My New Rav4 Xt5 Review. Any Opinions?

[st73uk]

I have just purchased a new RAV4 XT5 2.2 D4D (Excellent price of £23k inc metallic from Car Select). Having moved from a BMW 3 series sport for space and practicality I decided to take the plunge after trying the CRV (not chosen as being replaced) and Volvo V50 (lacked rear passenger and luggage space).

I have only had the car for a month, but having spent a lot of time driving around town and on long motorway journeys I'm aleady thinking I've made the wrong choice and seriously considering getting rid. These are my views and I would appreciate yours:

1. The Diesel Engine seems very noisy and rough and stops accelerating just over 3000RPM. Is this normal for this engine ? Although it does seem refined on the motorway.

2. The rear suspension seems very hard / harsh when hitting bumps, drains etc

3. The leather seats are very firm and uncomfortable, especially when spending a long time on motorway journeys.

4. The interior plastic seems as though it will scratch very easy, especially with kids.

5. How stupid are the rear seatbelts. The middle seat belt is located in such a position it is impossible to accomodate and use the three rear belts especially when using child seats.

6. The SAT NAV and stereo system is brilliant and so easy to use. Very impressed.

7. Although the rear door is awkward by not opening 90, it hasn't really bothered me.

[anchorman]

I have just purchased a new RAV4 XT5 2.2 D4D (Excellent price of £23k inc metallic from Car Select). Having moved from a BMW 3 series sport for space and practicality I decided to take the plunge after trying the CRV (not chosen as being replaced) and Volvo V50 (lacked rear passenger and luggage space).

I have only had the car for a month, but having spent a lot of time driving around town and on long motorway journeys I'm aleady thinking I've made the wrong choice and seriously considering getting rid. These are my views and I would appreciate yours:

1. The Diesel Engine seems very noisy and rough and stops accelerating just over 3000RPM. Is this normal for this engine ? Although it does seem refined on the motorway.

2. The rear suspension seems very hard / harsh when hitting bumps, drains etc

3. The leather seats are very firm and uncomfortable, especially when spending a long time on motorway journeys.

4. The interior plastic seems as though it will scratch very easy, especially with kids.

5. How stupid are the rear seatbelts. The middle seat belt is located in such a position it is impossible to accomodate and use the three rear belts especially when using child seats.

6. The SAT NAV and stereo system is brilliant and so easy to use. Very impressed.

7. Although the rear door is awkward by not opening 90, it hasn't really bothered me.

Hi

I have a new XT4 2.2 diesel

The engines are harsh but to be honest this is the cars finest point. The injection pressures are very high (approx 25000 psi) and are typical for common rail diesels but accounts for some pronounced diesel knock. It reminded me of the first Transit direct injection diesels in terms of the noise when I first drove it. I don't know why so much noise is transmitted to the cabin when you compare it to the Avensis with the same engine - they are significantly quieter. Maybe it is to do with the amount of insulation they are able to accommodate on the bulkhead. The torque curve is very flat which gives that fall off in acceleration but the up side is that pulling power is high from 2000rpm and fuel consumption is good. Try to get used to changing up when you get to about 2800 - 3000rpm. It is why they have given you 6 gears and in any case you will find it just "digs in" and starts to accellerate again in the next gear!

I find the suspension firm and a little bit unsettled at lower speeds but mine seems to iron out at higher speeds. It would find bumps on a snooker table at 20mph but is a positive delight on the motorway.

I like the seats. I think it is perhaps a personal thing and a matter of use that you will probably get used to. Firmer seats are better for your posture and you will feel less "stiff" after a long journey.

The interior plastic seems to be more durable than my old Corolla which marked easily. I have knocked it several times and not marked it a bit. The demonstrator that I tried did have some marks and that had 4k on the clock but I cannot imagine what they did. I must say that I had a 2001 3 Series Touring and the plastics were good. I did think that this RAV was as good before even reading your comments - give it chance, you might be pleasantly surprised.

I'm afraid that I have never used the centre rear belt, it is stored in the roof out of the way. I think it has to be like that to fit in with the rear seat folding mechanism.

I dont have SAT NAV but the stereo is good.

They are restricted as to how far the door can open because EEC/Construction and Use regulations do not allow the spare wheel to obscure the lights when the door is open. Why they could not have built a red light into the door like some cars have is beyond me! You can buy a 90 degree check strap from a T180 which opens fully because there is no spare wheel on the back door (it has run flat tyres). The dealer will not fit it so you will have to do it yourself or get a local garage to fit it. They cost about £52 I believe.

