From January to April, the RAV4 became the brand's best-selling model in Russia, ahead of the longtime leader Camry. Demand for the crossover increased by 48% in 4 months and reached almost 12,000 copies. And this despite the fact that the small SUV segment on the Russian market remains the most in demand. The new RAV4 and its many competitors are preferred as a family car by the widest sections of the middle class, so businessmen, housewives, retirees and students can be seen driving these cars. As a result, serious passions are unfolding between competitors within the segment. Last year alone, players such as Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson (replaced ix35) underwent various updates. Obviously, the “Rafik” also needed thorough work on its mistakes, since the representative of the fourth generation, released in 2013, clearly had a number of miscalculations, although not significant, but unforgivable in such a class. First of all, the Japanese tried to transform the appearance of the car. The new headlights have changed shape and become LED, more spectacular foglights have appeared, the body kit and both parts of the radiator grille have been modernized. If the previously smoothed face of the crossover looked more friendly, now it has become sharper and frowned due to angular, broken lines, giving the exterior a dose of aggression. In the same style, the stern design has been revised with new lights. Thanks to modified bumpers, the length of the body has increased by 35 mm (20 mm - front, 15 mm - rear). ((gallery_452)) The interior materials have been thoroughly updated, a 12-volt socket has appeared for rear-row passengers, but the most significant innovation is the dashboard with a 4.2-inch color monitor between two dials. In addition to information from the on-board computer and vehicle settings, the display displays the all-wheel drive operating mode. The layout seems to be classic, the design is pleasant to look at, but the panel seems overloaded due to the abundance of small icons and numbers. An oblong cup holder appeared next to the transmission selector, which can accommodate a full-size mug with a handle, which is really convenient, given the popularity of thermal mugs. At first it seems that this is the only detail in the lower opening above the overhanging center console, but no - like its predecessor, seat heating buttons, driving mode control, a USB port, socket, etc. are hidden there. All these elements are not visible enough, so It's not convenient to use them. In addition, the larger screen of the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system, which measures 6.1 inches, suggests itself here. It won't be enough. Otherwise, there are no serious complaints regarding ergonomics, just as there are no complaints about the design style, the quality of finishing materials and the level of assembly. The massive front seats with significant lateral support are hospitable, the range of settings is enough for the eyes, and there is plenty of space. Rear passengers are also unlikely to complain about the lack of space. At the same time, an increase in trunk volume from 506 to 577 liters due to the abandonment of a full-fledged spare wheel appears to be a controversial decision. The presence of a “dokatka” freed up additional space, but how buyers somewhere in the Siberian province, accustomed to the peculiarities of national asphalt on wild sections of Russian highways, will appreciate it is a big question. But here the loading height of the luggage compartment is still one of the most advantageous in the class - 646 mm. ((gallery_451)) The Japanese tried to eliminate one of the obvious diseases of its predecessor - an insufficient level of sound insulation. To do this, they had to increase the area of sound-absorbing materials by 55%. To fully appreciate the results of the work done, it is necessary to accelerate the crossover to “hundreds”, however, the test version of the model is unlikely to surprise with lightning-fast dynamics and a large traction reserve. “Prestige Safety” package with a 2-liter gasoline “four” with a capacity of 146 hp. and a stepless variator will come in handy for housewives and pensioners, since this option, with its calm and friendly character, is unlikely to fit into the business rhythm of the metropolis. The all-wheel drive crossover is active at high speeds, readily responding to manipulations of the gas pedal after the 3000 rpm mark. When the tachometer needle floats in the lower range, the “Japanese” is lazy and thoughtful, and in order to achieve an adequate response, the accelerator should be strictly dosed. If the pedal is completely pressed to the floor, the variator will tragically choke, the engine will become confused, and it will take some time until both units come into agreement. Real fuel consumption during active driving in mixed mode does not exceed 10 l/100 km, although the passport data indicates 7.5 liters. So, for fathers of families who are no strangers to excitement, it is better to turn their attention to more powerful configurations, which, we note, are more expensive. In the restyled RAV4, the silent blocks have been enlarged and the rigidity of the rear subframe has been increased, while the car has become noticeably more delicate, thanks to the reconfiguration of the shock absorbers under new soft springs. Now, even on the roughest roads, the suspension tries its best to be polite and courteous, and in corners with uneven surfaces, the crossover demonstrates stability and stably maintains its trajectory. The RAV4 handles well, the steering wheel has adequate response, the car demonstrates a smooth ride.((gallery_453)) Toyota offers on our market 6 trim levels with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive in the price range from 1,281,000 to 2,138,000 rubles. The power line includes 2 gasoline engines - 2 liters with a power of 146 hp. and a volume of 2.5 liters with a capacity of 180 hp, as well as a 2.2-liter diesel with a capacity of 150 hp. As standard, the car is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission; a CVT and a 6-speed automatic transmission are also available. All modifications are produced at the Tahara plant in Japan, but there has already been information about the imminent production of the model on the St. Petersburg assembly line. Among direct competitors, the starting price is lower for Hyundai Tucson - 1,209,900 rubles, Kia Sportage - 1,189,900 rubles, Suzuki Grand Vitara - 1,129,000 rubles, SsangYong Actyon - 949,000 rubles. The VW Tiguan will cost more - from RUB 1,329,000, Renault Koleos - from RUB 1,299,000, Mazda CX-5 - from RUB 1,349,000, Ford Kuga - from RUB 1,325,000, Subaru Forester - from RUB 1,719 000 rub., Mitsubishi Outlander - from 1,389,000 rub.
