The sales director of one of the largest dealerships of the Toyota brand talks about how he met the Russian market of the third generation Toyota RAV4, what advantages ensured the success of the model, what disadvantages prevented it from selling even better, and how real the problems with the car were, around which the spears broke on the Internet .
The debut of a new model, as a rule, coincides with the completion of the life cycle of its predecessor. On the eve of the first test drive of the new Toyota RAV4, AutoVesti decided to sum up the life path of the third generation of the Japanese crossover. We asked Irina Frank, sales director of the Moscow Toyota Center Yasenevo car dealership, to take part in this kind of "evening of memory":
"The RAV4 is considered the ancestor of the crossover class itself, but this fact alone, of course, would not have provided the Japanese car with good sales. So, the third generation had many advantages, and it makes sense to divide them into two large groups. The first is those qualities, of which the image of Japanese cars as a whole is taking shape (and the cars supplied to the Russian market were not only developed, but also assembled in Japan): first of all, this is reliability, unpretentiousness and careful study of the design from the point of view of safety.
The second group is a set of those features and solutions that have made the RAV4, if not unique, then an extremely attractive selling proposition. Good handling on pavement and the ability to confidently overcome light off-road conditions, visibility best for its segment, ease of use of the trunk due to low loading height and ease of folding the rear seat - if we sum it all up, we get a versatile family car.
The third generation Toyota RAV4 entered the assembly line in 2006, and in 2010 it underwent restyling (pictured is a restyled car)
For many buyers, an important advantage was the high demand for such cars in the secondary market. However, this had its downside: until about 2010, both sales figures and the number of thefts were high. What increased the cost of protecting the car: in particular, when buying a CASCO policy, RAV4 owners, as a rule, had to pay more than the owners of competing cars.
The RAV4 is not without flaws, although the chances of encountering some of them and the effect of them are greatly exaggerated in the course of active discussions on thematic forums. First of all, this concerns the allegedly weak paintwork. In an effort to reduce environmental damage, Toyota, like most other manufacturers, uses water-based paints, and they are indeed more "gentle" than those used twenty years ago. But the chips and scratches that appear are not so much a problem with the quality of the paint, but with Russian roads with a lot of dirt and aggressive liquids - from oil and gasoline leaking from old trucks to anti-icing agents. Chips on the windshield are not considered symptoms of its insufficient strength. At the same time, we must not forget that the Japanese brand has a very loyal warranty policy, and in the event of rust in the places of chips, the hood is repainted at the dealer using a special technology or replaced under warranty.
In the last two years, approximately 27,000 RAV4s have been sold annually on the Russian market. In 2011, the crossover became the most successful Toyota model in Russia, overtaking the Corolla and Camry sedans.
The same can be said about the creak of the rear door, which usually manifests itself when hitting curbs or snowdrifts - at such moments, a slight distortion of the rear door is possible due to the "playing" load-bearing body. Not a single crossover is spared from this. As for the knocking and too hard work of the rear suspension on the RAV4 of the first years of production, we are talking about a "childhood disease" - low rigidity of silent blocks, which was easily "treated" by replacing the levers under warranty.
Among the shortcomings that are equally obvious to both potential buyers and dealers, one can only single out the sound insulation that is inferior to many competitors and the trouble with the head light common to most Japanese cars, which is frankly lacking when driving on unlit roads. One of these problems will definitely be solved with the advent of the sale of fourth-generation cars - a number of trim levels include xenon headlights. Toyota promises that everything will be in order with noise insulation on new generation cars.
The "two-story" front panel was not to everyone's taste, but was one of the elements that set the RAV4 apart from most classmates.
It's funny that sometimes an obstacle to buying a third-generation RAV4 (or just an excuse) was the design of the car, which was supposedly "too feminine". It is curious how the Russians will react to the appearance of the new generation - will they find more "masculinity" in it, or will the image of a female car still be preserved for the RAV4 for some time ... "
We remind you that the first test drive of the fourth generation Toyota RAV4 will take place today. Look for material about him on AvtoVesti in the afternoon.
Other related materials
The image of a ladies' car and the need to carry out maintenance every 10,000 km. We are not sure that the shortcomings of the RAV4 III generation are exhausted here.
