Rav4 2005 V Corolla Verso 2004> Safety

[dvw]

As a new dad, safety is paramount to me. I currently have a Corolla Verso (2004) at the moment which is great, but I have fancied a RAV4 for a while now as they look fantastic. What I was wondering was if anyone knows how they compare to each other, safety wise. I know that if I get the 05 RAV4 I will lose a knee airbag but other than that I don't know?

I test drove a RAV4 (2.0D4D) yesterday and it was great, but is it as well built as the Verso? The reason I ask is that the RAV4 (2006) scores 4 stars with EuroNcap where the Verso scores 5 stars.

In summary, is the RAV4 as safe for my family as the Verso is. Any advice would be greatfully received.

Many thanks.

[dave.m]

To be honest, dont know where you would find the safety info now as that's an older model you are looking at.

Maybe Kingo could help ? As for build quality, dont think you would have any issues there. Unlike some other

Toyota models, the Rav is built in Japan by Toyota Industries Inc. Where was your Verso built ?

[duncerduncs]

Hi dvw

The 2005 Rav was never tested under Euro NCAP, so therefore there is no obvious way to compare the 2 cars. You could try looking for crash results in the US or Japan, as the car may have been tested there.

The 4.3 (2006 onwards) score is one of great debate on this part of the forum. A quick search and you'll see what a mean!

It should be remembered that the NCAP scores are relative to the size of the car, so if I were to collide my '4 star' car against a '5 star' super mini (like a Yaris) the extra size and weight of my car would be very telling.

[Hoovie]

The RAV4.3 has a greater number of safety features and driver aids (both passive and active) compared to a RAV4.2, so I would have thought that if you are interested in a RAV and safety is the top priority, the RAV4.3 maybe a better option to investigate?

[dvw]

The Verso is actually built in Turkey. Don't know if that's a good or a bad thing?

[dvw]

I am assuming that when you say RAV4.3 you mean RAV4 mk3 (as in 2006>)? Is this correct? If so, am I looking at buying a RAV4.2 if it's an 05 plate?

[dave.m]

The Verso is actually built in Turkey. Don't know if that's a good or a bad thing?

Dont know mate, but opinion on here is that the best built Toyotas come from Japan, just ask the likes

of the MR2 owners, especially the owners of older ones which are still going strong.

[dave.m]

I am assuming that when you say RAV4.3 you mean RAV4 mk3 (as in 2006>)? Is this correct? If so, am I looking at buying a RAV4.2 if it's an 05 plate?

Have a look at Anchorman's post on this thread -

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=88151

This explains the model variations.

[Hoovie]

I am assuming that when you say RAV4.3 you mean RAV4 mk3 (as in 2006>)? Is this correct? If so, am I looking at buying a RAV4.2 if it's an 05 plate?

Yup

If you follow Dave.m's reply, all will be revealed.

I have seen both RAV4.2 and RAV4.3 on 55 plates, so the cut-over is sometime in that Sept 05 to March 06 period.

PS - I have a 05 RAV4.2 and I am very happy with the way it is on the road and the safety features it has, so don't take the comment about looking at RAV4.3 instead as being against the RAV4.2 in any way ;)

[hertsnminds]

You tube video of Rav crash test http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vQtr4eHED_4

New Zealand crash test report of Rav

http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/vehicles/ancap/toyota/rav4-2002.html

Washington Post says...

The 2004 Toyota RAV-4 got the highest ratings on both front and side crash tests performed by the insurance industry, but only when tested with its optional side air bags, according to crash test results released yesterday.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A...anguage=printer

[dvw]

Thankyou for the links, they are most informative. It seems that although the changes to the 2004 model RAV4.2 were classed as a 'facelift', the safety of the vehicle has been considerably improved over the pre-facelift 4.2.

But the question remains, do I keep my Verso or should I get the RAV, what does anyone think?

[dave.m]

As the saying goes mate "your a long time dead" go for it

[Hoovie]

RAV4 all the way.

Extra one to remember in the comparison - one of the key advantages of the RAV4 is the 4WD system. That extra traction on the road can be very reassuring on wet roads.

[hertsnminds]

But the question remains, do I keep my Verso or should I get the RAV, what does anyone think?

How often do you use more than 5 seats? How often do you use all of the load space of the Verso? How often will you need 4WD?

Which car ticks more boxes for your needs and which one makes you enjoy driving? If you want fun and functional keep the Verso and get something like a used MR2 for the days you just want a fun drive without the kids.

[jonbr]

Go for the RAV, you've got more rubber on the road and the traction control and stability control if you by the right model 4.2 (XT4 XT5 or XT-R).

I was hit from behind by a heavily laden van doing 45mph (I was stationary) the cabin was in good shape and all the doors opened with out any problem (except for the back door of course). You can see the damage in this post http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.p...=87484&st=0 The car was a right off even thought the damage doesn't look too bad but I would not like to have been in a smaller car.

For full specs you see the older RAV4 specs on the Toyota web site, select menu -> used cars -> car data archive. They cover 2004 onwards.

[dvw]

Thanks all for the advice. I am collecting my 2005 RAV4 XTR this week.

Once again, many thanks for all the sound advice.

[dave.m]

Thanks all for the advice. I am collecting my 2005 RAV4 XTR this week.

Once again, many thanks for all the sound advice.

Good to have you on board mate, great choice

[Uncle Bob]

http://www.euroncap.com/tests/toyota_rav4_2006/258.aspx

http://www.euroncap.com/tests/toyota_corol...o_2004/194.aspx

[gordonjsinclair@hotmail.com]

The truth is the Rav is a great car and mine is an 05 model.

It is safe but the truth is it is drivers that cause 99% of accidents not the car.

You might be better taking an advanced drivers course money better spent!!