Suspension on rav 4

[Roger ball]

we have just purchased a rav 4 2014 auto awd 

the ride is very choppy on uneven roads did they change the suspension spec from the first launch model of 2013 ? When we test drove a 2013 model it was a much better ride is it because they have changed the wheel size from 17 to 18 inch?

we have also noticed the engine does not perform as well as the launch model on the 2.2 diesel.

any help I would be very grateful  Roger

[FROSTYBALLS]

Moved to the Rav4 club

[philip42h]

On 10/21/2020 at 8:38 PM, Roger ball said:

we have just purchased a rav 4 2014 auto awd 

the ride is very choppy on uneven roads did they change the suspension spec from the first launch model of 2013 ? When we test drove a 2013 model it was a much better ride is it because they have changed the wheel size from 17 to 18 inch?

we have also noticed the engine does not perform as well as the launch model on the 2.2 diesel.

any help I would be very grateful  Roger

The 2013 and 2014 2.2 diesel auto models are mechanically identical and, while the base Active model came on 17" rims, the Icon and Invincible were always on 18" rims so there is no underlying reason why a 2013 model should be different from a 2014. The performance of identically spec'd models should be the same though that is to some extent dependent upon the car's age and state of maintenance.

I ran a 2013 2.2 diesel auto for 7 years and would have no real complaints about the handling or ride ... (the 4.5 is smoother)

There is a common complaint that the OEM Bridgestone tyres are 'noisy' and my car certainly rode better on Michelin CrossClimates (other brands are certainly available). So, if your car is still running on its original six year old rubber you may want to consider a fresh set of tyres ... ?

[Avalon]

Going from 17” to 18” certainly won’t improve the situation, but I’d check the rear springs/shocks if it’s as noticeable as you suggest. Depending on miles/usage and maintenance, they may have seen better days. I just changed my rears after 15 years and nearly 130k, when I tested the old vs new for rebound rate, it was obvious the old ones were well past it, though they still functioned.