There are plenty of jokes thrown the Toyota RAV4’s way for the past two generations or so. Chief among them is the lack of an all-wheel drive drivetrain even as an option. It’s ironic for a vehicle whose name is an abbreviation for, “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel Drive.” This is something Toyota has rectified with the arrival of the sixth-generation model. The return of all-wheel drive as standard issue is the final piece of the product puzzle—the two others being a competitive price tag and an electrified powertrain—making the RAV4 a complete compact SUV. Now, the joke is on the competition.
First thing’s first, there’s the price. With a sticker that starts at P 2,183,000 for the RAV4 Adventure and ends at P 2,499,000 for the RAV4 Limited, it has undercut the competition such as the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Whether or not Toyota Motor Philippines’ decision to price their compact SUV so competitively has something to do with the rising popularity of Chinese SUVs is still debatable, but the fact of the matter is that the RAV4 is, to paraphrase Zoolander, really, really, ridiculously good value.
Second, there’s the matter of equipment. The RAV4’s feature list no longer reads like a one hit wonder; it’s a Greatest Hits album. Get this: LED headlights, sunroof, powered driver’s seat with memory, two 12-inch displays, leather upholstery, a 9-speaker JBL sound system, a 360-degree camera, and a complete set of ADAS features are standard. The RAV4 Limited builds on that with a larger panoramic sunroof, powered front passenger seat, front seat ventilation, heads-up display, and automatic park assist—icing on what’s already a very decadent cake.
These reasons are enough to believe that the RAV4 is unbeatable. And that’s true, for the most part. While there are times where it seems invincible, there are also some instances, though rare, where it doesn’t feel like it has pushed the envelope quite as much.
Going back to the lovely bits, there’s the drive. The foundations of the RAV4 are still based off the TNGA GA-K—a platform that’s essentially eight years old now. However, it’s been carefully honed and refined that there are almost no rough bits left. By far, this is the best driving RAV4 ever. Although one could argue that it wasn’t exactly the gold standard in the first place, there’s no denying the SUV’s newfound prowess. The steering is weightier this time around and there’s far more accuracy built in as well. Together with a well-balanced suspension and, of course, the electronic all-wheel drive system, you end up with a compact SUV that’s not just composed and surefooted, but fun to toss around. The Adventure and Limited trims feel quite close, drive-wise. That said, the former offers better ride compliance, especially over hard bumps and ruts. The latter, however, returns a quieter ride.
Another giant mechanical leap is courtesy of the powertrain. Now adopting Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, the A25A-FXS, dual electric motor setup offers more linear acceleration with an electric to gas changeover that’s imperceptible. Even at full throttle, the gas engine doesn’t sound like it it’s being waterboarded in Guantanamo. It’s quieter, smoother, and refined. Fuel economy? Whether you’re driving the Adventure or the Limited, there’s no difference, both registering 21.3 km/L during this test. If anything, the only thing lacking would be paddle shifters. But then again, would you expect to see them on what’s essentially a suburban mom mobile?
Aesthetically, the sexes are split on the RAV4’s exterior design. Men seem to gravitate towards the Adventure trim, while women seem to prefer the Limited. Regardless, the compact SUV’s new boxy wrapper is well-received, especially with that strong front hammerhead look. The rear is far less dramatic, but stylish nonetheless.
If anything, it’s the interior that results in mixed feelings for the RAV4. On one hand, sensible ergonomics together with big tech upgrades make everything feel revolutionary. Like how the latest iPhone or PlayStation always feels like a whole new ballgame, the modern screens and improved functionalities make for a vastly improved experience here. The center screen, now running on the Arene OS, is clear and concise. Responses are quick and the tile-based menus easy to decipher and hit. This is important as climate control interaction has been moved from physical knobs to a permanent bar on the touchscreen.
The transition of the climate controls to on-screen menus notwithstanding, Toyota has listened to customer feedback. In the new RAV4, they kept real buttons and switches for crucial controls. They also happened to position them in a way that created this Island Architecture wherein functions are logically grouped together. It opened various storage options including a dedicated slot for the wireless charger (two of them on the Limited), Big Gulp sized cupholders, and a center armrest with a reversible lidded bin. Here, the soft-topped armrest can be flipped over, revealing a hard surface that can be used as a tabletop. The various assortment of storage spaces complements the enlarged cargo hold and the generous seating for five.
