Review of Toyota RAV4 4th generation – are there any weaknesses?

Toyota RAV 4 I (XA10) 1994 – 2000

Let's look at the evolution of the Toyota RAV 4 model range by year of production.

In 1994, Japanese manufacturers created a small 3-door SUV of the 1st generation - Toyota RAV 4 I (XA10). Its production continued until 2000, until they released a line of 2nd generation cars - the XA20. This model can be purchased on the secondary market, its cost is from 300,000 rubles.

Body RAV 4 I (XA10)

The first cars were produced in a 3-door body. Since 1995, a 5-door version has appeared. The body is made of high quality steel with a reliable paint and varnish coating. Only the bottom can corrode. A plastic protection is installed that prevents the ingress of salt and dirt.

The downside is the location of the spare wheel on the rear trunk door. With its weight, it weakens the awnings and creates extraneous noise when moving. Periodically you have to adjust the trunk lid.

The 3-door model has dimensions:

• height – 165 cm;
• length – 370.5 cm;
• width – 169.5 cm;
• wheelbase – 220 cm;
• ground clearance - 20 cm.

Dimensions of the 5-door model:

• height – 166 cm;
• length – 411.5 cm;
• width – 169.5 cm;
• wheelbase – 241 cm;
• ground clearance - 20 cm.

The open body has the same dimensions as the 3-door, only the height is 176 cm.

Salon

The car has a simple interior made of inexpensive materials. The seats are covered with velor, the rest of the parts are made of plastic. On the dashboard there are:

• speedometer;
• tachometer;
• coolant temperature sensor;
• fuel level sensor.

On the left side of the steering wheel there are buttons for controlling electric mirrors, turning on headlights and lighting the dashboard.

The car has:

• lever control of the stove and air conditioner;
• heated rear window;
• locking the center differential.

The trunk volume on the 3-door model is 175 liters with the seats folded down and 520 liters with them folded down. On a 5-door SUV with the seats in the normal position - 409 liters, in the unfolded position - 1790 liters.

Engine

The RAV 4 I (XA10) is equipped with 3 types of gasoline power units:

• 2-liter engine with a power of 129 hp, torque - 178 Nm;
• 2-liter engine with a power of 135 hp, torque - 178 Nm;
• 2-liter engine with a power of 180 hp, torque - 201 Nm.

An EV electric motor is rare; its charge lasted for 180 km.

The motor has a tight layout, even if the timing belt breaks, the valves will remain intact.

The belt must be replaced every 60,000 km. The engine life, with proper maintenance, is 300,000 kilometers.

Transmission

The power units of the Toyota RAV 4 I generation are equipped with a manual 5-speed gearbox or an automatic 4-speed gearbox. For reliability, the automatic transmission must be filled with original oil.

The disadvantage of a manual transmission is knocking out 5th speed. The manufacturer installed low-quality synchronizers on some models.

The RAV 4 XA10 was produced with high-quality all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is only engaged when stopping. Proper bridge maintenance will ensure long service life.

Chassis

The front suspension of the crossover is independent, MacPherson type, and the rear is multi-link. The car’s suspension is reliable, but over time the following malfunctions often occur:

1. The bushings of the rear arms fail, and sometimes the arms become deformed when driving on curbs and off-road.
2. Steering rack leaking.
3. Brake pad wear.

The car is equipped with power steering.

Generation II (XA20) 2000-2005

The history of the second generation model Toyota RAV 4 XA20 began in mid-2000. In Russia, it was possible to purchase only an SUV with all-wheel drive and a gasoline power unit. Since 2005, the model has been updated to the XA30.

Appearance

The car has a 3- and 5-door body, a large front bumper on which fog lights and turn signals are located. Above are the headlights and the radiator grille, on which the license plate is attached.

Dimensions of the 3-door SUV:

• height – 166.5 cm;
• length – 385 cm;
• width – 173.5 cm;
• wheelbase – 228 cm;
• ground clearance - 20 cm.

Dimensions of the 5-door crossover:

• height – 168 cm;
• length – 424.5 cm;
• wheelbase – 249 cm;
• ground clearance - 20 cm.

A spare wheel is mounted on the rear door, as on the previous model. The headlights are located vertically.

Salon

The second generation machine is equipped with:

• rich leather interior;
• thin steering wheel rim without control buttons;
• two-tone interior trim;
• mechanically adjustable seats.

It has an unusual dashboard on a white background. In the middle there is a small circle tachometer, at the edges there is a speedometer and larger coolant and fuel temperature gauges.