The new version of the 2017 Japanese crossover turned out to be no less interesting than its previous variations, which was confirmed by the increased interest on the part of our readers in the published material, and this despite the significantly increased price tag of the already expensive all-terrain vehicle.
Perhaps things are not going smoothly for Honda in Russia right now, and from year to year sales volumes of new cars from this Japanese automaker are rapidly declining, tending to zero. According to the Association of European Businesses AEB, Honda sales in 2016 were only 1,747 units. A year earlier, the number of Honda cars sold was more than 4,500 units. More detailed sales statistics in December and for the annual period of 2016 can be found in the published material:
And at that moment it dawned on us. If a currently not very affordable crossover attracts such attention, then we simply have to review its closest competitor, the Toyota Rav4, which, for many objective reasons, is doing much better in our domestic market. It is cheaper (from 1.4 million to 2.2 million), compared to the same, the price tag for which starts from 1,530,000 rubles, Toyota has richer equipment, there are more of them, six versus four for Honda, they are more flexible and most importantly, Toyota continues to produce cars that are legendary in terms of reliability, the performance of which is very far from other automakers.
I'm sure many have heard aboutRav4, which drove without changing the engine oil for 30 or even 40 thousand km without much harm to the power unit. I’m generally silent about the suspension, Japanese “rafiks” are driven on such broken domestic roads and at such speeds that you are left wondering how the wheels stay in place... and the suspension is in the dust. In general, we can talk for a long time on the topic of Toyota reliability, but the most pleasant thing is that it practically does not change with the change of generations, remaining at the same high level.
All these advantages are reflected in sales statistics, 2,158 new crossovers sold in December 2016 and more than 30 thousand units sold over the annual period.
And so, today we are looking at 2017. Go!
Winter is sweeping across Russia. Along with it comes frosts (from time to time they happen in the middle zone of our Motherland), icy and sometimes snow-covered roads, an ideal time for crossovers. Various SUVs at this time of year feel like fish in water, and the hero of our story today was not included in the exception.
Crossover called Rav4
It's no surprise that the two crossovers, the Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V, remain bitter rivals. At the dawn of the appearance of the SUV class, it was these two Japanese car companies that were the first to sense where the wind of change was blowing and were the fastest to adapt to the new trends in automotive fashion, which included not only a beautiful appearance, but also a fair amount of practicality. It was these two city SUVs that became the founders of the popularization of the segment in the mid-1990s. However, the Rav4 arrived a little earlier, so we’ll agree to call it the father of the class, which means this model can be called the standard among all crossovers. What can she offer us?
And she has a lot to offer. Over time, the model from the once compact segment has grown noticeably, acquiring more advanced safety systems and electronic driver assistance features, which just a couple of years ago could only be found on premium SUVs and sedans. The appearance is also changing towards more complexity, acquiring more and more complex designs and visual solutions. 20 years ago, the Rav4 had a semi-utilitarian look with a slight touch of sportiness. Now it becomes clear that the crossover is trying on more and more sophisticated tailcoats. The latest restyled version of the IV generation especially emphasizes its individuality and sophistication thanks to a good set of stylistic elements, especially in the front part of the car.
The only point that remains unchanged is the behavior of the car, as in the year of its appearance; subsequent versions of the model remained measured and even, in a sense, boring cars. They say stability is a sign of skill, in the case of the Rav4, this is 100% confirmed!
Another confirmation of the thoughtfulness of the model is the large sales of the car around the world. In the largest new car market, the United States, it consistently ranks among the top three sales leaders. At the moment, Honda CR-V is ahead in sales, but Toyota, being in second position, is not far behind it. In neighboring Canada, 49 thousand of these crossovers were sold in 2016, which once again proves the theory of popularity. Many automakers can only dream about this.
The popularity of Rav4 has become something taken for granted these days. But there are actually more than enough rivals in the segment. There are really a lot of “compact” crossovers: Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Cherokee, Chevrolet Equinox, let’s add VW Tiguan here. A huge number of excellent seven-seat family SUVs, luxury crossovers, exquisite SUVs made in the style of four-door coupes, hybrid and even electric cars, subcompact SUVs for every taste and color.
Some of the listed crossovers are more attractive in appearance, others are interesting to drive, others are cooler, crammed with various extras. options with richer trim levels.
But most of them cannot boast of the genuine popular popularity that the Toyota RAV4 has. Phenomenon? Maybe.
Pros and cons of the 2017 Rav4
Why do we buy them?
