Visually, the fourth edition of the Toyota RAV4 may be an average type, but in terms of long-term quality, the compact SUV, on the other hand, offers top quality.
With the RAV4 series, Toyota has been offering particularly solid compact SUVs for a quarter of a century. Like the predecessors, the fourth edition produced from 2013 to 2018 is in this laudable tradition. In the meantime there are first examples on the used market with high mileage for four-digit sums. Even high mileage does not have to be a deterrent, because given its performance in ADAC breakdown statistics and the TÜV report, maximum reliability can be expected.
Body: Instead of just 3,70 meters short, as was the case with the first generation, the fourth RAV4 measures around 4,60 meters. The amount of space in the well-made interior of the five-door car is correspondingly generous, which allows even larger adults plenty of legroom in the back seat. And thanks to a flat cardan tunnel, the footwell is also airy. The luggage compartment varies from 547 to 1.746 liters. The hybrid has 501 liters. In addition, there is a 100-liter storage compartment under the level trunk. Unlike the predecessors, the fourth generation offers a rear portal that opens upwards instead of sideways. Also practical: its trailer load is at least two tons.
Engines: The range of engines for the RAV4 is manageable. Over the entire construction period, two petrol engines with a displacement of 2,0 and 2,5 liters were offered, which combine sufficiently good performance with moderate consumption values with 112 kW / 152 PS and 132 kW / 180 PS, respectively. The RAV4 with a 105 kW / 143 hp BMW diesel is quite dynamic and at the same time particularly economical, but was only offered from 2016 and only in combination with front-wheel drive. The Toyota Diesel 2013 D-2016D with 2.2 kW / 4 PS, which was offered between 110 and 150, was available exclusively as an all-wheel drive, which is also available in a rather thirsty version with six-stage automatic converter.
Only a third of the RAV4 petrol or diesel offered are on the used market. The hybrid drive has by far the largest share in the engine mix, which, with a combination of a combustion engine and two electric motors, provides a system output of 145 kW / 197 hp. This should allow a sprint time of 8,3 seconds, while consumption is around five liters. The hybrid technology is considered mature and reliable, but also has its price: Up to now, more than 20.000 euros have to be invested in used vehicles.
Equipment and safety: Even the nameless basic version of the RAV4 is properly equipped with air conditioning, an audio system and electric windows. The next higher Comfort version with aluminum wheels, automatic climate control, cruise control and the Touch infotainment system already meets the highest demands. It is really dignified with the edition equipment or the top level executive.
In the fourth generation of the RAV4, Toyota has introduced several new assistance systems such as lane change and blind spot warning and high-beam assistant, which, together with seven airbags and a safety passenger cell, ensured an impeccable five-star result in the Euro-NCAP crash test. The Hochbeiner is a real castle.
Quality: This also applies to its long-term qualities. Like its predecessors, the fourth edition of the compact SUV in the TÜV report stands out despite the average mileage with a defect rate that is significantly below the average. With increasing age, the gap between the RAV4 and the segment average widens. A weak point is increased brake wear. For models with a towbar, it is advisable to take a critical look at the condition of the towbar.
Conclusion: As a cozy and spacious family vehicle, the Toyota RAV4 is a real recommendation. Given its high long-term qualities, there is little that can be done wrong when buying from a second hand. In addition to the 143 PS diesel, the hybrid engine is an interesting engine. However, as a part-time electrician, the dynamic and economical RAV4 continues to demand increased willingness to invest.