The 3-door model is less spacious; the back seat will be cramped for three passengers.

Engine and transmission

The second generation cars were equipped with 3 types of engines:

• 1AZ-FE - 2 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a power of 147 hp, torque - 192 Nm.
• 1ZZ-FE - 1.8 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a power of 125 hp, torque - 161 Nm.
• 1CD-FTV - four-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection, volume 2 liters, power - 116 hp, torque - 250 Nm.

All engines were coupled with a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission.

All-wheel drive models with a 2-liter gasoline engine operating with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission went on sale in Russia.

Chassis

The front suspension is independent, MacPherson type, with a transverse stabilizer for stability. Rear - with double wishbones and stabilizer.

Toyota RAV 4 XA20 is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

III generation Rav 4 XA30

In 2005, the third generation RAV 4 XA30 was introduced in European countries. In Russia, this model was actively sold from 2006 to 2013, until it was replaced by the fourth generation XA40.

Appearance

The appearance of the RAV 4 XA30 SUV has changed slightly. Noticeable is the large rear bumper, on which the fog lights are located, the rear trunk lid with a spare wheel, and the massive front grille, divided by transverse lines, with an attached license plate.

Crossover dimensions:

• length – 439.5 cm;
• width – 181.5 cm;
• height – 172 cm;
• wheelbase – 256 cm;
• ground clearance - 18-19 cm.

Salon

The interior of the third generation SUV has changed more significantly:

1. Additional glove compartments appeared on the front panel, making it a two-story one.
2. Comfortable steering wheel with control buttons.
3. Blue dashboard lights.
4. The speedometer is located in the middle of the panel with the on-board computer screen.

The unusual design has climate control controls: in the form of a circle with buttons.

Engine and transmission

Totota RAV4 3 generations are equipped with 3 types of gasoline engines:

• 1AZ-FE - four-cylinder 2-liter engine with a power of 152 hp, torque - 194 Nm;
• 2AZ-FE – 2.4 liter engine, 170 hp, torque – 224 Nm;
• 3ZR-FAE – 2 liter power unit, 148 hp, torque – 198 Nm.

The all-wheel drive crossover with the 2AZ-FE engine was equipped with only an automatic 4-speed gearbox.

The remaining 2 types of engines were combined with 5 manual transmission and 4 automatic transmission.

Chassis

Rav 4 has a reliable and durable suspension, the rear is multi-link, the front is MacPherson type. Its disadvantage is rigidity and expensive maintenance.

Modification

The third generation RAV 4 is no longer available in a 3-door body. The driver has the ability to disable all-wheel drive using a clutch.

Advantages and disadvantages

The list of pros and cons is compiled based on owner reviews and test drive results.

Among the advantages of the car are:

• attractive design;
• dynamism;
• safety;
• optional all-wheel drive system for easy off-road driving;
• good handling;
• comfortable interior and high quality finishes.

Thanks to the sensitive steering wheel and rigid body, the car holds the road well and takes corners easily. It is stable and does not react to side winds.

Disadvantages of the car:

1. Slow response when pressing the gas pedal - there is a pause of 1-2 seconds.
2. Poor appearance (not for everyone) and poor functionality of the multimedia system.
3. Harsh, irritating dashboard lighting.

According to many owners, the trunk volume is too small for a crossover.

Fourth generation of the car

Toyota Rav 4 XA40 was released in 2012 in America. It appeared in Russia at the beginning of 2013. In 2015, the 4th model was updated, and in 2019 the 5th generation appeared - RAV 4 XA50.

Appearance

The front of the Toyota Rav 4 SUV looks voluminous due to the additional fake radiator grille. It is located between the headlights. This part is divided into two identical parts by a plastic bridge.

The rear part of the body has changed. The spare wheel was moved from the rear door lid under the trunk floor. The sills and arches are protected by a rubber coating.

SUV dimensions:

• length – 457 cm;
• width – 171.5 cm;
• height – 184.5 cm;
• wheelbase – 266 cm;
• ground clearance - from 165 to 195 cm

The last indicator depends on the configuration of the car.

Salon

The fourth generation RAV 4 salon is equipped with:

• two-level multifunctional front panel;
• comfortable 3-spoke steering wheel with control buttons;
• comfortable adjustable seats;

Two interior colors are also available.

Equipment

In the fourth generation, the bumper is different in color from the body. A plastic steering wheel is also installed.