On the flipside, despite all the RAV4’s improvements on the tech and safety front, it still falls short when it comes to providing for a truly premium experience. Material quality is up inside, but there’s plenty of scratchy plastics to go around. No where is this truer than on the door cards and lower dash. This makes the Limited’s interior feel mismatched because of the plusher materials used on the leather seats. If anything, the bluish-green Mineral and orange accents on the Adventure mask things better.
As a product, the RAV4 doesn’t exactly move the goalpost that far. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing—if it ain’t broke and all that. The collection of improvements and refinements put into a very familiar recipe; a recipe of stellar fuel economy, handsome looks, and excellent pricing just made this compact SUV too delicious to ignore. And with the market moving steadily away from larger, diesel-powered pickup-based mid-sized SUVs to something electrified, it’s sure that Toyota will find itself with a much larger chunk of the pie as well.
The price is Too good to be true but it’s true.
ReplyDeletePlease do a comparison to CRV, Sorento and CX-60.
ReplyDeletePeople who bought the last rav4 recently must be kicking the air right now. Cheap leather, plastic interior, screen ans rear camera from 2015, terrible nvh, same price. Lol
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree. The 5th gen RAV4 interior looks more premium than the 6th gen. Better materials and design overall.
DeleteCope. New rav 4 looks infinitely better inside and out than the old one.
Delete"but the fact of the matter is that the RAV4 is, to paraphrase Zoolander, really, really, ridiculously good value."
ReplyDelete"On the flipside, despite all the RAV4’s improvements on the tech and safety front, it still falls short when it comes to providing for a truly premium experience."
Sir Uly does not write this way for sure.
"Even at full throttle, the gas engine doesn’t sound like it it’s being waterboarded in Guantanamo."
The author trying to be astig without being astig.
Hey! Am I not allowed to be a bit more creative with my analogies every now and then?
DeleteYeah someone here too serious in life😕😕😕have some fun buddy 🥳🥳🥳
DeleteAnon 6:57 not everything is about you hahahaha
Deletedon't mind him Uly. he's just bitter and butthurt that you didn't give the same praise to his favorite chinese car.
DeleteZoolander and guantanamo with a dash of iphone and playstation in one article sure is uncharacteristic and very amusing, Sir! Since this car brand was proven bland, your take is a pinch of salt. Cant wait for whats in store for us once you put out your proper review of this car!
DeleteI love the new RAV4. There are things which I don't like, and I put them in the story if you're careful enough to read it, but overall, it's a great choice.
DeleteI would wager Toyota will improve the quality/feel/ appearance of the offending interior coverings. That said, I wish they could replicate the smart packaging of the CR-V's second row, which is cavernous and more practical for those who frequently use the space (kids with yaya, seniors, young families with baby seats and strollers, etc.).
DeleteWhatever reason/s motivated Toyota to bring in these RAV4s, I think they deserve our thanks. Thank you, Toyota for bringing full-featured cars to out market! We hope this is the beginning of a trend for future vehicles.
Sir Uly, what would you choose if you’re getting one? Adv or ltd?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Adventure. At this point, I feel like I could live with the features they omitted from the Limited.
DeleteHow about when it comes to looks?
DeleteI'm clearly on Team Adventure also in terms of looks too.
DeleteIs the shift-by-wire mechanism with the Limited better than the mechanical type cvt of the Adventure?
ReplyDeleteI already drive with a shift-by-wire mechanism, so adjusting to the Limited's toggle was quite easy. Both are fine.
DeleteIsn't the LTD a better buy compared to the adventure? for 331k you get a lot of features. But I won't refute the fact that the Adv looks better that the LTD.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least there's the power of choice. I can live with the Adventure trim for sure, but if I could spring for the difference, I would.
DeleteThis car is best bought 2nd hand after 3 to 5 years. When its value is at least 50% cheaper.
DeleteLet the 1st owner suffer all the grimlins firsthand.
Nice car. Unfortunately, it's a seller's market. No stock, not even a display at your local dealership. Sales guy will only put you on the list if you opt for financing and include after market services. Same limited stock situation in the US. You can wait, come back after 6 months, or opt for another vehicle. The Camry has the same limited stock situation though not as scarce as the RAV4.
ReplyDelete