The Toyota Rav 4 car originates in the distant 1994 year. It was then that the first generation of these compact crossovers was born . The car was positioned as a compact SUV for outdoor activities. He really liked the youth. But now the car does not lose its former glory. Currently produced "Toyota Rav 4" 4 generations. Photos and a review of this car will be presented later in our article.
a brief description of
Four-wheel drive SUV Toyota Rav 4 of the first generation was launched into mass production in Japan in the 94th year.
The abbreviation RAV stands for Recreation Active Vehicle, that is, a car for outdoor activities. The car turned out reliable and unpretentious, with good cross-country performance. No less interesting was the Toyota Rav 4 SUV of the 2nd generation. This series was produced from 2000 to 2005. Moreover, the second generation was produced in several bodies. There was a short and long version of the Toyota Rav 4. The 3rd generation (2005-2013) was already built on a city chassis and had a stiffer suspension. The design and range of powertrains has been updated. The car still occupied leading positions in sales ratings (a kind of Japanese "Niva"). At the moment, Japan is producing four-wheel drive SUV Toyota Rav 4 "4 generations (since 2013). Like his predecessors, he is actively in demand among young people.
Design
The car has a bright and dynamic silhouette. "Rav 4" is somewhat reminiscent of other Toyota (corporate design, or something). Nevertheless, the car, in comparison with the previous generation, looks more fresh and aggressive. Now it suits not only young people, but also successful middle-aged men who want to stand out in the gray stream.
Note that the body of the Toyota Rav 4 car of the 4th generation is made from several grades of steel. The manufacturer reports that in this way he was able to reduce weight and increase the resistance of the metal to corrosion. The car noticeably added in size. So, the crossover length is 4.57 m, width - 1.84 m, height - 1.67 m.
The car has acquired a new modern door, which now opens up (and not sideways, 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 trunk lid. Over time, she began to fit poorly and close. The reason for this was the sagging loops due to the additional mass of the spare wheel. Now it is moved to a niche under the trunk.
Salon
The interior design seems modern even after four years. Every line was thought out. Salon has changed for the better. Also note that the 4th generation Toyota Rav 4 has a similar finish to the Camry. Responses of owners note that the quality of plastic and other finishes is at a decent level. At speed there are no excessive noise and creaks. This is a big plus. In the third generation, motorists noted its low quality. The plastic was tough and not glued with vibration-proof material.
The front panel is simply amazing with its futuristic shapes. Smooth lines stretch across the entire width of the cabin. The three-spoke steering wheel has convenient control buttons and is decorated with a silver insert. In the center is a digital multimedia display, below - a climate control unit.
All the necessary elements are located as conveniently as possible for both the driver and passengers. By the way, by increasing the length of the increased space in the cabin. This is also a big plus, say the reviews of the owners. The volume of the luggage compartment was also added. Now it is 577 liters, and with the seats folded - as much as 1705.
Specifications
Engines from the Japanese manufacturer have always been famous for their reliability. The Toyota Rav 4 SUV of the 4th generation was no exception. Owner reviews say that these motors do not require expensive maintenance, subject to timely technical diagnostics. Several versions of Rav 4 are officially delivered to Russia. So, in the engine lineup there are two gasoline and one diesel power unit.
In the basic configuration of Toyota Rav 4, the 4th generation is equipped with a four-cylinder unit for two liters. The motor has a timing chain drive system. Reviews note a weak spot - this is the timing chain tensioner. The VVTI valve timing system is also used here. This made it possible to increase power to 145 horsepower. The maximum torque of 187 Nm is already available at 3,500 rpm. Despite the fact that this motor is basic, the SUV boasts very good dynamics characteristics. So, acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour takes 10.2 seconds. The maximum speed is 180 kilometers per hour. Reviews note a high engine resource. "Toyota Rav 4" 4 generations can easily travel 300 thousand kilometers, subject to the timely replacement of consumables.
As for the second engine, this gasoline unit has a volume of 2.5 liters. The power of this installation is 179 horsepower. The VVTI system is also used here. The maximum engine torque is 233 Nm. It is available already at higher speeds (4100 rpm). Up to a hundred such a car accelerates in 9.4 seconds. What is strange, the maximum speed is identical to the previous engine and is 180 kilometers per hour. As for fuel consumption, it is reasonably acceptable and is 12.6 liters in the combined cycle. For comparison, the first two-liter unit consumes 9.6 liters of fuel.
Diesel version
As you know, foreign manufacturers limit the range of diesel engines for the Russian market due to the high requirements for fuel quality. So, “Toyota Rav 4” of the 4th generation is equipped with a D-4D four-cylinder unit with a volume of 2.2 liters. The maximum power is 150 horsepower. The peak torque of 340 Nm is already available from the bottom, namely from two thousand revolutions. These engines are characterized by good traction, according to the reviews of the owners. Acceleration to hundreds with this motor is 10 seconds. The maximum speed is 185 kilometers per hour.
Gearbox
A wide range of transmissions is presented to the buyer. So, you can choose one of three gearboxes. This is a six-speed manual, CVT "Multidrive" and automatic transmission in 6 gears. By the way, the variator is available even for versions with front-wheel drive.
However, motorists are not advised to purchase a version with CVT. Over time, the variator begins to hum. The reason is the wear of the transmission cone bearings. This entails a reduction in belt life. To prevent major repairs, it was necessary to change bearings early.
Other pros and cons
The fourth generation of Japanese SUVs is built 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 outdoor activities, now it is an ordinary city SUV with electronic simulations of locks. But the Japanese retained the "spirit of the past." So, the new “Rav 4” was equipped with an improved 4x4 drive system with intelligent control. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the roll suspension and the tendency to roll in corners. After a while, the silent blocks of stabilizers, struts and wheel bearings fail. The rest of the car continues to delight owners. By the way, in the new generation, the brake system was modernized. She received many electronic assistants. Patency of the car remains at a decent level.
Conclusion
So, we found out what the 4th generation of Toyota Rav 4 cars is. As you can see, the SUV has not lost its former success - it remains relevant until now, despite such a long history. The main advantage of an SUV is reliability and high traffic. And if we look specifically at the fourth generation, then there is still prestige and improved comfort.