot the difference”, we’ll brand it tardily as well as boom them downwards for you: the forepart as well as parent bumpers are novel as well as therefore is the grille, the plough call for repeaters on the side mirrors as well as the alloy wheels. Err…that’s close it. One tin debate that the RAV4’s already handsome looks don’t demand much messing around, as well as nosotros tin concur with that. But the hefty toll jump (P 1,825,000 versus P 1,785,000) for novel dental piece of work sounds insane. This is specially truthful considering zip mechanical has changed as well as the Philippine Peso/Japanese Yen telephone substitution charge per unit of measurement has swung to our favor. Sure, the freshened RAV4 looks amend proportioned with the bigger, chrome-ringed fog lamps compared to the miniscule ones from before, but I’m certain they wouldn’t cost P 20,000 a piece. If the RAV4’s novel 17-inch alloy bicycle pattern looks strikingly familiar, we’re non surprised. With the Fortuner taking on the quondam design, the freshened i takes a page off the Land Cruiser Prado pattern book. It makes the RAV4 much to a greater extent than macho, but less sleek than before. Perhaps, the most welcome but most overlooked change, is the work of a “bee-sting” type radio antenna every bit opposed to quondam one’s rod-type one. This makes parking into vertically-challenged parking spaces much easier (and man child is the RAV4 a challenge, since it easily breaks the 1,700 mm pinnacle barrier).

Inside, this facelifted RAV4 is supposed to integrate novel materials which should improve on the pre-facelift’s biggest Achilles’ heel: a plasticky interior. But, alas, nosotros couldn’t notice whatever of this so-called novel material. It looks as well as feels the same every bit the previous one. And yes, it’s notwithstanding plasticky. The quirky stuff is notwithstanding at that spot similar the dual-tier glove box with the force clit machinery as well as the uncoordinated interior lighting scheme (the radio is backlit inwards green, the gauges inwards white as well as the residual of the controls inwards orange). This is a large shame actually considering the RAV4 does an fantabulous labor of imitating a Lexus interior. In that respect, at that spot are notwithstanding stuff to honey similar the chronograph-style gauges, the fly motif centre console. Even the sound organisation pumps out commendable sound, but you’ll conduct hold to stick with silvery circular discs hither every bit there’s no aux jack to live found.

The growth spurt of the RAV4 betwixt the second- as well as third-generation models notwithstanding reaps benefits inwards price of interior space. In fact, this one’s notwithstanding the Rex of ‘em. There’s fantabulous head, shoulder as well as leg room for every passenger. Upfront, there’s a commanding experience cheers to a high seating position. The dashboard’s high-mount as well as two-tier pattern emphasizes that feeling fifty-fifty more. An electronic adjustment for the driver’s spot allows for fantabulous infinitesimal adjustment for the best driving position, though the seat’s lateral as well as hip back upwardly could live better. In other countries, the RAV4 is available every bit a 7-seater, but since it’s strictly a 5-seater for our market, parent occupants volition revel inwards the comfortably large space. Aside from the common disputation as well as fall function, the parent seats also slide inwards a 60/40 dissever allowing for the fitment of long objects inwards the already generous cargo bay. Aside from accommodating the loving cup holders, the centre part of the parent spot tin also live folded forwards allowing long objects such every bit skis to live accommodated.

However, the biggest law-breaking committed past times the novel RAV4 is its sedate driving characteristics. The large hefty torso taxes the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (the entirely drivetrain available). Though it does force out 170 horsepower as well as 224 Nm of torque, it struggles to motility 1,585 kilograms inwards a rushed manner. If you’re non pushing it, the RAV4 feels alright: the shifts are unobtrusive as well as steady measuring is possible. However, i time you lot boom the limit (say when merging on the highway), you lot volition experience that the engine’s non upwardly to the challenge. In other countries, this job has been rectified past times increasing the engine displacement to 2.5-liters boosting the horsepower to 190. Toyota could conduct hold chosen to practice that here, but they didn’t. Shame.

The RAV4’s autumn from SUV grace continues with its cumbersome handling. As its increased majority as well as size suggests, this machine feels cumbersome. Yes, it notwithstanding goes through corners well, but it doesn’t offering skilful route feel. Plus, the steering is pretty numb. Though that’s the trade-off switching to an electrical ability steering system, Toyota could conduct hold tuned things a piffling towards the spirited side. On a skilful note, the brakes are good: grabby with a theater pedal feel.