Over the twenty-odd years of the model's history, buyers' love for the RAV4 has only intensified. Each subsequent modification sold better and better. The Toyota RAV4 is a full-fledged parent of the class of crossovers built on a passenger base with a non-load-bearing body, but at the same time with all-wheel drive and serious ground clearance. Today, the fourth generation RAV4 is on sale, which still favorably distances itself from competitors with its traditional features and qualities.
Despite the fact that the third generation of the crossover did not feel as at ease on the market as the first two, the RAV4 easily managed to use its advantages. A successful combination of consumer qualities made it one of the most attractive offers on the market, even despite the impressive cost and competition. And the image of a ladies' car, rather, even contributed to sales growth.
Our third Recreational Active Vehicle appeared in 2006. Dynamic, well controlled, comfortable car with a strong suspension and some off-road potential. At the beginning of 2009, along with a light restyling, the debut of the 7-seater version of the Long took place, which, however, was not in great demand. Well, the RAV4 suffered a serious modernization in 2010, when, along with a changed appearance, a new 2.0-liter engine from Avensis with a progressive Valvematic system and a stepless variator instead of an outdated 4-speed automatic came. However, the elongated modification of the Long before the change of generations in 2013 was traded with the old interior, 2.4 liter engine and automatic transmission.
steering rack
■ Really weak point. Sometimes she starts tapping on bumps already at a run of 60,000 km. Rod kits are available for repair, but they will not extend its life for a long time. Maximum 10,000-20,000 km. For safety reasons, it is better to immediately replace the entire rail (20,000 rubles). There are no complaints about the electric power steering.
Transmission
■ Automatic and CVT do not like off-road adventures with slippage. Or towing heavy trailers. Some owners note slight jolts when shifting from first to second gear on cars with automatic transmissions. But this problem is rare and annoying slightly. The main thing is not to forget to change the oil in the box every 60,000 km. On the manual gearbox, by the way, sometimes the lever bites in first gear.
Engine
■ All gasoline engines are considered trouble-free and easily digest domestic fuel. The timing drive is chain, and the chain lasts about 200,000 km. She reports the moment of replacement with an unpleasant annoying strumming. Motors 2.0 can be filled with AI-92 and AI-95. Whereas the 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine is designed exclusively for the 92nd. Attachment belts usually go up to 60,000-70,000 km.
In the basic version, a complete set of safety equipment (7 airbags, ABS) plus full power accessories, air conditioning, "music" and so on. The top version "Prestige" flaunts leather, navigation and xenon. The "two-story" architecture of the dashboard and the design of the door cards remained a hallmark of the interior. Rounded shapes prevail around the perimeter of the center console, and rectangular air vents crown its top
We take any motor
So, there were only three motors. At first, two atmospheric gasoline units: 148 hp. (2.0 l) and 170 hp (2.4 l), and after restyling in 2010, the place of the 148-horsepower was taken by a 2.0-liter 158-horsepower engine. A 2.2-liter diesel or a 3.5-liter gasoline engine from overseas markets is not taken into account. All three motors are distinguished by a high trouble-free resource of about 300,000 km. Further, even with a regular oil change every 10,000 km, the output on the cylinders no longer allows them to be repaired. And the "oil burner", which can manifest itself by 150,000 km, is eliminated by replacing the piston rings.
The cost of RAV4 in the secondary market
It is impossible not to mention the RAV4 of the first years of production, which had a design defect - a leak in the cooling system pump. But almost all the cars were then repaired under warranty. And perhaps the only nuance that worries the owners at the turn of 150,000 km is the cooling radiator. Due to the loss of tightness, it was subject to replacement.
RAV4 transmissions, like engines, do not cause any particular problems. The key to their health is, again, regular oil changes. Even the variator can boast of reliability. As soon as you are choosing an all-wheel drive car with a clutch in the rear differential, we recommend that you look in the service book for entries about changing the oil in the above-mentioned unit. The interval should not exceed 40,000 km. The "launched" differential will hum, and then refuse to work at all, turning the car into a front-wheel drive.
The RAV4 body can be considered a model of anti-corrosion resistance, although you should not abuse it, since the paint is exclusively water-based. The front edge of the hood begins to “bloom” first, they were even once repaired under warranty. The weak point is deservedly considered the fifth door. If a spare tire hangs on it, this is a guarantee that the door hinges (5000 rubles per set) have sagged and need to be replaced. There are, however, versions without a spare tire. They do not have such problems. RAV4 owners have a warm relationship with electrical equipment. A typical malfunction, in fact, is one - a blown rear brake light switch under the brake pedal. The interior plastic is quite hard, which is why it sometimes sins with extraneous sounds that complement the very noticeable flaws in sound insulation. The crossover literally conveys to the salon a cheerful “song” of sand knocking on the inner surfaces of the wings.