They greet you by their clothes. It’s worth noting that the Rav4’s clothes are top notch. Nothing superfluous, everything is strict and measured. You look at this crossover and calm down, no Corvalol is needed. In principle, for some, such a calm exterior is too much; such people say that Toyota’s design is simply boring. It came to life only in the fourth generation, in its restyled version, when the optics acquired full-fledged LED lights both front and rear, and the updated, rather sculpturally cut bumpers fit perfectly into the overall automotive ensemble.
You won't find anything revolutionary under the hood either. In our case, a 2.5 liter, four-cylinder petrol engine is installed. In fact, this is the good old 2.4 liter engine, well known to owners from previous Rafas. Power compared to the third generation has increased to 180 hp. and 233 Nm of torque. The car now responds a little more quickly to pressing the accelerator pedal, dropping 1 second in acceleration to 100 km/h. However, despite the increased agility, it is not able to overtake the CR-V; the lack of a turbine and direct injection make themselves felt. You won’t see innovation in the Toyota Rav4. It's simple, but reliable! In the old days, the Rav4 was the proud owner of a powerful V6. With such an engine, it could compete on equal terms in dynamics up to 100 km/h with the Lexus IS, almost in no way inferior to the lean sedan. Alas, that golden time is gone forever.
The second element that creates the atmosphere when driving is the transmission. In our case, this is a 6-speed automatic transmission. How can you describe her work in a few words? She's boring, period! She fulfills her assigned duties with a bang, but you can’t expect anything special from her.
The two above-mentioned elements, the engine and transmission, create a contradictory symbiosis. The fourth generation of Rav4 is distinguished by some special sense of dynamics. It seems to accelerate well, but during some maneuvers where you need to quickly accelerate, you have to push the right pedal all the way to the floor. The engine begins to raise its tone, the tachometer needle quickly reaches maximum values, the six-speed gearbox juggles gears like an acrobat in a circus, hoping to find a suitable gear for a given specific driving mode, while not forgetting to save fuel as much as possible, in the end it turns out that the car does not receive the acceleration you expect from it. An individual technical feature, nothing can be done. However, the performance of the Toyota transmission can hardly be called bad; the shifts are clear and smooth, which is good.
Compared to the CR-V, our hero loses significantly in dynamics, this is especially clearly visible when accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h.
What about handling? Everything here is also standard for Rav4, it is quite lean. In principle, you can’t expect anything special from the crossover’s taxiing, so it would be wrong to put this in the category of its disadvantages. Another feature that should be taken for granted.
Smooth ride like a Lexus
Driving the Rav4 is a revelation for many, Toyota has learned how to create cars that are strong and feel solid on the road. Despite the somewhat archaic nature of the platform, it does its job perfectly, there is silence in the cabin, and the stability of the crossover on imperfect asphalt amazes even experienced riders. Noise insulation is excellent, perhaps the best in the segment.
A mid-price crossover generally has a feeling of high-quality assembly, fit of interior elements and quality of materials used, as if you were in a Lexus and not a Toyota. The suspension, despite being somewhat soft and rolly, does not roll excessively in sharp and high-speed turns and does not bog down on potholes.
Electronic assistants (for example, the Toyota Torque Control AWD system) will prevent you from getting stuck in deep snow or muddy mud. Within reasonable limits, of course.
Inside, the Rav4 is well equipped and comfortable for daily use in the city. It is important to note that even in the initial configurations, the manufacturer took care of customers and provided them with maximum convenience and a well-thought-out interface. In the top trim levels, the car owner will receive many luxury additions such as leather, chrome inserts and even an incomprehensible marble finish for the doors and center console.*
*No, no, but Toyota sometimes has quirks. In Camry you can see something similar, trimmed to look like stones or some other rocks. In the photographs, in our case this know-how looks good.
The crossover has a high seating position; if there are squat sedans standing in front of you in a traffic jam, you can even look over their roofs, assessing the road situation.
The infotainment system is a classic example of the Toyota interface that the company pre-installs on all its cars. A bit of an outdated concept, but the interface is much easier to operate and manage than many other cars. The closest and most colorful example is the Honda CR-V; understanding the wilds of control in this SUV is much more complicated than in Toyota.
A couple more things that may seem inconvenient to some car owners and passengers. Some car control elements, such as buttons for switching driving modes or heated seats, are not very conveniently located at the bottom of the center console, which makes working with them somewhat difficult. For some, this may come as an unpleasant surprise. And finally, concluding the conversation about the interior, let's say a few words about the design of the dashboard. He's controversial. Maybe we're being picky, but that's how it seemed to us.
As for the operation of the “Sport” and “Eco” modes, turning them on under normal operating conditions is useless. The “Sports” mode does not give this car any dynamics; it simply makes gear shifts sharper, creating the appearance of active work, and the “Eco-economical” mode will not work wonders in terms of reducing fuel consumption.
And the most interesting system. Available in the maximum configurations of the Rav4 is a 360-degree viewing camera. Parking will be a breeze with it.