The security system is equipped with:

• two front airbags;
• side cushions built into the seats;
• driver's knee cushion.

The car also includes:

• electric trunk drive;
• access to control without an ignition key;
• Blind spot monitoring.

The disadvantages of the configuration are:

• the presence of an electric window only on the driver's side;
• lack of electric passenger seats;
• The hood is held on by an old poker stop.

Rav 4 with an engine capacity of 2.5 due to the exhaust system has a low ground clearance of 165 cm.

Toyota Rav 4 cars of all generations lack high-quality sound insulation.

Engine and transmission

4th generation cars have three types of power units:

1. 3ZR-FE – 2 liter four-cylinder petrol engine, 146 hp, torque – 187 Nm, with distributed fuel injection;
2. 2AD-FTV - 2.2 liter diesel engine, 150 hp, torque - 340 Nm, with common-rail injection.
3. 2AR-FE - gasoline power unit, volume 2.5 liters, power 180 hp, torque - 233 Nm, with distributed injection.

A manual transmission and variator are installed on cars with a two-liter gasoline engine. The 2AD-FTV and 2AR-FE motors are combined with a hydromechanical automatic transmission.

Ride quality is the same as the previous model.

IV generation restyling

Some updates were made in 2015:

• Front and rear LED lights are installed.
• The radiator grille and front bumper have been updated.
• The suspension was replaced with a sports one with a switch under the steering wheel.
• Improved multimedia display.

The car received a rare two-liter diesel power unit.

Toyota RAV4 engines

Engine sizes of the Toyota Rav4 crossover start from 1.8 liters and end at 3.5 liters. The crossover itself positions itself as a vehicle for young people. That's why the Japanese made the car all-wheel drive. Of course, they also installed reliable and durable motors.

Torque for all Toyota Rav4 units is transmitted to all 4 wheels. The first generation of machines was equipped with a 3ZRFE engine. This is a 2.0 liter unit. Let's look at it in more detail in the block below.

2.0 3ZRFE

This is a gasoline engine. Its operating power was 138 horses. But a few years later, Toyota engineers increased the power to 178 horses, and the engine itself was slightly modified. It was given the name 3S-GE. Both engines can be compatible with either a manual or automatic transmission.

Let's look at the technical specifications of the 3ZRFE engine for Toyota Rav4.

Attention! The two-liter 3ZRFAE engine is found on American vehicles. It is considered the largest engine in the ZR series. Reliable and durable, not capricious unlike the GR series with a volume of 3.5 cc. The latter is capricious and often experienced car owners complain about the breakdown of spark plugs and coils after 50 thousand kilometers. It happens before.

Possible malfunctions:

• increased soot;
• increased lubricant consumption;
• low timing chain life;
• oil and antifreeze leak.

Similar article Technical characteristics and reviews of the 2AZ FE engine

Overall, it is a repairable, reliable engine. With proper care and annual maintenance, it can last a million kilometers. Produced from 2008 to 2013.

Engine Toyota Rav4 2.5 2ARFE

The engine replaced the 2AZFE. The service life of the 2.5 liter 2 ARFE engine exceeds half a million kilometers. Experienced car owners say that they need to monitor the timing chain, as it is weak.

Malfunctions include engine knocking during operation in the first years. If it appears, then perhaps the Rav4 engine has problems with the VVT ​​drive. The cylinders are made of aluminum alloy. Therefore, the engine is afraid of overheating. It is necessary to clean the cooling system on time.

Technical characteristics in the table.

Produced from 2008 to 2012. The design of the Rav4 engine does not provide for its repair. Despite all the songs of praise for this reliable long-liver, car owners note its disposability. Therefore, the 2ARFE engine should be treated with care.

Diesel 2.2 2 AD FHV

Produced from 2005 to 2015. The main difference between the engine was the complex Diesel Clean Advanced Technology exhaust cleaning system. It purifies carbon monoxides according to the standard and additionally removes soot particles and nitrogen oxides.

The engine was equipped with piezo injectors and a turbocharger. The latter was liquid cooled.

Common rail fuel system. A block of balancer shafts has been installed. The injection pump - HP3 created a pressure of up to 2 thousand bar. Specifications are shown in the table below.

Similar article Technical characteristics of the 409 UAZ Patriot engine

The Rav4 engine is reliable, but sometimes problems arise with the engine twitching during acceleration. This means that the geometry blades are jammed. Car owners also note that the turbines are under-inflated and over-inflated. All these problems arise due to the wedge geometry of the blades.

