"Toyota Rav 4" 4 generations: photo, owner reviews, pluses and minuses

The car "Toyota Rav 4" originates indistant 1994 year. It was then that the first generation of these compact crossovers appeared. The car was positioned as a compact SUV for outdoor activities. He really liked the youth. But even now the car does not lose its former glory. At the moment, Toyota Rav 4 is produced 4 generations. The photo and review of this car will be presented later in this article.

a brief description of

The all-wheel drive SUV "Toyota Rav 4" of the first generation was launched in series production in Japan in the 94th year.

The abbreviation RAV stands for RecreationActive Vehicle, that is, a car for outdoor activities. The car turned out to be reliable and unpretentious, with good passability characteristics. No less interesting was the SUV "Toyota Rav 4" 2 generations. This series was produced from 2000 to 2005. And the second generation was produced in several bodies. There was a short and long version of the car "Toyota Rav 4". 3 generation (2005-2013) was already built on the city chassis and was characterized by a stiffer suspension. The design and the range of power units were updated. The car still occupied the leading positions in the sales ratings (such a Japanese "Niva"). At the moment in Japan, the all-wheel drive off-road Toyota Rav 4 4 generation (from 2013) is produced. Just like his predecessors, he is actively in demand among young people.

Design

The car has a bright and dynamic silhouette. "Rav 4" is somewhat similar to other "Toyota" (corporate design, or something). Nevertheless, the car, in comparison with the previous generation, looks more fresh and aggressive. Now it is suitable not only for young people, but also for successful middle-aged men who want to stand out in the gray stream.

Note that the body of the car "Toyota Rav 4" 4Generation is made of several grades of steel. The manufacturer says that in this way he managed to reduce the weight and increase the resistance of the metal to corrosion. The car has considerably added in dimensions. So, the length of the crossover is 4.57 m, width - 1.84 m, height - 1.67 m.

The car has acquired a new modern door, whichnow opens up (and not in the side, as before). The car has become more convenient in terms of loading / unloading luggage. By the way, on previous generations the SUV had a problem with the rear lid of the trunk. Over time, it began to stick and close badly. The reason for this was the sagging of the loops due to the extra weight of the spare wheel. Now it is moved to a niche under the trunk.

Salon

Interior design seems modern even afterfour years. Each line was thought through. The salon has changed for the better. Also note that the Toyota Rav 4 4 generation has a similar finish with the Camry. The owners' comments indicate that the quality of the plastic and other finishes is met at a decent level. At speed there are no excessive noises and creaks. This is a big plus. In the third generation, motorists noted its low quality. The plastic was rigid and not pasted with vibration-proof material.

The front panel is amazingfuturistic forms. Smooth lines stretch across the width of the cabin. The three-spoke steering wheel has convenient control buttons and is decorated with a silver insert. In the center there is a digital multimedia display, from below - the climate control unit.

All the necessary elements are located maximallyconvenient for both the driver and passengers. By the way, due to the increase in length, the place in the cabin was added. This is also a big plus, they mention the owners' feedback. The volume of the luggage compartment was added. Now it is 577 liters, and with the seats folded - as much as 1705.

Specifications

Engines from the Japanese manufacturer alwayswere famous for their reliability. The 4-generation Toyota Rav 4 SUV was no exception. The owners' comments say that these motors do not require expensive maintenance provided timely technical diagnostics. Several versions of "Rav 4" are officially supplied to Russia. So, in the line of engines there are two petrol and one diesel power unit.

In the basic configuration of Toyota Rav 4 4 generationsis equipped with a four-cylinder unit for two liters. The motor has a chain-drive timing system. The reviews point to a weak spot - the timing chain tensioner. The VVTI timing system is also used here. This made it possible to increase the power to 145 horsepower. The maximum torque of 187 Nm is available already at 3500 rpm. Despite the fact that this motor is basic, the SUV can boast very good characteristics of the dynamics. So, acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour takes 10.2 seconds. The maximum speed is 180 kilometers per hour. The reviews mark the high resource of the engine. "Toyota Rav 4" 4 generations can easily travel 300 thousand kilometers under the condition of timely replacement of consumables.

As for the second engine, thisthe petrol unit has a volume of 2.5 liters. The power of this installation is 179 horsepower. VVTI system is also used here. The maximum torque of the engine is 233 Nm. It is available already at higher revs (4100 rev.). Up to a hundred such a car accelerates in 9.4 seconds. Strangely enough, the maximum speed is identical to the previous engine and is 180 kilometers per hour. With regard to fuel consumption, it is moderately acceptable and is 12.6 liters in a mixed cycle. For comparison, the first two-liter unit consumes 9.6 liters of fuel.

Diesel version

As you know, foreign producerslimit the range of diesel engines for the Russian market due to high requirements for fuel quality. Thus, the Toyota Rav 4 4 generation is equipped with a four-cylinder D-4D unit with a volume of 2.2 liters. The maximum power is 150 horsepower. Peak torque of 340 Nm is available already from the "bottoms", namely with two thousand revolutions. These engines are characterized by good traction, they are noted by the owners. Acceleration to a hundred with this motor is 10 seconds. The maximum speed is 185 kilometers per hour.

CPR

A wide range of products is available for the buyertransmissions. So, you can choose one of three gear boxes. This six-speed mechanics, the variator "Multidraiv" and automatic transmission for 6 gears. By the way, the variator is available even for versions with front-wheel drive.

However, motorists do not advise buyingversion with CVT. Over time, the variator begins to hum. The reason is the wear of the tapered transmission bearings. This entails a decrease in belt life. To prevent major repairs, it was necessary to change bearings early.

Other pros and cons

The fourth generation of Japanese SUVsbuilt on a new chassis, which was aimed at ensuring maximum comfort in urban conditions. And if earlier "Rav-4" was positioned as a jeep for active rest, now it is an ordinary city parket with electronic imitations of locks. But the Japanese retained "the spirit of the past." So, the new "Rav 4" equipped with an improved drive system 4x4 with intelligent control. Among the shortcomings is worth noting the roll pendant and the inclination to rolls on corners. After a while, silenced stabilizer blocks, pillars and hub bearings are out of action. In the rest, the car continues to please owners. By the way, in the new generation the brake system was modernized. She received a lot of electronic helpers. The penetration of the machine remains at a decent level.

Conclusion

So, we found out what the 4thgeneration of cars "Toyota Rav 4". As you can see, the SUV has not lost its former success - it remains relevant so far, despite such a long history. The main advantage of an off-roader is reliability and high roadability. And if we consider specifically the fourth generation, then more prestige and improved comfort.