Reasonable and practical
In fact, the most important thing you should know about the Rav4 is that the long-lived Japanese crossover is the most practical and one of the smartest family cars for hauling luggage. The rear seat backs fold down quickly and easily. When they are in the lower position, a satisfactory picture will open to you - 2.078 liters for transporting any cargo or for other purposes. The figure is slightly less than the CR-V, but not significantly.
Four Japanese crossovers
They fight for our hearts.
In Russia they love this.
The fifth generation Honda CR-V arrived in Moscow in the winter, and we even managed to get acquainted with it (ZR, No. 1, 3, 2017) while it was undergoing certification. And when the opportunity arose to take a commercial CR-V, it arrived. It is noteworthy that both models will initially be offered with flagship engines of 2.5 and 2.4 liters, respectively. It would be a sin not to pit them against each other in a head-to-head confrontation! The partners in the test were Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 and Toyota RAV4 2.5, which occupy not the last places in the D-crossover segment.
Toyota RAV4The fourth generation car was introduced to the general public in 2013 and has since been one of the most popular in the segment. Since last year, the RAV4 for the Russian market has been assembled at a plant in St. Petersburg. ENGINES: petrol: | Mitsubishi OutlanderThe third generation car was shown in 2012. A couple of years ago it was restyled, and last winter the Outlander acquired new options. It is the only one in the segment equipped with a V6 engine. ENGINES: petrol: |
Mazda CX-5The second-generation CX-5 debuted last fall. Structurally, it is almost no different from its predecessor. The diesel version is no longer available to our customers. ENGINES: petrol: | Honda CR-VThe first display of the fifth-generation CR-V took place in 2016, but it only reached Russia this summer. The two-liter modification will appear at dealers in mid-autumn. ENGINES: petrol: |
Friend or foe
Richly equipped Outlander!
It's a pity, this is a loud cry
Disappears into the abyss.
Before leaving, I studied the results of our group tests with the participation of Outlander and found that every time he was out. Only once, immediately after the debut, was he placed in the middle of the points table. But the “stranger” (that’s how his name is translated) is not a stranger to us - he is released in Kaluga.
It cannot be said that the Japanese gave up on Outlander. On the contrary, they modernize it almost every year, for which honor and praise be given to them. Either in the fight against overheating they installed a variator radiator (why was it removed?), then they updated the appearance, or introduced an improved all-wheel drive transmission for versions with a V6 engine. And this year it came with LED foglights, all-round cameras, blind spot monitoring and interference detection systems when reversing and with the new Mitsubishi Connect multimedia system. We appreciated all this goodness, since the test Outlander is just in the flagship version.
No miracle happened. Compared to its competitors, Outlander is like Achilles, who can’t catch up with the tortoise: they always find themselves one step ahead. And now, despite the latest update, the taste of old-fashionedness is clearly felt inside the “out”. Gloomy black finish, simple eco-leather, simple seats with a limited range of adjustments. I liked the new multimedia system with its logical interface and quick responses, but was surprised by the lack of a navigator. The GPS coordinates informant is little consolation. The ears of the variator paddles completely overlap the pictograms on the steering column switches, and the transmission selector is located too low. And there is absolutely nowhere to put the smartphone. For a car costing 2,109,990 rubles, there are a lot of flaws.
In part, Outlander was rehabilitated on the fly. In the city, it impresses with its good visibility and the well-coordinated duet of the 167-horsepower engine and CVT. But as soon as we hit the highway, the idyll disappeared, like the contents of a bottle of sake in a Japanese restaurant. The engine squeals annoyingly under active acceleration, and there is a lot of road noise. The shaking suspension forces you to slow down even in front of modest-looking holes. If you encounter a larger-caliber bump, a painful blow will follow, to which not only the seat, but also the steering wheel responds. Competitors do not allow themselves to do this.
Even on a glass-flat road, the Mitsubishi does not give pleasure: vague effort on the steering wheel, pronounced understeer and restive brakes that grab at the very end of the pedal stroke. And even when decelerating sharply, the Outlander slightly scoots along the trajectory and the tires squeak disgustingly - I haven’t heard this from cars with ABS for a long time. This is clearly not the hero of my novel.
But there is hope for off-road talent. And in this field the “foreigner” performed well. You can lock the multi-plate clutch in the rear wheel drive (the Toyota RAV4 also allows this). The main thing is to turn off ESP so as not to choke the engine.
“Out” feels confident in mud baths. I impudently push my way forward, scattering cakes of sodden soil with my wheels. And everything would be fine, but the oak pendant on the gullies shakes out the soul. Not even ten minutes had passed before I wanted to stop and take a breath.
The stiff suspension and noisy power unit cannot be covered up by any restyling. To compete on an equal footing with the more modern “Japanese”, Outlander needs a generational change.
Unrefined
Market bestseller
We criticize.
That also happens.
Looking at the sales statistics for 2016, I whistled: RAV4 has become the most popular Toyota in Russia! 30,603 cars were sold - seventh place in the “absolute” of the Russian model standings. The gap between competitors - D-segment crossovers - is impressive. Thus, the second-place Nissan X‑Trail found only 17,886 buyers. With all that, in our latest tests the RAV4 did not show convincing performances. Maybe now, after, it will reveal itself in all its glory?