The vacuum valve is clogged. At high speed the Check Engine light comes on. The valve can be cleaned with your own hands.

Although the manufacturer indicates a high lifespan of a diesel engine, it is actually unknown how long it will last. According to experienced mechanics, one filling with low-quality fuel can break it.

Engine Rav4 2.0 1AZ

Rav4 engines of the 1AZ and 2AZ series differ in cylinder diameter and piston stroke. The former have an engine capacity of 2 liters. There are 300 thousand kilometers before major repairs.

Experienced mechanics do not recommend experimenting with the quantity and quality of oil when operating a series of these engines on the Rav4. They are very demanding of a good lubricant. Without it, the timing belt repair will be provided to the car owner after 100 thousand kilometers.

An oil burner will appear. The piston rings will have to be replaced. A similar disease with improper care appears in engines that appeared before 2007.

Then this defect was corrected. The threads for mounting the cylinder head were modernized. The aluminum cylinder block has also been modified.

Engine 2.4 2AZ

If the first engine is not repairable, then this engine on the Toyota Rav4 received 1 repair size for the light-alloy cylinder block. Cast iron sleeves, as in the first one, are pressed into the block.

This Rav4 engine is very afraid of overheating. Experienced mechanics note that it is possible to kill it in one go, even with low mileage. The only difference with this engine is its increased volume. In general, it is no different from the previous one.

Experienced mechanics recommend buying contract engines of this model. Because the engines are reliable. They will easily cover another 200, 300 thousand kilometers with proper care. Factory parts are always installed on contract Rav4 engines, and the units themselves are checked twice: at the manufacturer’s plant, where the goods come from, and by experienced mechanics already at the domestic service center.

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Engine 2.0 3S FE

Another reliable 2-liter engine for the Toyota Rav4. According to experienced Toyota Rav4 car owners, problems with the engine begin only after crossing the 200,000 kilometer mark. The first disease is the timing chain. Its resource is 150 thousand kilometers.

Attention! Rav4 car owners recommend pouring 5W40 oil into engines before the year 96, and 5W30 after the year 96.

The Rav4 engine is considered to be of high quality. Fuel consumption ranges from 4.9 liters on the highway to 11.9 liters in the city. Maximum engine power is 140 horsepower.

Resource

With proper care, the lifespan of the above engine lines for Toyota Rav4 exceeds 200 thousand kilometers. Some are capable of walking more than half a million.

According to reviews from car owners, only in the absence of a scheduled inspection or careless attitude, engines exhaust their service life at 200 thousand km.

Toyota Rav 4 – V generation

In December 2021, the Rav 4 V generation went on sale in America. It is planned to release the car in Russia no earlier than December 2019. The standard basic equipment is estimated at 1,590,000 rubles.

Appearance

In this configuration, the appearance of the car has changed, which can be seen in the photo:

• The radiator grille took on a trapezoidal shape and became larger.
• To improve visibility, rear view mirrors were installed on the doors.
• The headlights are located at the corners of the hood.
• The taillights are in the style of luxury Lexus models.
• Volumetric front bumper.
• The rear bumper is equipped with reinforced plastic protection.

The rear trunk door has become rectangular in shape.

Salon

The car has a strict and solid interior. The driver was able to change the position of the steering wheel in terms of tilt and height. A large 4.2-inch display appeared on the dashboard.

The salon is covered with expensive, high-quality materials. Comfortable chairs are installed. The trunk has a volume of 580 liters in normal condition and 1615 liters with the seats folded down.

Dimensions:

• length – 460 cm;
• width – 170 cm;
• height – 185 cm;
• wheelbase – 269 cm.

Ground clearance is 19.5 cm.

A little history

The model was presented at the end of 2012, and actual sales began in 2013. Technically, this is the third generation with a radically updated body and interior. Although the suspension has been improved in the direction of comfort.

The design has changed dramatically, and the spare tire has moved from the rear door under the trunk floor. They also added practicality - the sills and arches were protected with a rubber coating.

The engine range has narrowed slightly. In the fourth generation, the 2.4 liter gasoline engine and 2.0 liter diesel engine were no longer available. Although in practice the diesel third generation practically did not exist (14 out of 1492 cars on sale).

A two-liter diesel engine in the fourth generation appeared on the list of possibilities only after restyling, but finding it for sale on the secondary market is almost impossible. They borrowed it from Avensis (2WW P4 produced by BMW) and it was not officially supplied to Russia.