The achillise heel in mine is the gearbox. What do you think of yours? I don't want to put words in your mouth so I will comment more after hearing your reply.

Regards

[st73uk]

I have just purchased a new RAV4 XT5 2.2 D4D (Excellent price of £23k inc metallic from Car Select). Having moved from a BMW 3 series sport for space and practicality I decided to take the plunge after trying the CRV (not chosen as being replaced) and Volvo V50 (lacked rear passenger and luggage space).

I have only had the car for a month, but having spent a lot of time driving around town and on long motorway journeys I'm aleady thinking I've made the wrong choice and seriously considering getting rid. These are my views and I would appreciate yours:

1. The Diesel Engine seems very noisy and rough and stops accelerating just over 3000RPM. Is this normal for this engine ? Although it does seem refined on the motorway.

2. The rear suspension seems very hard / harsh when hitting bumps, drains etc

3. The leather seats are very firm and uncomfortable, especially when spending a long time on motorway journeys.

4. The interior plastic seems as though it will scratch very easy, especially with kids.

5. How stupid are the rear seatbelts. The middle seat belt is located in such a position it is impossible to accomodate and use the three rear belts especially when using child seats.

6. The SAT NAV and stereo system is brilliant and so easy to use. Very impressed.

7. Although the rear door is awkward by not opening 90, it hasn't really bothered me.

Hi

I have a new XT4 2.2 diesel

The engines are harsh but to be honest this is the cars finest point. The injection pressures are very high (approx 25000 psi) and are typical for common rail diesels but accounts for some pronounced diesel knock. It reminded me of the first Transit direct injection diesels in terms of the noise when I first drove it. I don't know why so much noise is transmitted to the cabin when you compare it to the Avensis with the same engine - they are significantly quieter. Maybe it is to do with the amount of insulation they are able to accommodate on the bulkhead. The torque curve is very flat which gives that fall off in acceleration but the up side is that pulling power is high from 2000rpm and fuel consumption is good. Try to get used to changing up when you get to about 2800 - 3000rpm. It is why they have given you 6 gears and in any case you will find it just "digs in" and starts to accellerate again in the next gear!

I find the suspension firm and a little bit unsettled at lower speeds but mine seems to iron out at higher speeds. It would find bumps on a snooker table at 20mph but is a positive delight on the motorway.

I like the seats. I think it is perhaps a personal thing and a matter of use that you will probably get used to. Firmer seats are better for your posture and you will feel less "stiff" after a long journey.

The interior plastic seems to be more durable than my old Corolla which marked easily. I have knocked it several times and not marked it a bit. The demonstrator that I tried did have some marks and that had 4k on the clock but I cannot imagine what they did. I must say that I had a 2001 3 Series Touring and the plastics were good. I did think that this RAV was as good before even reading your comments - give it chance, you might be pleasantly surprised.

I'm afraid that I have never used the centre rear belt, it is stored in the roof out of the way. I think it has to be like that to fit in with the rear seat folding mechanism.

I dont have SAT NAV but the stereo is good.

They are restricted as to how far the door can open because EEC/Construction and Use regulations do not allow the spare wheel to obscure the lights when the door is open. Why they could not have built a red light into the door like some cars have is beyond me! You can buy a 90 degree check strap from a T180 which opens fully because there is no spare wheel on the back door (it has run flat tyres). The dealer will not fit it so you will have to do it yourself or get a local garage to fit it. They cost about £52 I believe.

The achillise heel in mine is the gearbox. What do you think of yours? I don't want to put words in your mouth so I will comment more after hearing your reply.

Regards

Thanks for your comments. I will perserve as I do believe I will get to like the RAV as it has been a complete change in type of vehicle and engine.

Regarding the gearbox - Coming from the BMW where it was very slick and as smooth a "babies bottom", I find it quite harsh, especially at low gears (1st & 2nd) . It may be me, but it also seems to make a stange grinding sound, again in the lower gears.

What sort of MPG are you getting from yours ? I'm getting around 32MPG combined and managed to 42MPG on motorway driving at 75mph. I am a bit confused with the fuel tank / warning light. I am only managing to get 48 litres into the tank and getting just under 400 miles. I am assuming there is another 12 litres sitting in reserve but not sure how far to go before actually refuelling. I'm guessing I should get another 100 miles out of the tank. How about you?

[Steve@Aberdeen]

I've got the XT4 D-4D, too. Engine pulls fine - I've driven diesels for almost 20 years and this one is a cracker through the revs; I also like to hear the engine.