I dive into the cabin in the secret hope of seeing a new multimedia system with Yandex.Navigator, but this is an option only for the Exlusive version. And in our car there is an ordinary navigator with outdated graphics, as if the IT industry has been marking time for the last ten years. The RAV4's interior leaves a mixed feeling. All-round cameras, an automatic braking system in front of an obstacle, an area with inductive charging for smartphones - this is cool. But how to dispel the spirit of bureaucracy?
The “tarpaulin” plastic and the primitive cruise control lever, “attached” to the steering wheel, evoke sadness. It’s not only the handbrake handle that’s surprising (competitors have a button), but also its plastic finish. And this is in a car for 2,134,000 rubles?!
But visibility is excellent, as is the ease of landing. Ergonomics of the first order does not raise any questions: the main controls are located as needed and where needed. But the secondary switch buttons are scattered haphazardly and without any logic, at least understandable to us. Well, why is the steering wheel heating button next to the clutch lock button, and the seat heating buttons next to the CVT mode control? But there are plugs in the cabin - so what prevented everything from being put together in a human way?
The Rafik is good on the move. It accelerates to hundreds in 9.4 seconds: slightly slower than Mazda and a full second faster than Honda and Mitsubishi. An excellent addition to the peppy little engine is the 6-speed automatic, which always gets into the right gear accurately and in a timely manner. Spurring a Toyota is a pleasure! And the handling is quite adventurous. If, of course, you can forgive the mediocre feedback on the steering wheel.
During the latest update, the RAV4 acquired softer springs and recalibrated shock absorbers, which may have improved the ride, but only slightly. Jolts, knocks, painful blows - Toyota treats them all with an enthusiasm worthy of better use. This is especially true for rear passengers. The headrests of the second row tremble so much that it is impossible to get them into focus! And yet Outlander's discomfort is not here. Firstly, the steering wheel does not tear from your hands. Secondly, shaking occurs at higher speeds than in the Mitsubishi.
Our RAV4 is poorly suited for off-roading, and there are several reasons for this. Home -165 mm ground clearance. Not serious! With this in mind, I drove off the asphalt very carefully. It seems that I had previously blocked the clutch, but still got stuck in the muddy field. Rotating wheels are instantly stopped by ESP.
So, and “where is his button?” I was able to disable the anti-bux only by looking at the manual. It was not for nothing that I criticized the chaotic placement of buttons: the ESP off key is in the upper part of the center console, near the seat belt indicators. The “Rafik is not guilty” excuse does not work in this case. Still so guilty! As it turned out, this function is of little use, since the electronics allow slipping only when moving in a straight line. As soon as you turn the steering wheel and open the throttle, ESP detects the beginning of a skid and cuts off traction.
In general, despite its many advantages, the RAV4 looks eclectic. Just a couple of years ago, in comparison with competitors, he aimed to be a leader, but now he has moved into the category of the middle peasants. But this fact does not seem to bother buyers. They choose the RAV4 for its legendary Toyota reliability and high residual value. And these are trump cards from the category of unbeatable ones. And this is the best proof of this.
Accelerate
Space with comfort
They cause delight.
But not the price.
However, the obstacle in the fight for buyers’ wallets will not be the modest cross-country ability of the CR-V, but the high price. The test car, with a similar level of equipment, is more than 150 thousand more expensive than the top versions of its competitors.
Strong five
A number of wishes
The Japanese learned.
It became more comfortable.
Mazda CX‑5 has an informal achievement: it won all our group tests in which it took part. Therefore, we looked at the new generation car with special passion, since it’s nice to look at such a beauty.
The appearance is absolutely recognizable. Contours, dimensions - everything is the same as its predecessor. But there was sophistication in the details. The radiator grille, instead of banal slats, is decorated with small turbines; foglights the size of a five-ruble coin also attract attention.
The salon is a good step towards premium. Compared to the background of Japanese classmates, it’s like a boutique hotel versus a typical “three stars”. Good quality soft plastic everywhere; The glove compartment and armrest box are covered with soft fabric, and the audio system with Bose acoustics produces crystal clear sound. Level!
Buttons, keys and levers? In terms of feedback and tactile sensations, it’s almost like a BMW or Audi. I especially liked the knurled pucks that control the climate control and infotainment system. The multimedia interface is perhaps the best among its kind: everything is extremely clear and understandable. It's a pity that the screen is small these days (you have to look closely at the navigation map), and it's also annoying that it takes too long - about five seconds - to load the list of radio stations.
The CX‑5 has made serious progress in terms of electronics. A projection of instruments onto the windshield has appeared (the quality and information content of the picture is no worse than in the BMW and Audi mentioned above), a blind spot monitoring function and even a lane keeping system, which none of today’s rivals offers. Where Mazda could not beat them was the seats: they are the most ordinary.
At idle, the engine is completely inaudible, and even when driving it is silent. But it pulls like a beast! The slightest impulse on the accelerator, and the car rushes forward. Moreover, it does not matter at what point the speedometer needle is at that moment - “20” or “120”. The clever automaton understands everything in half a word, in half a movement. When necessary, it drops three gears in one fell swoop; when not, it keeps the revs low and saves fuel.
