RAV4

Vehicle: 2007 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4WD with Pkg B
Price as tested: CDN$34750

Performance: RAV4′s biggest criticism has always been power, or therefore, lack of. The previous two iterations have always felt sluggish and unrefined even with the upgraded 2.4 liter version in facelifted 2nd generation. With the introduction of the 3rd generation, RAV4 finally received the engine it deserves. This 3.5L V6 DOHC with VVT-i bumps out a healthy 269 ponies and 246 lb/ft of torque. Even if the RAV weighs close to 3700 pounds, it still has enough guts to move this vehicle. As you would expect from Toyota powertrain, its smooth and refined without any drama. The biggest surprise is how smooth its 5-speed automatic compares to 6-speed units in Camry and RX350. In this RAV, the 5-speed application has smooth and crisp shifts. In the Camry and RX350, its shifts are rough and ungainly. Even with maximum torque arrives at 4k, 246 still potent enough to provide excellent off-the-line response. On the other hand, the throttle response is typical Toyota-light.

Handling: RAV4 still true to its capable soft-roader reputation. It begins with a sound and solid body structure, smart suspension setting and an effective Active Torque Control 4WD system. The suspension is firm enough for attacking corners without any drama. The body rolls are controllable given RAV4′s high center of gravity. There are tons of understeer when pushed. As one expected from Toyota stability control, its very instrusive. It feels more like the VSA drives you instead of driver controlling the vehicle. There are couple of pet peeves at the same time. Just like other Toyotas, the chassis is detached and steering lacks proper feedback. The response is swift for a mini-ute though. With our tester’s sport setting, RAV4 feels stiff legged when going over any pavements.

Brakes: The braking performance is much better than average. As it provides confidence braking feel and modulation, with proper Brake Assist that won’t grab driver’s right foot when kicking in.

Interior: To simply stated, RAV4′s interior has nice fit but poor finish. The panel gaps are narrow and margin is very tight. Unfortunately, cheap plastic abound anywhere as your hands fall on. The painted aluminum plastic trims feel tacky. Glovebox and center console have flimsy feel. Everything inside obviously shown Toyota is cutting corners. The rest of the ergonomics is typical Toyota fare. Clear analog instrumentation, stereo placed above climate control are on expected places.

Conclusion: With the introduction of latest RAV4, Toyota has upsized their soft-roader innovator into a mid-size ute. They also made it a bargain considered our V6 Sport only costs less than $35k.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 TOYOTA RAV4
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Short review of 2004 Toyota RAV4
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Price as tested: CDN$33650

The single biggest criticism of RAV4 has always been power, of therefore, lack of. Toyota finally addressed this issue by giving RAV4 the power it desperately needs. Its the same 2.4L VVT-i DOHC 16-valver engine as in Camry, Solara and Highlander. 161hp and 165 lb/ft of torque finally gives out enough performance that this cute-ute should have back in day 1. With this powerplant, RAV4 no longer feels underengined as its a docile car to drive. It drives like a “sports car on steriods” with its firm suspension setting that provides good driver feedback. However, it remains too expensive as the model we tested with auto tranny costs over 33 grand with leather seats. For this price, you could easily get a better mini-ute like Subaru Forester.

Overall rating: 3/5

Vehicle: 2002 Toyota RAV4 with optional package B and 4-speed auto transmission

Performance: The RAV4 is powered by a 2.0L 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with Toyota’s VVT-i, which is basically their version of variable valve timing. Toyota has upgraded the hp to 145hp and 142 lb/ft of torque. This engine feels adequate, to say the least. The throttle response is about average, same goes for the acceleration. With one person, its adequate. If it comes loaded with all passengers and cargo, this engine will feel more sluggish. The 4-speed auto has Toyota’s typical smooth upshift and downshifting. Despite the slugglishness of this engine, the tranny still feels responsive through the powerband. However, it needs a proper stick shift in order to squeeze a bit more power from this little motor.

Handling: The driving dynamics is probably the best attribute of the RAV4. The steering response is quick, the off and on-center feel are decent. There’s a certain sporty feel in terms of RAV4′s suspension tuning. There are certain amount of body rolls and understeer, however, the chassis has kept them very well-behaved without some of the nervousness of its predecessor.

Interior: The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. With tachometer in the center and white gauges, it has a somewhat sporty feel. The seats are comfortable with proper driving position. Toyota has smartly placed stereo on the top of the climate control. The 3 large dials of climate control are easily adjusted and very ergonomically friendly. They also have put the aluminum trim to break the beige or black color interior norm.. However, there’s a drawback. You still can find Toyota has gone through cost-cutting from the feel and texture of some of the switchgears. There are cheap plastic around glovebox, center console and climate control areas.

The back seats are comfortable with adjustable aft and seatback angles. The cargo space is large with proper storage spaces on each corners. However, the door opens on the wrong side. When you open the back door, you are looking at the traffic instead of the sidewalk. Toyota should redesign the tailgate in order to reflect the LHD instead of RHD traffic condition. Lastly, there are some cheap, cracky noise when closing the tailgate. This noise should not happened in any Toyota products considered its typical build quality standard.

Brakes: The front discs/rear drums provide better than average pedal feel. However, ABS is an option. For a car that costs 28 large grand, ABS should be standard. Its ridiculous Toyota wants you to upgrade 2 grand more for another package in order to get ABS.

Conclusion: RAV4 is no longer the benchmark of mini-ute it used to be. There are competitors which offer better value, better performance and higher safety feature at around the same price.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2002 TOYOTA RAV4
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness/feel-good factor: 2.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2.75/5
Value-for-money: 1/5

Overall rating: 2.75/5