Toyota RAV4 Petrol

Toyota RAV4’s are a bit of a regular sight on our roads, and on our cousins roads across the Tasman Sea.  It seems that whether you travel around Australia or New Zealand a Toyota RAV4 is, more often than not, the SUV rental car of choice.  It’s for very good reason, too.  Toyota has built up such a good following because, for years, they have been truly reliable and dependable work horses.  The newest RAV4 definitely follows this trend, and though boasting and brimming with all the latest technology, it has some of the most indestructible drive trains and chassis in its class.  The latest petrol models in the RAV4 range are smooth, robust and punchy.  What are they like to drive?  Let’s take a closer look.

Each new RAV4 comes with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) as standard, so the comfortable ride quality is backed up with sure and safe road-holding dynamics – whatever the road surface might be.  These are easy SUVs to drive and they will take all types of roads in their strides.  AWD and 2WD Toyota RAV4 Petrol models are available.  It’s easiest to say that the 2.0-litre petrol versions come with 2WD only.  These still come with a Limited Slip Diff to cope with slippery conditions.  Bigger, more powerful 2.5-litre petrol models come standard with AWD.  AWD versions are the best RAV4s to get you in and out of trickier off-road situations.  All grades of trim are available with a 2.5-litre engine, while the 2.0-litre engine is available in both GX and GXL grades.

If you want a little more adventure in your RAV4 life, it’s best to opt for the AWD models – as AWD RAV4 models with automatic transmissions are equipped with Downhill Assist Control as standard.  This technology helps you maintain a steady low speed on steep descents, even when the surface is slippery, by automatically applying appropriate brake pressure.  AWD models also feature Active Torque Control, which automatically switches between front wheel drive and All Wheel Drive to help enhance drivability and handling on every road surface.  RAV4 ground clearance is also quite good for an SUV that is happy to run on tarmac all day.  You’ll find yourself getting lost up a side track sooner than later, particularly in an AWD Toyota RAV4 model.

On the tarmac, both the 2WD and AWD RAV4 vehicles are smooth and comfortable high riders.  The petrol versions are natural performers.  They are happy to run right through to high rpm with little fuss and bother.  Ample power is available for passing slower vehicles, while the chassis is nicely settled and surprisingly agile.  The multi-mode automatic transmission available on AWD automatic models features Sport shift.  This is enabled when you move the gear stick into the S position, so when you want a little more control of your drive, perhaps with a sporty flavour, the sequential gear shifting can be fun.  In addition, when the Sports Mode button is pressed, the AWD system adjusts driving and handling stability to suit sportier driving characteristics.

If squealing your wheels isn’t your thing, then the all-new RAV4 petrol models come with cruise control as a standard feature.  The system maintains a constant speed which can be set and adjusted via the controls on the steering wheel.  Speaking of steering wheels, your steering is all electronic.  This method of steering saves fuel, and gives smooth reliable feedback.

On a practical note, the new RAV4 swallows 577-litres of cargo with the rear seats up.  The 60/40 rear-split seats gives the RAV4 plenty of options for carrying awkward shaped luggage.  Also, plenty of storage compartments and spaces are available for all the things you need to take with you when you head out for a drive.

With a new RAV4 you will enjoy plenty of goodies, both technically and for comfort.  Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), a soft padded modern instrument panel with high quality materials, leather accented seats (Cruiser models), a 6.1-inch display for the premium audio system (GX and GXL grades come with a wrap-around, 6-speaker sound system), Bluetooth with B5 connectivity, AUX inputs for MP3 players and a USB port for selected devices and some iPods (G8).  Cruiser grades come equipped with Satellite Navigation and SUNA (G7) which provides live traffic updates.  All variants boast a handy reversing camera which displays what’s behind the vehicle on the audio screen.  This is a great feature, particularly in an SUV.  Toddlers running wild are much safer with this technology in new cars.

Toyota RAV4 Petrol Interior

Toyota RAV4 Cruiser models have a power operated rear door, which opens at a touch of the smart key or a click of the button on the instrument panel.  This makes life very easy when loading and unloading gear.  Cruiser variants boast a tilt-and-slide moon roof.

This is a roomy SUV with athletic, aerodynamic looks.  Inside the contemporary shape are heaps of modern safety features to keep you and your fellow occupants safe.  RAV4 GXL and Cruiser variants are fitted with powerful front fog lamps.  Bi-Beam LED headlamps are standard on all RAV4 models and are complemented by integrated LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs).  All models come with Trailer Sway Control, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag, driver and front passenger front and side airbags and driver front passenger and second row curtain shield airbags), an Anti-Skid Braking System (ABS), Traction Control and a reversing camera.

I like the new Toyota RAV4’s sleek body shape.  It’s right up there with the nicer designs in its class, and it’s a big class with plenty of useful rivals.  The Toyota RAV4 is very good and hard to pass by.

Toyota RAV4 petrol models includes the:

• RAV4 GX 2WD 2.0-litre
• RAV4 GX AWD 2.5-litre
• RAV4 GXL 2WD 2.0-litre
• RAV4 GXL AWD 2.5-litre
• RAV4 Cruiser AWD 2.5-litre

For any more information on the Toyota RAV4 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Toyota dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!