The main revelation is the amazing smoothness of the ride, which I couldn’t boast of. The CX‑5 rolls along broken asphalt as if on a velvet path - I have never encountered such serenity in this class. The suspension easily swallows potholes of various sizes, which only make themselves felt by micro-shocks on the steering wheel.
At the same time, the engineers managed to maintain light, airy handling. How effortlessly Mazda twists into various turns, how tightly it holds onto the trajectory, how precise and responsive its steering wheel is! Great chassis! Only the Volkswagen Tiguan can demonstrate such a love of life and ease of being in this segment. Which, by the way, in a rich configuration and with an engine of comparable power will be half a million more expensive.
I had to get used to the brakes. In terms of deceleration efficiency, the CX-5 is not inferior to its competitors, but the information content of the drive is so-so. Are the mechanisms getting used to it? So, we got the CR-V brand new, but there you immediately find mutual understanding with the left pedal.
Off the asphalt, Mazda did not give up. There are no special off-road modes, and you can’t lock the clutch, but the CX‑5 rushes through the mud with the equanimity of a real SUV. There are significant advantages over the “automatic” RAV4: ground clearance of 200 mm and an almost smooth bottom.
Even before the points were counted, it was obvious that Mazda would win. Honda also performed well: if it had shown itself better off-road, it could well have shared first place with the CX‑5.
The RAV4 and especially the Outlander no longer come across as strong players. And this problem cannot be solved “spotwise” - only by changing generations. Fortunately, “replacements” are on the way. But Mazda’s groundwork is such that so far nothing threatens it.
Youth lights up
Beauty bewitches.
Can't resist them.
MANUFACTURERS DATA
| HONDA CR-V | MAZDA CX-5 | MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER | TOYOTA RAV4 |
|
| Curb/gross weight | 1586 / 2130 kg | 1565 / 2143 kg | 1505 / 2210 kg | 1540 / 2130 kg |
| Acceleration time | 10.3 s | 9.0 s | 10.5 s | 9.4 s |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h | 195 km/h | 198 km/h | 180 km/h |
| Turning radius | 5.5 m | 6.0 m | 5.3 m | 5.3 m |
| Fuel/fuel reserve | AI-92, AI-95 / 57 l | AI-92, AI-95, AI-98 / 58 l | AI-92, AI-95 / 60 l | AI-95, AI-98 / 60 l |
| Fuel consumption: urban/suburban/combined cycle | 9.8 / 6.2 / 7.5 l / 100 km | 9.2 / 6.1 / 7.2 l / 100 km | 9.8 / 6.5 / 7.7 l / 100 km | 11.6 / 6.9 / 8.6 l / 100 km |
| ENGINE |
||||
| Type | petrol | petrol | petrol | petrol |
| Location | front, transverse | front, transverse | front, transverse | front, transverse |
| Configuration / number of valves | P4/16 | P4/16 | P4/16 | P4/16 |
| Working volume | 2356 cm³ | 2488 cm³ | 2360 cm³ | 2494 cm³ |
| Compression ratio | 11,1 | 13,0 | 10,5 | 10,4 |
| Power | 137 kW / 186 hp at 6400 rpm | 143 kW / 194 hp at 6000 rpm | 123 kW / 167 hp at 6000 rpm | 132 kW / 180 hp at 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 244 Nm at 3900 rpm | 257 Nm at 4000 rpm | 222 Nm at 4100 rpm | 233 Nm at 4100 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION |
||||
| type of drive | full | full | full | full |
| Transmission | ||||
| Gear ratios: | 2,65–0,41 / 1,86–1,25 | 3,55 / 2,02 / 1,45 / 1,00 / 0,71 / 0,60 / 3,89 | 2,63–0,38 / 1,96 | 3,30 / 1,90 / 1,42 / 1,00 / 0,71 / 0,61 / 4,15 |
| main gear | 3,24 | 4,33 | 6,03 | 4,07 |
| CHASSIS |
||||
| Suspension: front/rear | McPherson / multi-link | McPherson / multi-link | McPherson / multi-link | McPherson / multi-link |
| Steering | rack and pinion, with electric booster | rack and pinion, with electric booster | rack and pinion, with electric booster | rack and pinion, with electric booster |
| Brakes: front/rear | disc, ventilated / disc | disc, ventilated / disc | disc, ventilated / disc |
|
| Tires | 235 / 60 R18 | |||
➖ Rigid suspension
➖ Poor sound insulation
pros
➕ Spacious interior
➕ Controllability
➕ Liquidity
Reviews
The pros and cons of the 2018-2019 Toyota RAV 4 in the new body were identified based on reviews from real owners. More detailed advantages and disadvantages of Toyota RAV4 2.0 and 2.5 with manual, CVT and automatic, as well as 2.2 diesel with all-wheel drive can be found in the stories below.