It’s funny how inwards a brusque bridge of 3 years has caused this i time slap-up SUV to autumn into the pit of mediocrity, but that’s the fact of life inwards the automotive industry. Toyota should conduct hold taken the cue as well as come upwardly out with an outstanding re-vitalization of the RAV4. Instead, they played it also safe. With to a greater extent than than a half-dozen pocket-size SUV choices out there, it’s difficult to pick the RAV4 every bit the starting fourth dimension selection unless you lot actually demand the large interior room. If entirely the toll were to a greater extent than affordable or the measure kit amend (HIDs aren’t fifty-fifty measure for crying out loud!), as well as therefore it could conduct hold been a unlike ball game. As it stands though, nosotros only promise Toyota would radicalize its thinking (it has done therefore before) as well as pour to a greater extent than ingenuity inwards futurity RAV4s.

Car Review - 2006 Toyota Rav4 Features & Specifications

Car Review - 2006 Toyota Rav4 Features & Specifications

Compact Crossover Driver's Seat Toyota RAV4

Oktober 18, 2006 Add Comment

2006 Toyota Rav4 - H5N1 lot is expected from the all-new Toyota RAV4.  Aside from beingness the newest offering inwards the compact SUV segment, this model was responsible for popularizing the concept of the “cute-ute” means dorsum inwards the 1990s.  The minute iteration caused an equal amount of awe amongst Toyota pushing the RAV4’s styling to a novel direction.  Compared to its perennial rival, the Honda CR-V, the RAV4 looked to a greater extent than advanced amongst its rakish blueprint together with exaggerated features hold out it the Mk. I or Mk. II models.  Having institute the correct success recipe though, Toyota decided to play it prophylactic amongst the Mk. III.  Designers together with engineers toyed unopen to amongst the standards prepare past times its predecessor—a practiced starting point, considering RAV4s were ever handsome together with ever driver-oriented.

The resulting SUV is to a greater extent than development than revolution.  Although the novel RAV4 looks undeniably good, it carries a similar angular motif prepare past times the previous model.  As a whole, it’s every bit if Toyota engineers had an enlarging ray together with increased the proportions past times xx percent.  The overall cast peculiarly the lamps, grille together with side mirrors volition facial expression familiar to anyone who’s spent fourth dimension amongst the older RAV4 model.  With clamors for to a greater extent than interior room though, Toyota extended the RAV4 from the B-Pillar backward.  The extended nurture doors together with longer greenhouse made the in i lawsuit cute SUV into somewhat a mid-sized mutant thing.  It looks modern—echoing designs instantly seen inwards some JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) model Toyotas.  It may hold out overcritical, but there’s a lack of surface item peculiarly at the doors making the RAV4 facial expression likewise long, likewise tall together with likewise narrow.

But piece the cast is all likewise predictable from Toyota, it’s within where the RAV4 has made the nigh leaps together with bounds.  For the nigh part, it looks Lexus amongst the novel “wing” shaped design.  The symmetry betwixt left together with correct sides acquaint a rattling grown upwards flavour piece retaining a lot of the sporty characteristics associated amongst the RAV4.  The 3-spoke steering cycle is covered amongst leather together with features adjustment for both contestation together with reach.  The three-cluster instrumentation is pure optic candy (personally, i of the best gauges I’ve ever seen).  The ventilation controls facial expression every bit if they operate past times the occupation of dials, but upon closer inspection, it’s truly a force clit affair.  Since this is a 4WD model, it also comes amongst dark leather seats too.  The interior cloth character has been upped too, but at that spot are some areas where there’s a lack of texture.  It’ solid, tough together with durable though.  However, at that spot are some natty bits such every bit the push-button convenience box merely higher upwards the glove box, which experience clunky together with volition undoubtedly hold out i of the get-go reduce pieces to intermission off.

The driver sits high inwards the RAV4, piece the dash bulges making the machine experience bigger than it truly is.  Overall ergonomics are spot on peculiarly thank y'all to the ability driver’s seat.  Again, at that spot are some fry quirks such every bit the risk clit beingness on the incorrect side of the dash.  Having the bulging centre makes pushing it a fleck likewise difficult; every bit if during the switch betwixt right-hand to left-hand driver, the interior designers forgot to flip the risk to the appropriate side (occupied coincidentally past times the 4WD lock function).  The climate controls are a fleck confusing at first, but comes naturally subsequently a while.