Seats are good, too - I like them firm; I found them better than the ones in the CR-V I tested.

Gearbox is sometimes a bit "stiff" in 1/2, though nothing out of the ordinary in my experience; very smooth for 3/4 and 5/6.

Refuelling from mid-way between E and 1/4 (~40 mile range on the computer) let in around 46l - the last two fills (brim to brim) have worked out at just over 38mpg; the computer seems to be averaging out at 40ish (a bit optimistic, possibly, but close enough). The computer also gives me a range of 430 miles after a fill-up. If it's a 60l tank, then it seems to be keeping around 10 in reserve (though how much can actually be used is a separate issue); I'd guess I won't run out at 430 miles but I'll treat any reserve as a safety factor - not to be taken into account for logistics.

[Easy]

I have just purchased a new RAV4 XT5 2.2 D4D (Excellent price of £23k inc metallic from Car Select). Having moved from a BMW 3 series sport for space and practicality I decided to take the plunge after trying the CRV (not chosen as being replaced) and Volvo V50 (lacked rear passenger and luggage space).

I have only had the car for a month, but having spent a lot of time driving around town and on long motorway journeys I'm aleady thinking I've made the wrong choice and seriously considering getting rid. These are my views and I would appreciate yours:

1. The Diesel Engine seems very noisy and rough and stops accelerating just over 3000RPM. Is this normal for this engine ? Although it does seem refined on the motorway.

2. The rear suspension seems very hard / harsh when hitting bumps, drains etc

3. The leather seats are very firm and uncomfortable, especially when spending a long time on motorway journeys.

4. The interior plastic seems as though it will scratch very easy, especially with kids.

5. How stupid are the rear seatbelts. The middle seat belt is located in such a position it is impossible to accomodate and use the three rear belts especially when using child seats.

6. The SAT NAV and stereo system is brilliant and so easy to use. Very impressed.

7. Although the rear door is awkward by not opening 90, it hasn't really bothered me.

Hi i posted a thread on here a few weeks ago about the stiff suspension, didn't create a lot of interest to be honest, but i find it unaceptable and took it back to Toyota where i bought it for a test drive with one of there engineers, the out come being was he says the suspension was normal for a Rav and was part of the character of the car. I think thats absoulutly balderdash for want of a better word and somthing should be done about it, i find myself now swerving to miss drains and manholes to avoid the loud banging that occurs and no one can convince me thats how it should it be. Check out my thread Bumpy Suspesion or What, other than that great car.

[gcparris]

Hi, I have a RAV4 T180, so the same engine. In response to your findings...

1) I thought the engine seemed quite quiet considering it was a diesel. Coming from my wifes Toyota Yaris where you had to raise your voice to have a conversation, to this RAV where you can talk normally and still hear each other clearly I find it very acceptable.

I also find the power in all gears prettty good too, but I agree with the earlier post about changing gear around the 2800/3000 mark. In comparison to my previous car (TVR Tuscan) obviously it doesn't whip your head back accelerating like that did, but acheiving 0-60 in 9 seconds ain't bad for this kind of car.

2) I haven't really noticed the suspension at all although it does seem to clunk a little. Maybe I haven't noticed it because I am used to a rock solid ride in the Tuscan and I am immune :) But then in comparison to the Yaris it is definately a little harsher, however I would expect this.

3) As previously mentioned, I think this is a personal preference. The Tuscan's leather seats were softer than the RAV's and I much prefer the RAV4's harder leather and solidness.

4) I find all interior plastics like this. Again the Yaris plastic seemed to scratch very easily. I haven't scratched this one yet.

5) I've sat in the back with another adult and used the two side seat belts. They were both fine and comfortable. I have not tried the centre one, but I might just try it this weekend.

6) Completely agree about the SAT NAV and radio, just wish there was an iPod connection like our american friends get in theirs. And now I've got the bluetooth working on both my and my wife's phones it is even better, just wish it could transmit the caller display to the screen.

7) This doesn't affect me as the T180 door has no spare tyre and opens the full 90 degrees. I do have to remember to park with the door facing out though, especially when diving and having to load/unload all our scuba gear!

However I believe you can get this modified to open fully.

Gareth.

I have just purchased a new RAV4 XT5 2.2 D4D (Excellent price of £23k inc metallic from Car Select). Having moved from a BMW 3 series sport for space and practicality I decided to take the plunge after trying the CRV (not chosen as being replaced) and Volvo V50 (lacked rear passenger and luggage space).