The new car drives quieter and smoother. Pickup is a little worse. My previous RAV 4 had a Valvematic engine, and it ran exclusively on 95 with additives (euro, plus, ecto, etc.). This is the usual Dual VVTi - it bursts from 92 and above. But I have enough power.
Adequate acceleration is achieved by rapidly increasing the speed. If previously the maximum torque was at ~4,000 rpm, now it is at 6,000 rpm. Accordingly, if earlier the speed during acceleration was 2-3 thousand, now it is 3-4. The noise is better, so you can only feel the engine speed by looking at the tachometer. The rest of the engine is the same.
The chassis of the Toyota RAV4 in the new body has become softer. If the third driver in the pits bludgeoned quite noticeably, then the fourth does not transmit the blows to the cabin. The pits are now on their own, and the body is on its own. Of course, within reasonable limits. Otherwise everything is the same.
I liked the appearance of the car. On the outside, the changes in the restyle compared to the 4th generation are purely cosmetic and only in plastic. But the way they redesigned the front and back of the car made me happy.
Review of the new Toyota RAV 4 2017 with CVT 2.0 (146 hp)
Video review
Regarding the CVT, I think this type of transmission is one of the best - you just need to use it wisely. When the car starts, the acceleration is smooth, without jerking, as if a trolleybus is picking up speed. If you need to accelerate faster, you just press the gas pedal a little harder, and the acceleration is just as smooth!
Compared to the pre-restyling version, the suspension on the new RAV4 has become much better, sound insulation has improved, the quality of the plastic has changed a little for the better, but still not good enough - the quality of the plastic in the interior of the Corolla was higher.
Two liters is enough for normal movement in the city and on the highway, you need to understand that these are all non-premium SUVs and you shouldn’t expect miracles from them. It is impossible not to note the interior; it is not huge, but quite spacious. But with such a spacious interior, one drawback emerges - it takes quite a long time to warm up.
Sergey, drives a Toyota RAV 4 2.0 4WD CVT, 2016.
Where can I buy?
The fabric interior is terrible, all the dirt sticks and even the vacuum cleaner won’t pick it up. The mirror folding button is not illuminated - you don’t notice this in the summer, but in the fall it became annoying.
Maintenance every 10,000 km and quite expensive. No heated steering wheel or windshield! If the key is not inserted, the music does not turn on (((And I also noticed this garbage, it says that the gas tank is 60 liters, I always drive until the gas tank is almost empty, I arrive at a gas station almost in the open air, I fill it up to full, but I have never filled more than 45 liters , it’s strange how it is.
Alla, review of the new Toyota RAV4 2.0 (146 hp) CVT 2015
Why should I, when getting out of the car, make extraordinary efforts to close the driver's door? Exactly the driver's license! I should clap it like I have a Zhiguli-penny.
At the service center they say that you need to open the window a little so that a vacuum does not create in the door, and over time this will pass, but for now you have to clap! I found a way out: getting out of the car, I don’t close the window, and when I set the alarm, the driver’s window automatically goes up.
None of the buttons are illuminated (adjusting the headlight angle, adjusting the mirrors), and there is no basic light in the glove compartment. The head unit is just a slot, narrow and small. Absolutely unreadable when exposed to bright light rays. Not thought out. To make a hands-free call, seemingly without being distracted from the situation on the road, you need to press the buttons on this slot four times.
I can only wish a trunk like this on my enemy. There is no 12 V socket in the trunk. Poor sound insulation.
Those who write that this is a car for women, know that WOMEN DO NOT LIKE THIS CAR. A woman's car should be all illuminated, with many small amenities, with a thousand pockets for small items and a bunch of not very necessary functions, but here there is even nowhere to put sunglasses - there is no provision. EVERYTHING IS CHEAP AND VERY ANGRY.
Irina Prokopyeva, review of Toyota RAV 4 2.0 (146 hp) manual 2015
The side mirrors do not fold out from the key. Not all windows go down and up with one press, you have to hold the button. Small and non-illuminated door lock buttons on folding mirrors. In general, saving on matches. And so far there are no complaints.
Igor Sapozhnikov, drives a Toyota RAV4 2.2 diesel (150 hp) automatic transmission 2016.
The chassis showed its best side. I didn’t expect such cross-country ability from a crossover, maybe a diesel unit will help. The steering on the 4th generation RAV 4 works well both on the highway and off-road. Not thick, but at the same time not very spicy.
Alexander Afanasyev, review of Toyota RAV4 2.2V automatic 2016
No young active family can live without a comfortable crossover - probably this idea led Toyota Motor Corporation to create the Toyota RAV4. The abbreviation in the name stands for Recreation Active Vehicle, which literally translates as “Vehicle for active recreation,” and the number 4 means the presence of permanent all-wheel drive. The Japanese launched the model into production in 1994, and the Russians fell in love with it.
The fourth generation Toyota RAV 4 2017, released at the end of 2012, is currently on sale. The last restyling of the Toyota Rav4 took place in 2015, and the start of sales of the updated version in Russia dates back to the end of 2015. The demand for the model is not falling, so in 2016 they launched production of the car in St. Petersburg. I wonder what makes an SUV so attractive? Let's talk about the characteristics of the car after the latest restyling.
