2016 / 2017 Toyota RAV4 Review and Road Test | DETAILED in 4K UHD

[@yongutsa]

Alex is the best auto reviewer. agree?

[@stevethea5250]

I used to get asked this question a lot when working at a AC/heater sales/install place. Generally our quotes were broken down, and consisted of at least 2 installers and a sparky/gassie, cost of scaffolding hire if required, possibly changing stuff around to fit the existing ducting etc. It does all add up. Plus you know they are doing the lot from start to finish, and will back it up with (hopefully) a decent install warranty. Which means peace of mind down the track if you have issues. If it is a larger company, it really should be a 5 yr minimum, and some will offer more to get you over the line, so it pays to ask. Yes, it will probably cost more than if you bought the same unit online and found an installer, but you have to weigh up whether you want to go down that route or not.

[@ELP1125]

Agreed!

[@bjsimon802]

I own a Rav 4, it saved me many years in Harsh Winters. Where I live we get -32F. I am glad I didn't buy a sports car for winter use. Will definitely buy another Rav4.

[@pedrof830]

Alex is a class all by himself.

[@stevethea5250]

So the Hybrid guzzles more gas than non=Hybrid? WTF

[@jimmacmurdo355]

Alex, this was perhaps the best competitive evaluation I have ever seen done on a RAV4, congratulations. I think you really nailed in in regard to Toyota's locking center clutch, which Consumer Reports sort of shuffled away as irrelevant. Anyone who has to drive in snow realizes that getting all 4 wheels moving at once in critical to getting moving. Once underway, yes, FWD is sufficient to maintain speed, but getting moving is the key. Really looking forward to seeing your review of the hybrid model when it's available. Also plan to give this vehicle a thorough look at the Chicago Auto Show later this week.

[@luc7976]

+Jim MacMurdo Yes locking to get moving from a stop should help a lot and probably main reason to use it (and disabling VSC/traction control is important). This is what CR said about RAV4 (not sure you really need > 25 mph for 4x4 lock): "When it came to traction on unplowed roads, the Toyota AWD system often didn’t respond to steering, braking, and throttle inputs, plowing straight through curves. An AWD Lock feature sends equal torque to the front and rear wheels but disengages at 25 mph."

[@mikealiciagallagher2040]

I bought a 2016 XLE model awd.Real sporty and the front grill looks real mean looking.Drives and handles great.Performance more than adequate.My 1st trip clocked 33.5 mpg,coming from a 2007 civic manual I was thrilled.While shopping in this category I looked at the CRV and found it bland.The Forester I liked but was priced at a premium and although I could get a 6spd manual my fellow drivers all reside at retirement homes.The Mazda CX5 drove and handled great but had no pizazz.I test drove all these other models and found the RAV4 XLE to be the best.My RAV is white which enables you to appreciate it's lines.I own a 2014 RAV XLE as well,yes white.If you did not know better this suv is pure LEXUS!!!!!!!!!!!

[@wemaryhaahr5248]

I have one of those it but it's a 2009 the RAV4 2009 that's what it is can I have could I have cameras put in and the safety for when you're in lane lane I have trouble sometimes pronouncing the word but it's something to do with laying a part parts her or something like that I'd like to have those to put in my one I have but I wouldn't know how much extra that would cost once again mine is a 2009 RAV4

[@codebasher1]

Have one for four years now. Love the reliability and comfort.

[@davidpratt5456]

Alex, great work. Your preparation, presentation and knowledge are exemplary.

[@JMotorCity]

Agreed. The best for complete reviews, without subjective opinion. No one is more fair in their reviews

[@bill7481]

+David Pratt , I totally agree.

[@belladaniell]

I agree. As a newcomer to crossovers and a 14 year owner of a Toyota Corolla, I felt the review not only covered the Rav4 advantages, the review also mentioned positives of other makes and models. Well done!

