Toyota RAV4 2.0 (A) Review
13 Feb 2019Viewed : 34,621 times
What We Like
Looks good from all angles
High refinement levels
Contemporary and clean cabin
Generous boot space of 547 litres
Plenty of low-end torque
What We Dislike
Lack of sunroof
Could do with more steering feedback
The SUV segment is not as simple as it used to be. As car manufacturers evolved with times, so did their SUVs.
Today, these cars have become the favourite choice of weapon for many buyers, thanks to their funkier styling, superior quality and a functional advantage over sedans and hatchbacks.
And it's no different with the all new fifth generation Toyota RAV4.
The RAV4 exudes style even when viewed from the back
Sense of style
Thanks to the car's dramatic yet appealing design that will not look out of place when parked beside an Audi, the RAV4 sports ample road presence, even if it isn't styled as loud as its smaller Toyota C-HR brethren.
Instead, the car you see here comes across as a more settled and stronger SUV that caters to drivers who appreciate outright authority over unwanted attention.
This subtle sense of style can also be experienced in its cabin. From angular air vents to the strategic use of textured rubber on the climate control knobs, the cabin leaves a clean and individualistic mark without losing its rugged disposition that has always been associated with the RAV4.
Cabin is a contemporary and clean place to be in
Then there is space...
Also ensuring the car's essence isn't lost, the new RAV4 - like its predecessors - continues to impress with its capacious cabin.
Comparing to its peers like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, the RAV4 has plenty of space for occupants and cargo. It is long and wide, and has a lengthy wheelbase of 2,690mm. All these translate to a roomier cabin for three occupants all round at the rear bench.
A generous serving of 547 litres of luggage capacity, of which can be extended to 700 litres with the seats folded, helps with the family weekend getaway as well as your weekly run to the supermarket.
547 litres of boot space will see to your weekly needs
And that's not all. The fact that the car comes with multiple storage space doesn't harm one bit, too. From cup holders to open trays that come fitted with anti-slip surfaces, there is hardly a time when you'll find yourself having difficulties storing your barang barang.
Today, these cars have become the favourite choice of weapon for many buyers, thanks to their funkier styling, superior quality and a functional advantage over sedans and hatchbacks.
And it's no different with the all new fifth generation Toyota RAV4.
Sense of style
Thanks to the car's dramatic yet appealing design that will not look out of place when parked beside an Audi, the RAV4 sports ample road presence, even if it isn't styled as loud as its smaller Toyota C-HR brethren.
Instead, the car you see here comes across as a more settled and stronger SUV that caters to drivers who appreciate outright authority over unwanted attention.
This subtle sense of style can also be experienced in its cabin. From angular air vents to the strategic use of textured rubber on the climate control knobs, the cabin leaves a clean and individualistic mark without losing its rugged disposition that has always been associated with the RAV4.
Then there is space...
Also ensuring the car's essence isn't lost, the new RAV4 - like its predecessors - continues to impress with its capacious cabin.
Comparing to its peers like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, the RAV4 has plenty of space for occupants and cargo. It is long and wide, and has a lengthy wheelbase of 2,690mm. All these translate to a roomier cabin for three occupants all round at the rear bench.
A generous serving of 547 litres of luggage capacity, of which can be extended to 700 litres with the seats folded, helps with the family weekend getaway as well as your weekly run to the supermarket.
And that's not all. The fact that the car comes with multiple storage space doesn't harm one bit, too. From cup holders to open trays that come fitted with anti-slip surfaces, there is hardly a time when you'll find yourself having difficulties storing your barang barang.
Up up and away
Thankfully, you won't be experiencing any difficulties behind the wheel of the RAV4. The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine pushes out 170 horses and 203Nm of twisting force to its front wheels.
2.0-litre engine pumps out 170bhp and 203Nm of torque
Despite its modest figures, the car manages to offer a fuss-free experience that's perky from low revs and refined at the higher end. This is quite a feat, considering most cars mated to a CVT gearbox are slow to pick up speed, and they tend to generate a drone that's more shaking than stirring.
The RAV4's refinement also has largely to do with its well-insulated cabin, which keeps external noises well at bay and vibrations down to a minimum.
Body roll and unnecessary swaying around corners are likewise kept under check, even as you attempt to go round long sweeping bends at higher speeds. It rides well, this car, with a suspension setup that will soak up badly constructed tarmac without any fuss.
