Toyota RAV4 XA40 (2013-2019)

RAV4 is okay - but not everything shines – We are driving the RAV4 now for a year; generally the car performs well and we are happy with it - and we have only the following negatives to report and one unbelievable experience: 1) front brake pads are wearing thin after just 50,000 km (down to 2.5 mm). A bit too early. 2) gasoline consumption is too high (it gives 10 km/l or needs 10l on… Read more

a 100 km), particularly taking into consideration that we run the car on ECO mode. 3) speed control reacts too slow when going downhill or uphill. 4) Navi display is small, reaction to input takes too long.

By far the worst is the following experience, though: on our second car key the battery needed to be changed. Whilst doing that, a tiny little spring broke. I taped the two half’s of the key case together and went to TOYOTA. Of course, they did not have a spare spring. Neither just the casing for the key.

The only proposal by TOYOTA was: you can buy a new key. But I do not need a new key, the key and its electronic parts work fine. I just need the casing. Sorry Mate, not possible. Okay. So how much would a new key cost me? That´s then AUD 531,04 (!!!) - plus calibration another AUD 150. AUD 680 for a piece of plastic???

Took my key and left. Checked on Ebay and spotted some key casings that could have worked, price around AUD 10. In the end, my son-in-law repaired it at home, forming a new spring and drilling a tiny new hole into the case. Costs: AUD 3,50 for the drill (Bunnings) and AUD 0,10 for the spring.

Thank you Toyota. I propose you check your spare parts policies.

Transmission fault – Bought a 2016 RAV4 and dealer said sound was normal when accelerating but the transmission and gear box were stuffed. Bought another one a couple days later thinking it was a one off, turned out THIS one also had same issue dealer tried to tell me it was normal. Avoid rav4’s 2015-2019 apparently they used faulty transmissions. Some mechanics are… Read more

aware of this some not…update bought a 10 yo Kluger instead and no problems not hard to park either just uses a bit of fuel

My first Toyota & a very pleasant surprise overall! – In the last few years I have owned several different SUVs, including the Hyundai IX35, & Tucson, and the Mazda CX5. I changed brands again this time when I bought the 2018 Toyota Rav4 GXL automatic, in June with less 5000 kms on the Odometer. I was impressed with its comfort, safety features and the huge amount of space when the back seats are… Read more

down. It is the last model Rav4 from Toyota to have a CD player, which for me was a real plus!

The 2 Litre engine has plenty of power but at the same time is very economic on petrol - consumption averaging far less than 7 litres per 100 kms on my local roads. Being automatic it is very smooth and so easy to drive in traffic. Responsive when extra power is necessary but content to cruise at 80 kms per hour on our local highways. Many safety features are standard with this model - far more than I have had in any of my previous cars. In heavy city traffic, this is indeed a bonus.

Regular Toyota servicing is capped at only $180 each 6 months. It has the balance of its 3 year warranty but I am not anticipating any major problems as so far, it has been very reliable. The warranty runs till July 2021.

Of course it has been overshadowed by the arrival of the new 2019 model, now available as a hybrid. I considered one of these, but the initial outlay was significantly more expensive and not worth it for the low kilometres I drive each year - less than 9,000. It has a certain look which may not appeal to everyone but as an everyday vehicle it suits me just fine.

Great SUV, exceeds expectations – Spent over 6 months reviewing online and test driving a range of mid-sized SUV's. Ended up buying the RAV4 due to this model being the new, 5th generation with stiffer sub-frame, lots of tech safety, Toyota's renowned (I have had several Toyota's over the last 4 decades) durability, low service costs. My concerns were: 1. Size of vehicle - the… Read more

RAV4 has been getting larger over the last decade with each new model 2. Running costs and fuel efficiency. We've had it 3 months now and couldn't be happier. Yes, it is a little larger than I would have liked but I did need to ensure I could fit my MTB in the back without removing wheels (just quicker and easier, particularly at END of rides) - this was a limiting factor in many of the rival mid size SUV's I checked. The fuel efficiency has really amazed me, I didn't expect to be able to match or beat the manufacturers figures as we all expect them to be in ideal, non real world environment. Admittedly I drive around town in ECO mode (I don't really need to drag anyone off from traffic lights?), but have consistently gotten 6.5l per 100km around town! and very close to 6 or less on weekend drives! Its very comfortable, the safety tech is impressive, we really look forward to 'going for a drive' in it. One downside from my point of view is the Satnav. I find it difficult to change settings, turn off the voice instructions, search for a destination, something my passenger can't do when the car is in motion presumably as a safety feature to ensure lone drivers aren't distracted? Also its detection of school safety zones is not time-of-day specific so it warns me at midnight on weekends when i approach, enter and leave a school safety zone! I finally managed to turn of the voice warnings for this "feature". Also the Satnav maps aren't really accurate, beforementioned school safety zones are detected even when i am in a side street NEAR the zones, also as with most Satnav, the maps are not fully up to date. Capped price servicing was another feature that sold me on the RAV4, they supposedly include consumables and are amongst the lowest of all 2019 model mid-size SUV's If efficient, reliable, roomy mid size SUV is what you're after, consider test driving a RAV4, AWD is available in all models - as is hybrid engines - I chose not to select either to keep my car as simple as possible for a 2019 model ...

