2017 Toyota RAV4 Review

Detailed Review

The Toyota RAV4 made its debut in 1994. The first model dubbed the XA10, was manufactured from 1994 until 2000. The second generation known as the XA20 was manufactured from 2000 to 2005, and the third generation known as the XA30 was manufactured from 2005 to 2012. The fourth generation known as the XA40 was manufactured from 2012 to 2018, and the fifth generation known as the XA50 has been in production from 2018 to the present.
The fourth generation RAV4 features a rear liftgate rather than a side-opening rear door which was symmetrical to the previous generation. Its spare wheel is no longer mounted on the rear door.
The Toyota RAV4 no longer offers a V-6 engine like the other previous generations.

The 2017 Toyota RAV4 comes with an option of 2 engines which include;
Petrol
1. 2.0 L M20A-FKS

Petrol Hybrid
2. 2.5 L A25-FXS

The engines are linked to either 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions and eCVT (hybrid).

2017 Toyota RAV4 Grades

1. Toyota RAV4 LE – This is the base package that comes with 17-Inch steel rims, steering audio controls, rear parking sensors, cruise control, projector headlights, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, roof rails, and cargo net.

2. Toyota RAV4 XLE – This adds 17-Inch alloy rims, foglights, heated mirrors, a sunroof, a height-adjustable power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more aggressively bolstered front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
3. Toyota RAV4 Limited – This is a luxury grade that adds 18-inch wheels and exterior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the Toyota Safety Sense package, adaptive cruise control, a 7-inch higher-resolution touchscreen, and a navigation system, and smartphone app integration.
4. Toyota RAV4 SE- This trim adds 8-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, keyless ignition and entry; heated front seats; an eight-way power driver seat, driver memory settings; synthetic leather upholstery, and steering wheel paddle shifters, a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert.
5. Toyota RAV4 Platinum– This trim comes standard with soft seats, paddle shifters, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, push-button start, LED headlamps and tail lamps, a hands-free power-operated liftgate, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic.

Interior
Legroom & Space
The Toyota RAV4 is a 2- row SUV with five seats. The first row has ample headroom and legroom while the second row still has the same attributes thus making it to be more comfortable for adult or taller passengers, especially during long driving hours.

Cabin Storage
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 has a center console in the first row which has been divided into two (shallow and deep storage), two cup holders, and a bottle storage each mounted against the door. The second row has two bottle holders and pocket storage right at the back of the first-row seats.

Boot Space
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 offers a boot space of 38.4 cubic feet when the second-row seats are up and in place. With them folded, one can get a boot space of 73.4 cubic feet which is fair enough for a family that has a number of luggages.

Exterior
The 2017 RAV4 has refined and sporty exterior design compared to the previous iterations. The front-end features a sloping nose with some sweeping lines. LED daytime running  lights and headlights lends the RAV4 a modern touch. The lower fascia which has also been redesigned incorporates air vents and fog lights. The side profile has body-colored door handles. Roof rails makes the RAV4 to be more aesthetically pleasing as the rear features tail lights and indicators. A roof spoiler is also encompassed in the rear to not only improve the aerodynamics but also makes the car to have a sporty appeal.

2017 Toyota RAV4 Safety Measures
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 features 8 airbags including a driver knee airbag, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), enhanced vehicle stability control (VSC), brake assist, and traction control.

2017 Toyota RAV4 Fuel Consumption
2017 Toyota RAV4 2.0 L petrol engine consumption- 11.2km/l on average
2017 Toyota RAV4 2.5 L hybrid engine consumption- 14.4km/l on average

2017 Toyota RAV4 Acceleration
2017 Toyota RAV4 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-00km/h in 11.1 secs
2017 Toyota RAV4 2.5 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-00km/h in 8.7 secs

2017 Toyota RAV4 Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 liters

Ground Clearance
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 has a ground clearance of 6.1 inches.

Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts Availability
The Toyota RAV4 Spare Parts are easily available in Kenya, especially service and suspension parts. For body parts, it’s a mixed bag as some such as headlamps can be hard to find. The price for service and suspension parts is affordable. Body parts can get expensive depending on the part and their availability.

Stability & Handling
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 has a subtle traction control that does not get in the way of average driving unlike in other SUVs where the traction control could kick in too fast or so hard hence slowing down the vehicle.
This SUV has enough progressive body roll thus making it a comfortable ride. The RAV4’s electric power steering has a respectable feel. Although it can be changed, the steering effort is set to light. If you prefer heavier steering, you can choose Sport mode.

Due to its low ground clearance, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 does not tackle the off-road terrain very well like its competitors. Traction control, and electronic brakeforce distribution are encompassed in this vehicle so as to improve its stability.

Reliability
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is among one of the most sold vehicles thanks to its standard safety measures and ample amounts of space for people and gear. Some owners have noted that Toyota should provide better-quality tires on their new entry-level vehicles such as the RAV4 so as to avoid cracking of tires near the rims.
However, some users have noted that the SUV was missing some features modern buyers would expect like the Apple car play. Regular service and maintenance is required so as to enjoy driving this car without any problems.

Resale Value: Good

Toyota RAV4 Competitors: Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, VW Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Nissan X-trail.

What we like about the 2017 Toyota RAV4
Good fuel economy
Plenty of cargo space for its size
Affordable to maintain and easily available spare parts

What we don’t
Fewer easily accessible storage compartments than most competitors.

Conclusion
The 2017 RAV4 is a go-to car especially for bigger families because it offers enough space both for passengers and luggage. Its winning point is that it is a fuel-efficient SUV. Its modern look enables people living in urban areas to commute in it. Owing to its high purchase price, individuals on a tight budget may not buy this car. Click here to download the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Owner’s Manual.