Road noise is kept well at bay even with these 18-inch shoes
Still, the car isn't without its setbacks. For instance, the car lacks a sunroof, a feature that would have given the RAV4 a slight edge over its peers. Plus, during our time with the car over a four-day period, we managed just 11.6km/L - not too bad for a car weighing over 1.5 tonnes but far from its stated 16.7km/L.
And the list goes on
Although there are rivals in its segment that are sportier and more agile, the Toyota RAV4 brings a lot to the table. It comes with a lengthy list of standard features that delivers plenty of bang for your buck.
Lane departure alert is one of the many safety features that comes with the RAV4 as standard
At $125,988 (as of 9 February 2019), the car comes equipped with automatic LED headlamps, wireless charger, powered tailgate, lane departure alert, cruise control, automatic wipers, auto hold function and hill assist, just to name a few.
And as far as refinement and comfort go, the Toyota RAV4 is certainly up there with the best.
Thankfully, you won't be experiencing any difficulties behind the wheel of the RAV4. The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine pushes out 170 horses and 203Nm of twisting force to its front wheels.
Despite its modest figures, the car manages to offer a fuss-free experience that's perky from low revs and refined at the higher end. This is quite a feat, considering most cars mated to a CVT gearbox are slow to pick up speed, and they tend to generate a drone that's more shaking than stirring.
The RAV4's refinement also has largely to do with its well-insulated cabin, which keeps external noises well at bay and vibrations down to a minimum.
Body roll and unnecessary swaying around corners are likewise kept under check, even as you attempt to go round long sweeping bends at higher speeds. It rides well, this car, with a suspension setup that will soak up badly constructed tarmac without any fuss.
Still, the car isn't without its setbacks. For instance, the car lacks a sunroof, a feature that would have given the RAV4 a slight edge over its peers. Plus, during our time with the car over a four-day period, we managed just 11.6km/L - not too bad for a car weighing over 1.5 tonnes but far from its stated 16.7km/L.
And the list goes on
Although there are rivals in its segment that are sportier and more agile, the Toyota RAV4 brings a lot to the table. It comes with a lengthy list of standard features that delivers plenty of bang for your buck.
At $125,988 (as of 9 February 2019), the car comes equipped with automatic LED headlamps, wireless charger, powered tailgate, lane departure alert, cruise control, automatic wipers, auto hold function and hill assist, just to name a few.
And as far as refinement and comfort go, the Toyota RAV4 is certainly up there with the best.
What We Like
Looks good from all angles
High refinement levels
Contemporary and clean cabin
Generous boot space of 547 litres
Plenty of low-end torque
What We Dislike
Lack of sunroof
Could do with more steering feedback
The SUV segment is not as simple as it used to be. As car manufacturers evolved with times, so did their SUVs.
Today, these cars have become the favourite choice of weapon for many buyers, thanks to their funkier styling, superior quality and a functional advantage over sedans and hatchbacks.
And it's no different with the all new fifth generation Toyota RAV4.
The RAV4 exudes style even when viewed from the back
Sense of style
Thanks to the car's dramatic yet appealing design that will not look out of place when parked beside an Audi, the RAV4 sports ample road presence, even if it isn't styled as loud as its smaller Toyota C-HR brethren.
Instead, the car you see here comes across as a more settled and stronger SUV that caters to drivers who appreciate outright authority over unwanted attention.
This subtle sense of style can also be experienced in its cabin. From angular air vents to the strategic use of textured rubber on the climate control knobs, the cabin leaves a clean and individualistic mark without losing its rugged disposition that has always been associated with the RAV4.
Cabin is a contemporary and clean place to be in
Then there is space...
Also ensuring the car's essence isn't lost, the new RAV4 - like its predecessors - continues to impress with its capacious cabin.
Comparing to its peers like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, the RAV4 has plenty of space for occupants and cargo. It is long and wide, and has a lengthy wheelbase of 2,690mm. All these translate to a roomier cabin for three occupants all round at the rear bench.
A generous serving of 547 litres of luggage capacity, of which can be extended to 700 litres with the seats folded, helps with the family weekend getaway as well as your weekly run to the supermarket.