I have only had the car for a month, but having spent a lot of time driving around town and on long motorway journeys I'm aleady thinking I've made the wrong choice and seriously considering getting rid. These are my views and I would appreciate yours:

1. The Diesel Engine seems very noisy and rough and stops accelerating just over 3000RPM. Is this normal for this engine ? Although it does seem refined on the motorway.

2. The rear suspension seems very hard / harsh when hitting bumps, drains etc

3. The leather seats are very firm and uncomfortable, especially when spending a long time on motorway journeys.

4. The interior plastic seems as though it will scratch very easy, especially with kids.

5. How stupid are the rear seatbelts. The middle seat belt is located in such a position it is impossible to accomodate and use the three rear belts especially when using child seats.

6. The SAT NAV and stereo system is brilliant and so easy to use. Very impressed.

7. Although the rear door is awkward by not opening 90, it hasn't really bothered me.

[st73uk]

Hi, I have a RAV4 T180, so the same engine. In response to your findings...

1) I thought the engine seemed quite quiet considering it was a diesel. Coming from my wifes Toyota Yaris where you had to raise your voice to have a conversation, to this RAV where you can talk normally and still hear each other clearly I find it very acceptable.

I also find the power in all gears prettty good too, but I agree with the earlier post about changing gear around the 2800/3000 mark. In comparison to my previous car (TVR Tuscan) obviously it doesn't whip your head back accelerating like that did, but acheiving 0-60 in 9 seconds ain't bad for this kind of car.

2) I haven't really noticed the suspension at all although it does seem to clunk a little. Maybe I haven't noticed it because I am used to a rock solid ride in the Tuscan and I am immune :) But then in comparison to the Yaris it is definately a little harsher, however I would expect this.

3) As previously mentioned, I think this is a personal preference. The Tuscan's leather seats were softer than the RAV's and I much prefer the RAV4's harder leather and solidness.

4) I find all interior plastics like this. Again the Yaris plastic seemed to scratch very easily. I haven't scratched this one yet.

5) I've sat in the back with another adult and used the two side seat belts. They were both fine and comfortable. I have not tried the centre one, but I might just try it this weekend.

6) Completely agree about the SAT NAV and radio, just wish there was an iPod connection like our american friends get in theirs. And now I've got the bluetooth working on both my and my wife's phones it is even better, just wish it could transmit the caller display to the screen.

7) This doesn't affect me as the T180 door has no spare tyre and opens the full 90 degrees. I do have to remember to park with the door facing out though, especially when diving and having to load/unload all our scuba gear!

However I believe you can get this modified to open fully.

Gareth.

I have just purchased a new RAV4 XT5 2.2 D4D (Excellent price of £23k inc metallic from Car Select). Having moved from a BMW 3 series sport for space and practicality I decided to take the plunge after trying the CRV (not chosen as being replaced) and Volvo V50 (lacked rear passenger and luggage space).

I have only had the car for a month, but having spent a lot of time driving around town and on long motorway journeys I'm aleady thinking I've made the wrong choice and seriously considering getting rid. These are my views and I would appreciate yours:

1. The Diesel Engine seems very noisy and rough and stops accelerating just over 3000RPM. Is this normal for this engine ? Although it does seem refined on the motorway.

2. The rear suspension seems very hard / harsh when hitting bumps, drains etc

3. The leather seats are very firm and uncomfortable, especially when spending a long time on motorway journeys.

4. The interior plastic seems as though it will scratch very easy, especially with kids.

5. How stupid are the rear seatbelts. The middle seat belt is located in such a position it is impossible to accomodate and use the three rear belts especially when using child seats.

6. The SAT NAV and stereo system is brilliant and so easy to use. Very impressed.

7. Although the rear door is awkward by not opening 90, it hasn't really bothered me.

The T180 is different from my engine whcih is the 140 version. I have driven both and the T180 is much more refined and quicker which is why you find it quiet.

It all seems to be down to personal preference. I've been used to German Quality vehicles - all soft touch materials, solid plastics and solid bodywork. My last car (BMW 3 series) got absolutely hammered inside by my two children and there was not a scratch or mark anywhere on the interior plastics. A Toyota certainly is nowhere near this quality, but it does offer more for your money and I believe it will offer superb reliabilty.

Picking up on your point of the bluetooth. I have a Sony Mobile and copied all my phonebook to the cars sat nav / bluetooth and I get the name of the person calling come up on the screen. I do agree though it woudl be nice to see the number of the person calling if not in your car phone book.