Crossovers were invented by marketers who offered buyers a conditional set of off-road qualities at a hefty price. Add in the brand's image, and you get the answer to the question of why the RAV4 is so slowly losing value in the secondary market. The third generation has lost its former main feature - permanent four-wheel drive. Alas, the 3-door version is no more.
The chassis is strong. The only complaint is a stiff suspension, especially at the rear, but reliability is on top. The front lower arms will last up to 150,000 km, and the resource of the rear trailing arms is usually 100,000 km. The front shock absorbers are ready to go up to 100,000 km, and the rear shock absorbers are 50,000 longer. Silent blocks and anthers have the same resource, but they can suffer from urban reagents even earlier. Brake pads front (5200 rubles) and rear (4200 rubles) withstand 40,000-50,000 km, discs go twice as long.
In a word, we did not find any contraindications for buying a used third-generation Toyota RAV4. Due to complete loyalty to the 92nd gasoline, an Americanized 2.4-liter engine looks preferable. Although the 2.0-liter units are not a miss. We are not afraid of the CVT, all "children's" sores, as a rule, are eliminated under warranty or by previous owners. So, after checking the condition of the steering rack and the regular maintenance of the rear differential, you can safely take it. If, of course, there is enough money ...
Text: Ilya Fisher, Photo: Toyota
The Japanese company Toyota today ranks first in the world in the production and sales of cars, and its RAV4 turned out to be the world's first crossover (English Crossover Utility Vehicle, abbreviated CUV), although it is increasingly referred to as SUVs (SUV). Today, the fourth generation of "ravchiks" has already been created, presented in various trim levels. What is the world pioneer in the CUV class, to which our Toyota RAV4 review is dedicated?
Toyota is the largest automaker
Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in 1937 by the Toyoda family of Japanese entrepreneurs and industrialists, who started their business thirteen years earlier with the production of automatic looms. It was the proceeds from the sale of the Toyoda loom patent to the British company that served as start-up capital, allowing them to develop and launch their own car model. The second from the end letter “d” (Toyoda) was changed to “t” (Toyota) - and a new brand is ready!
In 2007, for the first time, Toyota overtook the American General Motors in terms of the number of cars produced and sold, and since 2012 it has constantly held the status of the largest automaker in the world. The company is also the largest public joint stock company in Japan.
In Russia, a Toyota representative office was opened in 1998, and since 2002, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor LLC has been operating. In 2007, the Russian plant of the company was launched, which is located in St. Petersburg and (according to the official web resource toyota.ru) is engaged in the production of a full cycle of Camry and RAV4 models.
History of the Toyota compact crossover - RAV4 models
The first RAV4 was born in 1994 - in the form of a mini-crossover. It was conceived as a car for young people who love outdoor activities. Hence the letters in the name: they took the Recreation Active Vehicle - they got the abbreviation RAV. The number "4" stands for four-wheel drive. This generation has already been officially sold in the Russian car market.
The newest Toyota Rav 4 today - IV generation - was presented in November 2012 in Los Angeles.
The first "ravchiki" (SXA10) were produced from 1994 to 2000 by the Toyota plant in Japan. At the start, they were produced with three-door bodies, but already in 1995, the plant also launched the production of 5-door ones. The engines were used only gasoline, with a capacity of 135 and 178 horsepower, with a volume of 2.0 liters.
Length / width / height of the car - 3730 / 1695 / 1655 (hereinafter - millimeters), ground clearance - from 195 to 205, wheelbase - 2200.
Despite the four in the title, the cars were both full- and front-wheel drive. Equipping the gearbox was also carried out in 2 versions:
- automatic transmission 4-speed;
- mechanical 5-speed.
The 1998 modification underwent minor restyling (optics, bumpers, radiator grille) and had a body version with a fabric roof.
The release of the II generation of Toyota mini-crossovers (CA20W) dates back to 2000-2005, they were also assembled only in Japan, with three- and five-door bodies, all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
The main changes compared to the first "raw":
- gasoline engines - 1.8 l / 123 horsepower, 2.0 l / 150 hp, 2.4 l / 161 hp;
- for the first time, a 2.0 l / 116 hp diesel engine was also used;
- body increase - length / width / height of one modification 3820 / 1735 / 1665, another 4155 / 1735 / 1690;
- an increase in the wheelbase - 2280 in one modification, 2490 in another.