547 litres of boot space will see to your weekly needsAnd that's not all. The fact that the car comes with multiple storage space doesn't harm one bit, too. From cup holders to open trays that come fitted with anti-slip surfaces, there is hardly a time when you'll find yourself having difficulties storing your barang barang.
Today, these cars have become the favourite choice of weapon for many buyers, thanks to their funkier styling, superior quality and a functional advantage over sedans and hatchbacks.
And it's no different with the all new fifth generation Toyota RAV4.
Sense of style
Thanks to the car's dramatic yet appealing design that will not look out of place when parked beside an Audi, the RAV4 sports ample road presence, even if it isn't styled as loud as its smaller Toyota C-HR brethren.
Instead, the car you see here comes across as a more settled and stronger SUV that caters to drivers who appreciate outright authority over unwanted attention.
This subtle sense of style can also be experienced in its cabin. From angular air vents to the strategic use of textured rubber on the climate control knobs, the cabin leaves a clean and individualistic mark without losing its rugged disposition that has always been associated with the RAV4.
Then there is space...
Also ensuring the car's essence isn't lost, the new RAV4 - like its predecessors - continues to impress with its capacious cabin.
Comparing to its peers like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, the RAV4 has plenty of space for occupants and cargo. It is long and wide, and has a lengthy wheelbase of 2,690mm. All these translate to a roomier cabin for three occupants all round at the rear bench.
A generous serving of 547 litres of luggage capacity, of which can be extended to 700 litres with the seats folded, helps with the family weekend getaway as well as your weekly run to the supermarket.
Up up and away
Thankfully, you won't be experiencing any difficulties behind the wheel of the RAV4. The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine pushes out 170 horses and 203Nm of twisting force to its front wheels.
2.0-litre engine pumps out 170bhp and 203Nm of torqueDespite its modest figures, the car manages to offer a fuss-free experience that's perky from low revs and refined at the higher end. This is quite a feat, considering most cars mated to a CVT gearbox are slow to pick up speed, and they tend to generate a drone that's more shaking than stirring.
The RAV4's refinement also has largely to do with its well-insulated cabin, which keeps external noises well at bay and vibrations down to a minimum.
Body roll and unnecessary swaying around corners are likewise kept under check, even as you attempt to go round long sweeping bends at higher speeds. It rides well, this car, with a suspension setup that will soak up badly constructed tarmac without any fuss.
Road noise is kept well at bay even with these 18-inch shoesStill, the car isn't without its setbacks. For instance, the car lacks a sunroof, a feature that would have given the RAV4 a slight edge over its peers. Plus, during our time with the car over a four-day period, we managed just 11.6km/L - not too bad for a car weighing over 1.5 tonnes but far from its stated 16.7km/L.
And the list goes on
Although there are rivals in its segment that are sportier and more agile, the Toyota RAV4 brings a lot to the table. It comes with a lengthy list of standard features that delivers plenty of bang for your buck.
Lane departure alert is one of the many safety features that comes with the RAV4 as standardAt $125,988 (as of 9 February 2019), the car comes equipped with automatic LED headlamps, wireless charger, powered tailgate, lane departure alert, cruise control, automatic wipers, auto hold function and hill assist, just to name a few.
And as far as refinement and comfort go, the Toyota RAV4 is certainly up there with the best.
Thankfully, you won't be experiencing any difficulties behind the wheel of the RAV4. The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine pushes out 170 horses and 203Nm of twisting force to its front wheels.
The RAV4's refinement also has largely to do with its well-insulated cabin, which keeps external noises well at bay and vibrations down to a minimum.
Body roll and unnecessary swaying around corners are likewise kept under check, even as you attempt to go round long sweeping bends at higher speeds. It rides well, this car, with a suspension setup that will soak up badly constructed tarmac without any fuss.
And the list goes on
Although there are rivals in its segment that are sportier and more agile, the Toyota RAV4 brings a lot to the table. It comes with a lengthy list of standard features that delivers plenty of bang for your buck.
And as far as refinement and comfort go, the Toyota RAV4 is certainly up there with the best.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Also read our comparison article on:
Seat Ateca 1.4 AWD TSI DSG FR vs Toyota RAV4 2.0
Car Information
Toyota RAV4 2.0 Premium (A)
CAT B|Petrol|16.7km/L
Horsepower
127kW (170 bhp)
Torque
203 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Toyota RAV4
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