Really disappointing – I receive this 2017 Auto Rav4 AWD GXL as a company car. I've driven it for 35000 km around Victoria and SA. Pros: the lock differential is good for off road. Light weight. Huge boot. Seating position adequate either for driver and rear occupants. Racks supports are handy. Cons: Noisy car: tyres, wind, engine, all filtered to the cabin, even at… Read more

80 km/hr Ground clearance could be very good , but it has the exhaust underneath the oil sump.. very poor design. Lights: worst light I've use in a car. High or low beam are terrible. Really dangerous for Australia as you can't see the wildlife or anything else. Do not drive this car at night during raining as you will feel blind. Don't know the problem with led lights, but the reflection coming from the signs on the road will blind you. I've complained 2 times, but it is all normal apparently. Paintwork: The paintwork is really thin. The lacquer (or clear coat) is a joke. Any scratch will reach the prime coat. Transmission: jerk, slow, too prone to go down on gears, even when you want it to hold. It is really annoying when driving uphill: up and down over and over. Doesn't hold downhill even in manual when you want to use engine brake. Engine: doesn't like to rev. The match with the transmission is really poor. Really old school and thirsty. Not refine at all!! Suspension: too hard and bumpy. Lots of body roll, understeer and torque steer. Assembly quality: you would expect high quality at least in this area (coming from Japan), but it is also terrible, I'm using cardboard to reduce the noise from the stereo. All the doors have assembly noises as well. Closing the doors or the bonnet feels like tinplate garbage lids.. Technology and software: What? The navigation system is from a decade ago, same as the stereo. Sound quality is terrible. The cruise control is terrible, either to operate or functionality: seems like it can't never find a set point and stay stable, always accelerating and slowing down, terrible for fuel consumption. Windshield: same as the paintwork, very thin and susceptible to little stones. Steering: heavy and uninspiring. No feedback at all. Hard to use when parking. Air-con: same as the cruise control, it struggles to find the set point. 24 degrees can be too cold or too warm depending on the season you are travelling. No rear vents. Dynamics: with that steering and suspension, what can you expect? The AWD system doesn't engage and the whole car feels like FWD. Service: every 6 months or 10.000 km. It is cheap though. Interior: there is not much space on the doors, very shallow and not suitable even for 1 Lt bottles. Cup holders ok. Seats: not suitable for more than 4 hours. Design: well... it is subject to personal taste, but I think is really ugly from exterior and interior. Horn: more suitable for and old Fiat 600 or Mini...

Perfect daily – My RAV4 is my daily drive, before lock down would travel approx 40,000KM per year, also my vehicle is used for towing a Jet ski around the state where possible. Vehicle always serviced on time, has never given me any issues, when I did have a small problem and out of warranty Toyota still managed to fix it under warranty, kudos to Toyota...Would seriously consider buying the current model. Show details

My utilitarian wonder – Purchased new in 2015 and I have not regretted my choice for one minute. Due for its 160,000 service at my local dealer shortly, It has not had any issues whatsoever. It may not be the most exciting vehicle to drive (going by anecdotal reports) but it is roomy, easy to manoeuvre and good on fuel. Not only is it my daily driver, it has done many a… Read more

country trip with recent ones being to outback NSW where I slept in the back of my 'Tin Swag' Unfortunately it is the last of its kind being a manual diesel with no DPF, so hopefully it will continue giving me exemplary service.

Love this car – Next month will be 6 years we have the rav on diesel we just done 80000 km services it’s bit costly but we happy with never had any issues been told the car still as new Show details

great car BUT – had this new since 2013 serrvices all done current mileage 55400km highway consumption 7 litres per 100km at 90k 8 litres at 100k BUT BUT around town and i drive smoothly i only get 18litres per 100k being a pensioner this is making my car unaffordable and noone can tell me the problem i would be checking local consumption before u buy this model in all other reespects its ba great car but the servicing is expensive when not much is done Show details

Bumpy worst than small cars – My gxl Rav4 2018 is very bumpy worst than small cars. It is sad to have such quality when you buy an SUV. Except that it's all good, gps is great, possibility to lock/unlock the car without using the remote control buttons, the cruise control ability to brake automatically and resume etc. Many great features. 6 months service is another issue, that's too much.. Show details

A car that does its job – This is my daily driver. Bought it just over 18 months ago, and over that time I've been getting 8.8 l/100km, which I can't really complain about. That's over a general mix of peak-hour traffic (17km each way) and easier weekend driving. It has all the bells and whistles I need - active cruise control, AEB, rear camera, parking sensors, lane… Read more

departure warning. The only thing I'd like would have been to include Apple Carplay/Android Auto. As it is I leave an iPod in the car, so all music is played off that. If I want to listen to something streamed, it plays via bluetooth audio from my phone without a problem.