The second generation was also restyled with a change in the shape of the optics and radiator grille - in 2004.
III generation of "ravchiks" - 2005-2013 - refers no longer to mini, but to compact crossovers. Length / width / height reached 4395 / 1815 / 1685, wheelbase - 2560. But the clearance decreased to 180-190.
Please note: it is to this generation that the elongated crossover called the Toyota Vanguard belongs and is officially sold only in the Japanese car market. In addition, a modification was produced for the USA with a 6-cylinder 3.5-liter engine and also an elongated body.
During this period, the automaker abandoned the 1.8-liter engine, permanent all-wheel drive in favor of a front-wheel drive with a rear plug-in, and most importantly, a three-door body. The interior of the salon has been completely changed.
In 2010, the first crossover in history was updated - the characteristics of the Toyota Rav 4 underwent 4 cardinal changes:
- the appearance of version III LWB with a car length of 4625 mm, a wheelbase of 2660, an increased trunk volume and a more spacious interior;
- increase in power of the 2.0-liter engine up to 158 hp, 2.4 l - up to 184 hp;
- the appearance in some trim levels of a continuously variable transmission (variator, CVT) instead of an automatic or manual transmission;
- introduction of 6-speed automatic transmission and manual transmission.
The design has also changed, the most radical innovation is the integration of the radiator grille into the front bumper.
The modified "ravchik" appeared immediately on the Russian market - sales started on June 1, 2010. And in October 2011, the company reduced the power of the 3ZR-FAE engine to 148 "horses" in cars produced for the Russian market in order to provide customers with savings on transport tax.
IV generation Rav 4 has been produced since 2013, except for Japan, at factories in the Chinese city of Changchun and in Russian St. Petersburg.
The crossover has again grown significantly in size (except for the height) - 4570 / 1845 / 1670, the design of the front bumper has changed, which now evokes associations with a bulldog bite, but most importantly, the spare wheel disappeared from the back door, moving under the trunk floor, and the door itself started open up, ceasing to loosen up.
We outlined a brief history - we turn to the description of the Toyota RAV4.
Specifications Toyota Rav 4
Engine
The line of engines installed on the third (XA30) and fourth (XA40) generations of Toyota Rav 4 is distinguished by low fuel consumption, sufficiently high torque and reliability.
The main parameters of the motors that the manufacturer has been equipping the Russian “ravchiki” since 2005 are presented in the table.
| Engine | 1AZ-FE | 2AZ-FE | 3ZR-FAE | 3ZR-FE | 2AD-FTV | 2AR-FE |
| Volume, l | 2 | 2,4 | 2 | 2 | 2,3 | 2,5 |
| Fuel | Gasoline AI-95 | Gasoline AI-92, AI-95 | Gasoline AI-92, -95, -98 | Gasoline AI-92, -95 | DT | Gasoline AI-92, -95 |
| Type | Inline, 4-c. | 4-c., VVT-i | Inline, 4-c. | Inline, 4-c. | Inline, 4-c. | Inline, 4-c. |
| Power, hp | 144-152 | 145-170 | 148-158 | 140-146 | 150 | 169-184 |
| Torque, Nm / rpm | 190-194 / 4000 | 214-219 / 4000 | 189 / 3500, 189-196 / 3800, 198 / 4000 | 187 / 3600, 190-194 / 3900 | 340 / 2800 | 233 / 4000, 167-235 / 4100, 344 / 4700 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | 8,9-10,7 | 7,9-12,4 | 6,9-8,1 | 7,9-8,1 | 6,7 | 7,9-11,2 |
Chassis, running gear
The third generation RAV4 has only all-wheel drive, with the exception of the Standard package, which is available in either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.
Drive type IV generation configurations:
- Classic - front;
- Standard (Plus), Comfort (Plus) - front or full;
- the rest are complete.
The clearance of Toyota Rav 4 2013-2019 in some modifications is 197 mm, in others - only 165.
For parking to curbs and driving on problematic Russian roads, high ground clearance has an undeniable advantage.
The 3 transmission types that RAV4s are available with:
- manual transmission;
- automatic transmission;
- variable speed drive.