Stylish appearance
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 looks luxurious. This is a real road predator, which is revealed by the slightly squinted look of the headlights. Restyling made it even more elegant and dynamic. The car received a new radiator grille and bumper. After the update, he gained a little length, but became shorter. Now the dimensions of the crossover are as follows:
- Wheelbase 2,660 mm.
- Length 4,570 mm.
- Width 1,844 mm.
- Height 1,661 mm.
- Ground clearance 190 mm.
The trunk of the Toyota Rav4 is very spacious – 577 liters. The rear row seats fold and slide longitudinally, opening up plenty of space for sports equipment and large boxes.
Especially for the Russian market, the Japanese presented the 2017 Exclusive package, which outwardly differs little from other models. Its body is painted in two contrasting colors, which allows the range of new crossovers to stand out in the traffic. This version also comes with new alloy wheels with a unique design.
Functional filling
Perhaps the most important touch in the new Toyota Rav4 Exclusive configuration is the built-in Yandex navigator and Android-based multimedia system. Most car enthusiasts do not take standard navigation seriously, preferring an application on their smartphone. The creators of the Toyota RAV4 2017 solved the problem radically. The Yandex navigator works clearly and clearly, and quickly responds to voice dialing. You can enter your “favorite” addresses and monitor the traffic situation in real time, and the Yandex navigator will be able to pave the way from one point to another, taking into account traffic jams.
The multimedia system is no less interesting - an 8-inch touch screen with quick response to touches is provided to display information. It works smoothly even in sub-zero temperatures. You can customize your desktop as you wish by downloading a ton of new applications from the Yandex search engine. True, you won’t be able to install Google programs, but this will be more than enough. There is a built-in DVD player.
Engines and transmissions
Toyota RAV 4 2017 is sold with 3 types of engines:
- Petrol 2.0 l. with a power of 146 hp.
- Gasoline 2.5 l., power 180 hp.
- Diesel with a volume of 2.2 liters. 150 hp, produced until August 2016.
The more powerful 2.5-liter petrol engine and its diesel younger brother are available only in an all-wheel drive version. They are controlled by a 6-speed automatic transmission. Popular vehicle configurations with a 2-liter engine can have front-wheel drive, CVT or all-wheel drive. The car's most powerful engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds - a good result for a crossover.
Prices and options
The manufacturer offers the following Toyota Rav4 configurations:
- Standard with air conditioning, electric windows for each row of seats and a hill descent control system. There is a USB connector and a 4-speaker audio system. Vehicle safety will be ensured by the Era Glonass rapid response system. The price of the standard set is 1,493,000 rubles.
- Version Comfort, equipped with a rear view camera, dual-zone climate control, Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with a 7-inch display. The steering wheel is leather-trimmed and heated, the tailgate opens electrically and has an opening height memory function. Heated windshield and side mirrors. The wheels of the crossover are decorated with 17-inch alloy wheels. A comfortable model costs from 1,641,000 rubles.
- Prestige And Prestige Black in black. The equipment is equipped with an intelligent access function to the interior; the engine is activated by pressing a button. There is an electric driver's seat adjustment, heated rear row seats, and a parking sensor system for the front and rear bumpers. As an innovation, there is a touch-sensitive trunk opening function. Low and high beam headlights with LEDs, 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior trim is combined - it has elements of genuine leather and suede. The cost of new versions is from 1,931,000 rubles for Prestige Black and 1,936,000 for Prestige.
- Already familiar to us version Exclusive 2017 for the Russian market with silver body kits and wheel arches, special 18-inch wheels and new Exclusive logos on the front fenders. The interior and front panel are decorated in a combination of fabric, leather and suede. As new functions, it is equipped with Navitel and Yandex navigator navigation systems. Multimedia complex on Android with 8-inch screen. The cost of this pleasure from Toyota is 2,006,000 rubles.
- Prestige Safety. In addition to the functions of the Prestige version, the package includes a navigation system and an automatic switching function from high beam to low beam. Panoramic cameras are installed around the perimeter, on the basis of which there is a warning system about the threat of an accident with automatic braking, monitoring of blind spots with information displayed on the driver’s panel, deciphering road signs and markings with informing the driver. There is assistance when leaving the parking lot while reversing and even monitoring driver fatigue. An improved variation of the 2017 Toyota RAV 4 crossover costs 2,058,000 rubles.
Secret of success
Russians have long and devotedly loved crossovers. It’s not difficult to unravel the secret of this love - the car’s presentable appearance is complemented by excellent cross-country ability and an all-wheel drive system. This unique car allows you to move around in the city or through impenetrable forests on vacation with family or friends. According to data for the first quarter of 2017 alone, 125,100 cars in the SUV segment (SUVs, SUVs, crossovers) were sold. Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 6.3%. Among the new cars, the top three in demand are the 2017 Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and Toyota RAV4. If we take into account the total volume of passenger cars sold, the sales level of cars from the SUV segment will be 41.9% of the total volume - a surprising percentage for the beginning of the year.