The inbuilt GPS works, but it's just easier to use it from my phone.

Have been taking it back to the dealer for servicing, as it's just easier. Have been happy with them so far, and capped-price servicing makes budget planning a bit easier.

Love it! Perfect car! – I have this car for over a year. I bought it as a new car in 2018(the last generation of Rav4 before the new model was coming). Easy driving, great rare camera and smart mirrors. Everything in this car is perfect and it’s Toyota, it always keeps the value. Show details

Rav4 2018 – Very smooth drive and fantastic fuel economy. Power a little less compared to other SUV's but if you push it hard it gets up very nicely. . Seating comfortable and visibility really good. Overall ,very well built and love driving it. Show details

Reliable car from always reliable Toyota – Big fan of Toyota. We had to update the family car with a baby on the way so Toyota was a pretty easy choice. It’s not the most powerful car but that’s not much of an issue. Clean layout inside, knobs, buttons etc don’t feel cheap. Boot space is great (we have a big pram so it was a big consideration). Very happy with purchase Show details

Quality! – This is our 3rd RAV4. We just keep coming back because of the quality, reliability, practicality and space that the RAV4 offers compared to its mid size 4x4 competitors. We've never had one mechanical problem with our RAV4s. Invest in some good rubber like BFG for off-road or a wider profile tire for superior grip. Also impressed with the fuel economy. Heated seats in winter are amazing! Show details

Suits my lifestyle really well – Can't believe how much I save on petrol compared with my last car. Very comfy to drive and still plenty room for the grandchildren. Lots of clever features which one day I will master, I hope!! Show details

totally regretted after buying my Rav4 2017 – this rav4 i use it for family use and i drive it everyday and always sent my car for service when the date is due. the suspension is horrible even a small pot hole on the road u get a bumpy ride! and the road noise as if u are on the plane so noisy! when i sent is for service with toyota dealer they told me there nothing wrong! well now after 3… Read more

years i had enough i going to install shock absorbers this coming monday! going to cost me $800

as for the noise i have to save money maybe next 2 year i can install noise deadening! totally regret i paid almost $40K for this Rav4

no more toyota car for me if i were to change car in future :) even if i were given a new toyota car i wont accept it.

Excellent vehicle – Top of the range cruiser, lots of useful features, good performance for a 2.5 litre,quiet and comfortable to drive ,great on fuel (8.5 9.0 lper 100k). A bit pricey up front but should last us 10 years or more. Show details

nice to drive very comfortable – all the safety features you could want I like it its good price up front its capped price services 3 years are excellent great field of vision all round safe economical good drive Show details

Top of the line!! – We picked up a Toyota Rav4, AWD cruiser, fully loaded. That comes with heated leather seats, sunroof and all safety bells and whistles of newer models. It is a safe car and gives 12 km /l, which is impressive for a 2.4 l engine. Very smooth and a pleasure on any kind of surface. Disadvantage: No AC vents to the back seats. Not sure why no one thought of these.  Show details

Wow Toyota make cars that last – My Toyota Rav 4 and myself have been everywhere from driving on an open road to driving in the city absolutely perfect  Show details

Best buy – My Rav4 is used mainly for my work related travels. Being a driver of toyota for approximately 10 years now, I was really eager to drive this car. With no doubt, it delivered my expectations. I regularly send my rav4 for a semi annual service at the toyota centre. No issues since bought and have always performed great!  Show details

Amazing! – We recently had to purchase a new car and I am so glad that I got the Rav4. It handles great, it is really safe for my young family and I really enjoy taking for a drive. I have had Toyotas for about ten years now and I wouldn’t go back. I highly recommend the car!  Show details

Wouldnt ever recommend or buy another! – I have a 2016 Rav4 GXL auto which is a company car, and have had multiple issues. I drive approx 30000 kms a year for work, through regional and remote NSW, often without mobile service and this car makes me so stressed in these situations as it is unreliable. First time driving on dirt on factory tyres (not at high speed either mind you!) and… Read more

the back slid out and across the road, andI had to get ATTs fitted straight away. Drives terribly in the wet, if you accelerate when its raining (ie changing speed zones) the back starts to fishtail. Vehicle overheats randomly, although it doesnt register that its overheating and its only when you realise the outside temp is showing as ridiculously high/you smell burning/steam comes out the bonnet you realise. By this time the bonnet is to hot to even touch to open to let the heat out. Dealership say they cant find anything wrong with it because the computer isnt registering it overheating (which is the whole problem).