[andre]

I have just purchased a new RAV4 XT5 2.2 D4D (Excellent price of £23k inc metallic from Car Select). Having moved from a BMW 3 series sport for space and practicality I decided to take the plunge after trying the CRV (not chosen as being replaced) and Volvo V50 (lacked rear passenger and luggage space).

I have only had the car for a month, but having spent a lot of time driving around town and on long motorway journeys I'm aleady thinking I've made the wrong choice and seriously considering getting rid. These are my views and I would appreciate yours:

1. The Diesel Engine seems very noisy and rough and stops accelerating just over 3000RPM. Is this normal for this engine ? Although it does seem refined on the motorway.

2. The rear suspension seems very hard / harsh when hitting bumps, drains etc

3. The leather seats are very firm and uncomfortable, especially when spending a long time on motorway journeys.

4. The interior plastic seems as though it will scratch very easy, especially with kids.

5. How stupid are the rear seatbelts. The middle seat belt is located in such a position it is impossible to accomodate and use the three rear belts especially when using child seats.

6. The SAT NAV and stereo system is brilliant and so easy to use. Very impressed.

7. Although the rear door is awkward by not opening 90, it hasn't really bothered me.

Hi there just joined the forum, and just took possesion of my new RAV4 XT5 2.2 D4D (or the Swiss equivalent).

My comments to yours:

1. I have noticed the engine behaves strangely at low RPM's. In 2nd gear at 2000 RPM is tends to have gaps in the acceleration.

2. Same comment, rear suspension too firm (maybe this can be adjusted?)

3. Agree leather seats are great, except maybe in strong curves where they could have been slightly more "envelopping"

4. Agree, mine is easily scratched and even when rubbing off marks use a cloth because with your fingers it makes it worse (wonder what plastic this is?)

5. Agreed

6. GPS and audio are very nice, pity the MP3 function only displays the first 15 characters though. bluetooth was an issue. I tried 2 Samsungs and a Sony Ericsson and audio was terrible. Finally a good old Nokia worked fine although the signal strength and batery are not supported.

7. No problem, had the same on my previous RAV4

Cheers

Andre

[st73uk]

I have just purchased a new RAV4 XT5 2.2 D4D (Excellent price of £23k inc metallic from Car Select). Having moved from a BMW 3 series sport for space and practicality I decided to take the plunge after trying the CRV (not chosen as being replaced) and Volvo V50 (lacked rear passenger and luggage space).

I have only had the car for a month, but having spent a lot of time driving around town and on long motorway journeys I'm aleady thinking I've made the wrong choice and seriously considering getting rid. These are my views and I would appreciate yours:

1. The Diesel Engine seems very noisy and rough and stops accelerating just over 3000RPM. Is this normal for this engine ? Although it does seem refined on the motorway.

2. The rear suspension seems very hard / harsh when hitting bumps, drains etc

3. The leather seats are very firm and uncomfortable, especially when spending a long time on motorway journeys.

4. The interior plastic seems as though it will scratch very easy, especially with kids.

5. How stupid are the rear seatbelts. The middle seat belt is located in such a position it is impossible to accomodate and use the three rear belts especially when using child seats.

6. The SAT NAV and stereo system is brilliant and so easy to use. Very impressed.

7. Although the rear door is awkward by not opening 90, it hasn't really bothered me.

Hi there just joined the forum, and just took possesion of my new RAV4 XT5 2.2 D4D (or the Swiss equivalent).

My comments to yours:

1. I have noticed the engine behaves strangely at low RPM's. In 2nd gear at 2000 RPM is tends to have gaps in the acceleration.

2. Same comment, rear suspension too firm (maybe this can be adjusted?)

3. Agree leather seats are great, except maybe in strong curves where they could have been slightly more "envelopping"

4. Agree, mine is easily scratched and even when rubbing off marks use a cloth because with your fingers it makes it worse (wonder what plastic this is?)

5. Agreed

6. GPS and audio are very nice, pity the MP3 function only displays the first 15 characters though. bluetooth was an issue. I tried 2 Samsungs and a Sony Ericsson and audio was terrible. Finally a good old Nokia worked fine although the signal strength and batery are not supported.

7. No problem, had the same on my previous RAV4

Cheers

Andre

I have a Sony Ericsson W810i and it works perfect. I managed to adjust the bluetooth volume by doing the following. Hold down the info button and turn the lights on / off 4 times. This takes you into the technicians menu where you can adjust the bluetooth volume.