On the road, the RAV4 feels grown upwards every bit its proportions suggest.  Overall, it feels to a greater extent than cumbersome.  The initial throttle reply lacks bit, although the engine generates a good for y'all does of ability together with torque.  The sound’s non precisely an aural joy, but it’s unobtrusive together with smoothen for most.  Once it gets going though, the RAV4 tin force its heft quite well.  One theory for the RAV4’s lack of reply is due to its gearbox.  Toyota has squandered its risk inwards giving the RAV4 a five-speed box instead of a four-speed unit.  The brakes though are superb: grabby together with fade-free amongst a practiced theatre pedal feel.

For the get-go time, Toyota has shunned permanent all-wheel drive on the RAV4 for something they’ve dubbed Active Torque Control 4WD.  In principle, it plant similar Honda’s Real-Time All-Wheel Drive organisation where ability is sent get-go to the front end wheels together with splits the traction accordingly when the calculator detects a slip.  In Toyota’s example though, there’s a dash-mounted torque lock switch that splits ability 50/50 (up to forty km/h) during tough excursions to the park.

The 1.7 1000000 peso bespeak toll sure puts the RAV4 higher upwards the entry-level SUV category.  But, considering the exclusive features it has: electrical ability steering, 8 airbags, ability driver’s seat, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, dual zone climate command together with nurture luggage net—it’s looking similar a steal.  In other markets, the RAV4 is made available amongst tertiary row seating, but here, it’s a strict five-seater.  In the Toyota’s model range, the RAV4 is pretty much the premium compact SUV of the bunch—think Toyota’s version of the X3 together with you’re non that far off.  And every bit such, if you’re moneyed together with looking for something luxurious, modern together with refined, facial expression no farther than the Toyota RAV4.

Car Review - 2001 Toyota Rav4 Features & Specifications

Car Review - 2001 Toyota Rav4 Features & Specifications

Compact Crossover Driver's Seat Toyota RAV4

Februari 04, 2001 Add Comment

2001 Toyota Rav4 - Niche marketplace vehicles are ordinarily developed as an afterthought.  Sure, manufacturers receive got to educate a novel shell too trunk panels, but essentially, the basic frame too the engine were all sourced from existing parts. The story is no unlike when the cute-as-button mini-SUVs began to invade the market.  The Toyota RAV4 for instance used a modified Corolla chassis too was powered past times a Corona engine.  On the other hand, the Honda CR-V was based on the Civic chassis too engine.

When these mini-SUVs began to sell similar hotcakes, companies considered them a mainstay inwards their line-up.  Even the Europeans too Americans came into the picture: Land Rover, for instance, came upwardly amongst the as impressive (but poorly built) Freelander too Ford came upwardly amongst the Escape (co-developed amongst Mazda’s Tribute).

Realizing this, the Japanese had to rethink their strategies.  Since Toyota was the rootage to unloosen their RAV4 inwards 1997, they logically had to live the rootage to innovate a replacement.  Part of Toyota’s ‘revolution of change’ inwards the Philippines, the 2001 RAV4 is radically unlike from its predecessor.  Launched as a Completely Built Up unit, the RAV4 is immediately assembled inwards Japan…this volition rattling good address the concerns of cook character for those afflicted amongst colonial mentality.

Surprising fact is that the RAV4 that made its agency inwards the Philippines is the Scandinavian-spec RAV4.  Based on the manual, this is the same vehicle that either Mika Hakkinen or A-Ha are currently driving.

Exhibiting a to a greater extent than manful exterior, the novel RAV4 completely departs from the cutesy image.  It follows the lines of the much bigger Toyota Harrier, aka Lexus RX300: the sloping roof parent roof work too the sharp-edged creases are evidence of their similarity.  This novel RAV4 also gains a to a greater extent than angular blueprint than the previous generation's.

Beyond the RX300 roofline, the RAV4 gains some sporty cues from the Toyota Celica as well.  The huge forepart headlamps capped off amongst the modest parent clusters are some clear examples.  The pull-type door handles are also a welcome alter that adds graphic symbol too shape to the RAV4.  The side protection strip too the dark plastic bottom that caused people to express joy at the previous RAV4 receive got all been removed.  In fact, the two-tone pigment plus the excellently integrated door protection strips receive got added to a greater extent than styling points to the RAV4.