Absolutely chews through petrol, and has no guts to the motor.

60,000kms on the clock, and now having issues with pulling to one side when accelerating, and losing traction in both wet and dry as if the tyres were bald (but tyres still have plenty of tread)

Today i aquaplaned on the freeway on a STRAIGHT bit of road as if i was driving on ice.

Would never spend my own money on one amd would never recommend to anyone who wanted to drive outside of a city.

Great reliable car – Partner has had three for his company car that I get to drive daily. Service as per schedule with no faults. Car is reliable, zippy and has the necessary safety features. Safety feature has helped avoid a collision. The car might be ending its model life (looking forward to driving next gen), but there isn't much to fault.  Show details

Got the happy man feeling – I have had 9 new vehicles and 3 near new vehicles over the past 28 years plus many others. The first two new ones were hiluxes 1991 and 1997 never had a spanner on them ,never had a problem and i serviced them myself. All the others Holden Ford Mitsubishi etc we have need to go into the sickbay a bit to much. So when needing a new family car… Read more

last year we got a Rav4 after looking at them for a couple of years.We are all tall people but we fit into the midsize easily.

In summary its a very nice vehicle ,

Buy once and forget it! – Car has scored five stars and safety. Performance of car very good and safety features of very nice. Adaptive cruise control is very handy. Very good on the fuel. Running cost is one of the cheapest. It’s the best car I can ever have. Cost these little expensive than other companies.  Show details

Practical and stylish – I bought the basic model. Just love it. I use the car for commuting and family. The best part of the car is the safety features. My friend got a Mazda CX-5 at the same time when we purchased this car, their car is higher end and more expensive, but doesn’t include these important features and sensors. The rav4 got huge space, it so comfortable to sit in even for the back seats.  Show details

Reasonably happy with car – Looks good, drives good but lacks modern technology. I have a 2017 RAV4 which does not have all the modern features such as, lane sensors, front cameras etc you would expect from a new car. I think there's better value for money cars out there. I had a NIssan Qashqai before my Rav4 and I much preferred the Nissan.  Show details

2018 Rav4 2.5 AWD GX – Bought a brand new 2018 Rav4 2.5 auto AWD GX and i am not happy. These new Rav4s have gutless noisey motors and have excessive road noise emitting throughout the cabin area. The ride quality of this car is hard and bumpy. The headlights for nightime driving in dark country areas are very poor on low and high beams. The inside bottom of all four… Read more

doors collect large amounts of wet and dry debri and are potential rusting areas. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

Space saver spare just plain rubbish – Warning I did not buy my 2018 Rav4 Cruiser to go shopping. I bought it for touring to some remote places. So without knowing about the space saver temporary spare tyre I signed a contract and found out later. Salesman telling me he can get me a full size spare but it won't fit in the boot properly. So I read up on the temp spare and found lots of… Read more

problems. Like can only travel at 80kms, and only 500 or so kms, and no safety features work, and the vehicle will be lower on one side. Where to put full size flat tyre if not fit in space saver area? Tire pressure warning light will come on and won't turn off etc... Not good so back to dealer for quote on full size spare? Can't risk it.

Price for the full size steel rim and tyre (painted silver) 18x8 wheel nuts included - $605+gst.

Genuine alloy (like for like) $1965+gst Alloy Rim and Tyre.

Would like a proper alloy but too expensive so have to have steel wheel nuts for this steel spare option or no insurance. So not good Toyota. Also have to buy roof cargo rack to store. And would you pay 2K for one rim and tyre? Then you have more money left than me. Even $600 is off the chain for a steel wheel and tyre. Then 1k for rack. Not to mention lifting wheel onto roof.

So wrote to Toyota customer care online. Telling them spent 50K to get 5 wheels and only got 4.5 can they help? Why spend money to get a problem like this? No answer 24 hours. Why such overpriced for full size spare that won't fit in space provided for spare? Very bad practice. Warn all don't buy shonky Toyota with temp spare or you may get stuck. Not at the shop but lost in the dessert ,hopefully not without water?

Toyota you're selling this car in a wide brown land. You cannot do this to us. We wan't 5 wheels, with 5 tyres and a place to store the fith, just in case we get stuck. Thanks in advance.