Body, dimensions
Dimensions Rav 4 fourth generation - length / width / height, mm:
- RAV4 2012 Classic, Standard (Plus), Prestige, Elegance - 4570 / 1845 / 1670;
- RAV4 2012 other configurations - 4570 / 1845 / 1715;
- RAV4 restyling 2015 - length increased to 4605, Comfort (Plus) and Standard (Plus) are available in two versions, height 1670 or 1715, other dimensions have not changed.
The number of seats for passengers, regardless of configuration - 5.
Trunk volume after restyling in 2015 - 577 liters in all trim levels, before it - only in Prestige Plus, in the rest 506 liters.
The beauty of the interior of the Toyota RAV4 is no different. But it is distinguished by a comfortable adjustment of the seat backs, which can be tilted to any degree and even folded onto the floor, turning the cabin into a real bedroom.
3 complete sets with seat upholstery and front panel trim in leather:
- Prestige;
- exclusive;
- Prestige Safety.
Leather upholstery is a combination of genuine leather and synthetics.
Safety
The safety of Toyota RAV4 2009 and newer is ensured by:
- traction control system;
- stability control system;
- disc brakes with ABS;
- side airbags for the front seats;
- active head restraints of these seats;
- full size side curtain airbags.
Toyota RAV4 trim levels
8 actual complete sets of "ravchik" presented on toyota.ru:
- Standard;
- Standard Plus;
- Comfort Plus;
- style;
- adventure;
- Prestige;
- exclusive;
- Prestige Safety.
Also available on the secondary market:
- Classic;
- Comfort;
- elegans;
- Prestige Plus;
- Prestige Black.
RAV4 configurations differ in tires and wheels, safety and comfort levels, design, multimedia systems, additional options for storage and transportation of goods.
Features of the model presented on the Russian market
The Rav 4 model, which is produced and sold in Russia, differs from Toyota crossovers for Japan, the USA and / or Europe:
- engine characteristics;
- body dimensions and wheel pair dimensions;
- adaptation to the harsh Russian winters.
At the same time, with the adaptation to domestic road conditions, as the test drive of Toyota Rav 4 shows, things are not going well. On bumps and ruts, the car shakes and throws up too much, which is not typical for an SUV. It follows from this that the “ravchik” is more correctly attributed to city cars (crossovers), and for off-road driving it is worth looking for another vehicle.
Prices for new and used cars
Prices for crossovers of the 2017 2018 model year, new items listed on toyota.ru, are from 1 million 450 thousand rubles for Standard Plus and Standard to 2.058 million rubles. on Prestige Safety.
Prices for "Ravchiki" of the first generation to date have dropped to 400 thousand, 350 thousand and even 250 thousand rubles.
Used cars 2010 - 2014 cost from 900 thousand to 1.4 million rubles. depending on the configuration and technical condition.
Comparison of Toyota RAV4 with competitors
4 direct competitors of the Toyota RAV4 with a 2.5-liter engine (in alphabetical order):
- Mitsubishi Outlander;
- Nissan X-Trail (read more about);
- Subaru Forester (read more about);
- Suzuki Grand Vitara.
All except perhaps the Subaru outperform the Rav 4 at lower prices. But the advantage of the Toyota crossover is that it is available with automatic transmission and manual transmission, while competitors only with a CVT. It also compares favorably with a spacious interior, good acceleration and a vaunted Toyota engine.
Typical problems when operating Toyota RAV4
The notorious drawback of the "ravchik" of all years is too stiff suspension, III and IV generations - weak, but unpleasant jolts when shifting gears to automatic transmission.
The third generation was "noted" by frequent breakdowns of the steering rack and a short shelf life (60-70 thousand km) of the chain drive.
The latest generation is characterized by:
- rapid wear of the continuously variable transmission and the same steering rack;
- short service life of the suspension and brake system, which must be replaced after the same 60-70 thousand km;
- low quality plastic for exterior trim, causing a knock inside the cabin;
- insufficient quality of paint, due to which chips quickly occur;
- weak noise isolation.
RAV4 also needs frequent and regular cleaning of the radiator of the cooling system, otherwise it starts to act up after 90 thousand km of run.
Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover, the first generation of which was put into production in 1994. The model name is an acronym for Recreation Active Vehicle. The basis for the creation of the car was the platform from the Toyota Celica GT-Four.