 However, the exterior is non without problems.  The biggest eyesore is most definitely the measure parent fog lamp.  Of course, beingness measure number inwards the likes of Kingdom of Norway too Finland, the parent fog light is null to a greater extent than than a slice of accessory hither (not counting their usefulness inwards heavy downpours).  But couldn’t  Toyota receive got thought of a ameliorate agency to integrate this constituent rather than but drilling 2 holes too screwing inwards an aftermarket part?!  If nosotros thought Toyota had a booboo amongst the Camry’s parent fog lamp, hold back till you lot opened upwardly the parent door.  It is soundless a single-piece swing out door that needs a lot of infinite to opened upwardly up.  What Toyota should receive got done is allow the drinking glass opened upwardly independently, similar to the CR-V's.

Inside, it’s the same story for the RAV4: a mixture of the practiced too the bad.  A practiced signal is that the RAV4 materials receive got improved from the older model's.  Cheesy elements such as slide-type vent controls were taken out, too the outcome is a sportier SUV.

The RAV4 emphasizes the ‘S’ rather than the ‘U’.  The white-faced gauges amongst key tachometer (that reverses to orangish text on dark background at night), sporty seats, circular air con vents too the thick sports steering bike won't await out of identify inwards a Celica. The silvery pump console amongst the Allen-Type Screws consummate the look.

More than but a visual treat, the novel RAV4 has splendid ergonomics that thrashes the much older Honda CR-V.  The handbrake too gear lever are where they belong, non requiring a stretch too a curvature but to describe it up. The ventilation controls are also within tardily accomplish too so are most of the controls on the radio.  On the negative side, the window controls are as good depression to live considered comfortably reachable too the parent fog light switch is almost hidden close the bonnet opening lever.

Space is a premium within the RAV4 as the interruption too four-wheel drive mechanisms intrude into the rider compartment. The bike wells bulge into the forepart footwells.  The parent passengers relish higher seating too relish a practiced view, but their  space is far from spacious.  The Honda CR-V soundless wins inwards the egress/ingress too infinite categories.  It's a shame that Toyota didn't operate a apartment parent flooring for the RAV4.  If they could receive got devised this for the Echo Verso, they should receive got done so amongst the much to a greater extent than expensive too newer RAV.

Luggage infinite is also express because of the large bulge caused past times the parent bike wells.  However, a practiced banking corporation complaint is that the parent seats are split upwardly crimp / spill too hence adds considerable amounts of space.  If the crimp / spill seats are non enough, the parent seats are also removable without the operate of whatever sort of tools (although the owner’s manual may come upwardly inwards handy).

Aside from the express space, in that location are exclusively 2 other irritating things well-nigh the interior: operate of materials too the stereo system.  The materials, though improved, are soundless no jibe for whatever of Honda’s offerings.  Sure, they await sporty too the original driving tools (steering wheel, gear knob too handbrake) are excellent, but the residual of the cabin isn't.  The windows switches, for instance, came from the Toyota Hi-Lux too  so did the overhead lights too map lights.  The side pockets too glove box are made upwardly of difficult plastic cloth too rattle when whatever sort of object is placed within (even a brace of CDs inwards their precious rock cases).

The stereo organisation is also a shame.  With a caput unit of measurement similar to the Toyota Echo's (or the Mitsubishi Adventure Super Sport's), you’d intend it was bad enough.  Turn it on, too you’ll uncovering out that the 4-speaker organisation is worse than awful…it’s pathetic.  Even a 10-year former Mitsubishi Galant GTi’s Kenwood thirty watt organisation is plenty to boot the parent terminate of the RAV4’s speakers.  What’s fifty-fifty worse is that since the speakers are mounted on the door, people from the exterior volition receive got a practiced thought as to what you're listening to.

The measure 10-disc CD changer is tucked nether the driver’s seat.  Not bad, until you lot start to realize that you lot tin strength out read War too Peace spell it switches discs. The quiet spell it changes discs is drowned out amongst the irritatingly loud whine from the CD changer mechanism.  The controller is quite illogical as good inwards the agency it handles the changer operation—and no cassette deck?  Where volition I play my collection of songs on record then?

Starting upwardly the engine reveals that all VVTi's, whether 1.3-liter or 2.0-liter, acquit the same way.  They receive got the same cranking sound, starter noise…its similar to starting upwardly an enlarged Echo engine.

Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 positive aspect of the RAV4 is that that the cabin is ultra quiet.  Although soundless non at par amongst the Nissan Cefiro, it is considerably quieter than the Honda CR-V or fifty-fifty the Accord.  Toyota has done a practiced project of insulating the RAV4 from the sounds of the exterior world.  Tire dissonance is considerably low, too, despite the fat, depression profile 235 / sixty HR xvi tires.  Spin the engine past times 3000 rpm too it no longer booms similar other Toyota powerplants.  Either that, or the dissonance insulation is doing its project as good well.

