LONG-TERM TEST:
Toyota Rav4 2.2 D-4D AWD VX
Johannesburg - In the past 20 years Toyota’s Rav4 has evolved from a diminutive, cute urban accessory about the size of a handbag into a true suburban warrior that seems purpose-built for the modern family.
In fact this fourth generation Rav4 ticked practically all the boxes when my sister was looking to upgrade to a more versatile set of wheels almost two years ago. With two young ones and their endless stream of gear to haul around, it had to be highly practical, while the Rav4’s stylish design, commanding driving position and its ability to tackle dodgy dirt roads on the odd weekend escape were also major selling points.
Although there are many other crossovers that fit the bill, the Rav4’s affordable price tag, in the case of the front-driven petrol model she bought, and Toyota’s trusty reputation were what ultimately sealed the deal.
Spending some time with our silver 2.2 D-4D VX AWD long termer in recent weeks gave me a chance to compare notes and, as with our car, hers also suffers from ‘slippery tyre syndrome’. There are times when you’ll enter a corner at normal speeds, even in completely dry weather, and the front tyres squeal like an agitated pig stuck in mud.
Although it has yet to become a safety issue for any of us, my sister says it does make her feel a bit anxious about driving in the wet. Sure, this vehicle does have a higher centre of gravity than a normal car, but we haven’t encountered this issue in other SUVs with similar statures. Our car is fitted with Michelin Latitude Tour HP rubber and perhaps Toyota should look at a grippier option.
PRACTICAL AND COMFORTABLE
Another area where Toyota has been forced to rethink things is in the boot, where until recently the Rav4 was only available with a full-sized spare wheel. That doesn’t create much of a problem in most cars but, because this one appears to have been originally designed for a space saver, the adapted boot floor has a big bulge in it. My sister’s biggest gripe here is that, besides the impracticalities of an uneven boot surface, the intrusion renders the net unusable and as a result she’s either had to tie her shopping bags closed or just chuck everything in the cabin’s footwells.
In our VX model, getting into the boot can also be an exercise in patience as it has a powered tailgate that really takes its time to open and close. It’s not a huge time wastage in the grander scheme of things, but the human brain is not conditioned to wait for a boot to open in the same way it’s learned to tolerate waiting in a queue to pay your shopping, so it can be a bit frustrating.
Yet all considered, this is a still a very practical and comfortable vehicle, with enough boot room to swallow just about anything family life throws in it and enough cabin space to host a barn dance - just about.
The seats have also proven comfortable for long-distance journeys and the ride quality is decent over just about any surface.
The 110kW/340Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel fitted to our long-termer is a smooth, punchy and economical operator out on the open road and, apart from a bit of lag on pull-off, it’s also a pleasure around town. Having spent most of its time in the daily urban grind, our car has so far sipped an average of 8.2 litres per 100km.
This stylish, comfortable and practical Toyota seems tailor-made for modern suburban life, but with 187mm of ground clearance, permanent all-wheel drive and hill descent control, the range-topping Rav4 is not afraid of the occasional mild off-roading adventure.
Yet this model will set you back R470 200 and I can’t help but feel that the FWD petrol base model is the better deal at R310 800. - Star Motoring
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