In the first year of production, the crossover was available only in a three-door version, but already in 1995 five-door Toyota RAV 4 went on sale. In 1998, the car was restyled, at the same time a version with a soft fabric roof appeared.
Options and prices Toyota RAV4 III
| Equipment | Price | Engine | Box | Drive unit |
| Standard 2.0MT 2WD | 967 000 | gasoline 2.0 (148 hp) | mechanics (6) | front |
| Standard 2.0MT 4WD | 1 056 000 | gasoline 2.0 (148 hp) | mechanics (6) | full |
| Standard 2.0 AT 4WD | 1 104 000 | gasoline 2.0 (148 hp) | variator (7) | full |
| Comfort 2.0MT 4WD | 1 183 000 | gasoline 2.0 (148 hp) | mechanics (6) | full |
| Comfort 2.0AT 4WD | 1 231 000 | gasoline 2.0 (148 hp) | variator (7) | full |
| Elegance 2.0AT 4WD | 1 309 000 | gasoline 2.0 (148 hp) | variator (7) | full |
| Comfort Plus 2.4AT 4WD LWB | 1 336 000 | gasoline 2.4 (170 hp) | automatic (4) | full |
| Prestige 2.0AT 4WD | 1 366 000 | gasoline 2.0 (148 hp) | variator (7) | full |
| Prestige Plus 2.4AT 4WD LWB | 1 461 000 | gasoline 2.4 (170 hp) | automatic (4) | full |
In 2000, the second generation RAV4 replaced its predecessor. For five years, cars have been produced in five-door and three-door bodies, available in front- or all-wheel drive.
Toyota RAV 4 3 generation went on sale in 2005. Alas, from now on the car has lost one of its signature features - permanent all-wheel drive. The three-door version also did not find a place in the company's production plans.
In 2010, the car was updated, it received a different false radiator grille, modified headlights and taillights, as well as a retouched front bumper. In addition, the crossover has acquired a long-wheelbase modification.
The length of the standard version of the Toyota RAV4 III is 4445 mm, width - 1815, height - 1685. Overall dimensions of the car with a long base LWB: length - 4625, width - 1855, height - 1720. / long base): 410/540 liters.
The exteriors of cars with a short and long base differ significantly. The “short” crossover has lost its aggressive features: a classic-shaped grille with simple horizontal crossbars and more European headlights than its predecessor make the look more restrained and, perhaps, even elegant.
In the profile, RAV 4 is unmistakably recognizable, the modified rear lights do not give reason to doubt which car is in front of your eyes. An elongated version of the LWB crossover, thanks to a different grille, looks a little meaner than the standard one. From the side, both modifications can be easily distinguished by the shape of the windows at the rear of the car.
The “two-story” architecture of the dashboard and the design of the door cards remained a hallmark of the interior of the Toyota RAV 4 3. Rounded shapes prevail around the perimeter of the center console, and rectangular air vents crown its top. Inserts "aluminum look" significantly enliven the external appearance. The visor above the instrument panel focuses on three large scale rings.
The Toyota RAV4 3 is supplied to the Russian market with two petrol four-cylinder power units: a 2.0-liter Valvematic, Dual VVT-i and a 2.4-liter VVT-i petrol engine.
The first motor provides maximum power at 158 hp. at a crankshaft speed of 6,200 rpm, the maximum torque is reached at 4,000 rpm and is 198 Nm. The 2.4 liter engine produces 170 hp. at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 224 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
The choice of transmission type depends on the installed engine: the 2.0-liter unit can be paired with both a 6-speed gearbox and a Multidrive S CVT. At the same time, cars are available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. A more powerful 2.4-liter engine is aggregated only with a 4-band automatic and is equipped with an all-wheel drive system.
At the time of sales, dealers offered the Toyota RAV 4 2012 in six different trim levels: Standard, Comfort, Elegance, Comfort Plus, Prestige and Prestige Plus.
The list of installed equipment in the basic version includes front fog lights, steel 17-inch wheels, headlight washers, power windows, power and heated rear-view mirrors, heated front seats, air conditioning, audio system, ABS, ESP, assistance system in year and descent from mountains, active head restraints, airbags and curtain airbags, immobilizer, central locking, etc.
The price of a front-wheel drive Toyota RAV4 III with a 2.0-liter engine, a manual transmission in the Standard configuration was 967,000 rubles.