The engine, though quiet, is a disappointment of sorts.  The RAV4, having the same weight has as the Honda Accord, should receive got been zipping along amongst the grunt from the 2.0-liter inline-4's 148 bhp.  However, this is non the case.  The automatic transmission saps some of the acceleration, peculiarly on steep uphills climbs.  It stays inwards instant gear fifty-fifty if you lot flooring the gas pedal--requiring a shift to  ‘L’.

On a practiced note, the RAV4’s fuel efficiency is excellent.  Our automatic examine unit of measurement easily shell the manual two-wheel drive Honda Accord too manual Nissan Cefiro inwards mileage.  The RAV4 averages 7.2 kilometers a liter, topping the Honda CR-V’s 6.0 kilometers a liter.

Steering is over boosted to the signal of beingness numb.  However, the RAV4 continues  the previous model’s reputation of beingness maneuverable nether tight circumstances.  The RAV4 is comparable to the Echo as both receive got quick ratio steering, noticeable during opposite parking.  Although tight-space command is quite practiced for the RAV4, the story is unlike during highway cruising.

It seems that this car suffers from a lot of understeer needing constant additional steering inputs but to keep the car inwards the proper lane.  This is especially unsafe during ‘S’ bends or whatever sort of curves amongst a fast left or correct movement.  RAV4 drivers must live kept alarm to add together to a greater extent than steering input than a regular sedan.  Although nosotros reckon, this could rattling good live the number of the full-time all-wheel drive.

Front visibility is superb from within the RAV4, cheers to the tall ride-height too curt bonnet.  The same is truthful for side too rear-three quarters view.  However, the biggest problems receive got to live parent visibility too the overly optimistic side persuasion mirrors.

The parent drinking glass is modest enough—it's dinky! However, add together the spare tire bulge in that location too the equation equals almost no parent glass.  Though the ‘doughnut’ parent headrests aid inwards increasing visibility, it’s soundless non practiced enough.  Rear back-up sensors should receive got come upwardly measure amongst the RAV4.

The side mirrors are overly optimistic.  Sometimes, the magnification is but as good much, causing some confusion as to how unopen the trailing car is.  The dominion inwards the RAV4 is: the object inwards the mirror is MUCH MUCH closer than it seems.  The mirrors don’t furnish a practiced persuasion of the parent business office of the car too in that location is a blind spot inwards both side mirrors.  Whenever the car at the dorsum is well-nigh to overtaking the RAV4, especially when it's but about one-half a meter away, it of a abrupt disappears from the mirrors—shocking too dangerous.

The increased top too fatty tires should receive got translated to a comfortable ride, right? Think again.  The RAV4 suffers from a choppy ride that is rattling much similar the Toyota Echo's. The RAV4 should receive got been designed amongst calorie-free off-road duties inwards mind, too if this car suffers rattling much from uneven pavement, how much to a greater extent than uncomfortable would it live inwards gravel?

The RAV4, however, absorbs deep potholes amongst ease.  With the increased ride top you’ll run across the unevenness inwards the route some distance away, too you lot tin strength out operate the powerful brakes to ho-hum you lot down.  This car has meaty four-wheel discs, complemented past times security equipment such as dual airbags and, for the rootage fourth dimension inwards the Philippines, Electronic Brake Force Distribution or EBD.

The RAV4 is indeed a blueprint revolution from the previous model.  In damage of styling, the RAV4 is a giant leap from the previous model—clearly Toyota finds this segment worth spending its coin on.  With a to a greater extent than macho await too an all-new engine, the RAV4 gets the looks too performance it needs (not to cite the fuel economy) to position it inwards a higher identify or at to the lowest degree degree amongst the Honda CR-V.

On the debit column, the RAV4 lacks the driver interest factor that is so enticing inwards the modest Echo.  The poor character of materials inwards some areas become far difficult to justify the P 1.350 1 thou one thousand peso cost tag.

Bottom line: if you lot desire luxury, purchase yourself a Nissan Cefiro or Toyota Camry.  Although both are rather uninvolving to drive, the same is truthful amongst the RAV4.   Want something that’s sportier? Go for the Honda Accord.

Compared to its straight rival, the Honda CR-V, the RAV4 beats it handily inwards styling, ergonomics too active safety, but inwards other areas, similar interior infinite too engine performance, it soundless fails to deliver.  If the RAV4 can’t shell the former CR-V, what gamble does it receive got when the novel CR-V comes out inwards a twelvemonth or two?