In the top version of the Prestige Plus, the crossover is additionally equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed multifunctional steering wheel, separate climate control, rain and light sensors, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery of seats and doors, an intelligent car access system and a navigation system and hard drive
The long-base modification is equipped with roof rails, wheel arch extensions and darkened head optics. The cost of the all-wheel drive RAV 4 in the Prestige Plus configuration with a 2.4-liter engine and automatic transmission is 1,461,000 rubles.
This car, by right, can be considered a trendsetter in the compact crossover segment. I remember when the 3rd generation Toyota RAV4 first appeared, everyone looked at it, without exception. And today it is perhaps the most popular urban crossover model on the Russian market. What problems future owners of a used Toyota RAV4 may face, we will now discuss using the 2007 model as an example.
The engine of the car has 2.4 liters and a power of 170 horsepower. The box is a four-speed automatic. According to the "Toyotovods", the machine is quite reliable. On average, for such a car in the secondary market they ask for 700-750 thousand rubles.
General impressions
Despite the already considerable age, the 3rd generation Toyota RAV4 looks pretty decent. At the same time, it should be noted that the car is more stylish than aggressive. Perhaps that is why in Russia it is considered more like a female car than a male one, although in Europe and the USA they do not agree with this opinion.
Roof rails, large sills, a branded spare tire on the trunk, which, by the way, is often stolen, does not age the car at all, at least outwardly, the car looks stylish. Yes, and the interior can be called original, it distinguishes Toyota RAV4 from competitors. But the quality is no better and no worse than others: a monochrome display, hard plastic everywhere, lack of high-tech options, etc. and so on. However, the driver's seat is as comfortable as in some kind of luxury sedan. For example, in and Outlander there is no such feeling.
The 2.4-liter engine provides the crossover with decent dynamics, while fuel consumption is relatively small - in the city of about 13 liters per 100 kilometers - not a little, but tolerable. Surprising handling. Among classmates, RAV4 by this criterion is almost the best. However, in contrast to handling, there is always an excessive stiffness of the suspension.
There is not enough space in the back row, this also applies to the volume of the trunk. Fishing and outdoor enthusiasts will be disappointed. But by the way, this is a reasonable price to pay for the excellent handling and dynamics of the car. Perhaps the only thing that annoys driving the 3rd generation Toyota RAV4 is poor sound insulation. One gets the feeling that when the car was designed, they simply forgot about it. But if we really find fault, then the location of some buttons also causes dislike. Although, it's a matter of habit.
Engine
But the car also has really weak points. Motor first. According to qualified auto mechanics, the 2.7 engine has, albeit a small, but often occurring drawback - over time, the pump begins to leak. Even for preventive purposes, experts recommend cleaning the radiator once a year, this will have a positive effect on the life of the air conditioning compressor, and on the cooling system as a whole.
Chassis
Now the running gear. As mentioned above, the 3rd generation Toyota RAV4 has a very stiff suspension, especially the rear part, which makes the car bounce on speed bumps. Another weak point in the RAV4 is the steering rack, which already by 60 thousand (sometimes earlier) begins to show signs of malfunction.
It is also worth mentioning the weak rear stabilizer struts, which, by the way, require replacement much earlier than the front ones. If we talk about, then the RAV4 has a reliable disc clutch, and if you change the oil in time and do not force the car off-road, it will last a long time.
Electrician
In general, the repair of the 3rd generation Toyota is not cheap, except, perhaps, electricians. Sometimes the exhaust system lambda sensor fails, sometimes the brake light on-off sensor. In addition, corrosion causes a malfunction of the electrical coupling connector, turning the crossover into a front-wheel drive. The good news is that these problems happen quite rarely.
Buying a new car
Today in the Toyota Center they are selling a new one - the 4th generation Toyota RAV4, somewhat controversial in design, but even more brutal. The initial price of the car is 1,174,000 rubles. With a slightly smaller engine and in a similar configuration, the RAV4 costs more than 1,500 thousand rubles. However, with a 2.5-liter engine, it is more powerful and faster than its predecessor, plus new options have been added inside.
According to statistics, more than half of the owners of the 3rd generation Toyota RAV4 speak positively about their purchase. They praise reliability, dynamics, handling and, of course, design. Well, they complain about poor sound insulation and stiff suspension. In the secondary market, it will not be difficult to find a fresh car, even if its mileage is well over 100 thousand kilometers.