[@franciscodiaz3092]

David Pratt 9

[@Al-ok1lj]

This is probably the best car review I've seen on youtube.

[@plutonium9]

Glad to see the Rav4 is at least available with LED headlights but the way Toyota chooses to put them as standard on a $17000 Corolla but NOT even available in a $50000 Tundra is beyond me.

[@theotoby9110]

You all prolly dont give a damn but does anyone know a method to log back into an instagram account?? I was stupid forgot my account password. I love any tricks you can give me

[@desmondcesar2688]

@Theo Toby instablaster :)

[@theotoby9110]

@Desmond Cesar thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@richardgivens9845]

I bought the 2017 RAV4 SE not because it's the best at everything, but it's good at a little of everything I needed. For me it represented the right balance after driving Escape, CR-V, Rogue, and Sportage. I do wish Toyota would get over what ever issues it has with Android Auto/Apple Carplay, Entune isn't bad, but it's holding Toyota back.

[@curtis1951]

Richard Givens What gas milage are you getting on the highway? Someone told me they consistently get 40 mpg on the highway with a 2015 RAV4 all wheel drive. That seems high to me. Since you have one I was curious what you get on the highway.

[@billfalconer21]

Excellent explained a lot about the Rav4 I have not seen on other Rav4 reviews .

[@ormand3000]

Another fantastic review, Alex. I always thought I was detailed, logical and organized in my thinking when comparing vehicles but clearly you have me beat, You do all of the homework for the common shopper and share it with them in a brief 20-25 minute review unlike any other KZbin reviewer, and I watch a lot of auto reviews. Yet, your reviews are always enjoyable to watch. I have ZERO interest in a Toyota Rav4 and I am here watching your video anyway.

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

I love your all of you old content also Alex.

[@drekkful]

Wish there was a v6 option like the old model!

[@Lucky8s]

+Derek Berkhout Kind of stupid that they removed it.

[@Lucky8s]

***** Perhaps, but Toyota is losing market share to Ford and Subaru, both whom offer powerful turbocharged 4 cylinders in their vehicles.

[@drekkful]

+Jonathan A its just a preference of mine, they could've just had the option to special order it or something

[@EvanderSmart]

+WuWei Xu Actually, the Rav4 is the fastest selling CUV in the segment. If anything, it is gaining share, and the Hybrid might make it #1 overall. If people want a V6, they'll step up to a Highlander. No V6 isn't hurting the CRV either.

[@Lucky8s]

Bitcoin Video University "No V6 isn't hurting the CRV either" - How would you know? Can you suddenly read the future? Get with the times. Lots of people prefer a sportier vehicle, hence why many choose the Ford Escape or Mazda CX-5.

[@ilovephotography1254]

Hi Alex, great work once again. Just wanted to say thanks for your great number of well produced car reviews. For that reason, I'm now one of you new subscribers.

[@LadyVictoriaBelmont]

I love when you do the trunk comfort index :) Thanks for the reviews Alex. I am still trying to decide between the CX-5, Santa Fe and this one. These reviews help.

[@sabastiansmars6462]

try the CAR-V. Better Tech .

[@bash9032]

Shopping for a RAV4 vs Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V (I hate the look of CR-Vs). My budget leans toward a Kona but I love the Rav! What did you end up choosing??

[@Ramkumar-xc1kb]

you are the best auto reviewer on this planet

[@sanjose101ful]

man ! you picked a very nice color to review, love that color !

[@juanzingarello4005]

We ended up going with the Rav4 SE. We were seriously considering the CR-V but we rented one for a day driving it to Philadelphia and back to New York and found it very uncomfortable. So bad that my knee swelled up the next day for three days because it kept hitting the center dash. Also, I still don't trust the longevity of the CVTs and there has been numerous complaints about vibration issues with the CR-V that apparently Honda chooses to ignore. Maybe its a personal preference, but I see a common pattern in finding Hondas smaller models (like CR-V and CIvic) to be downright uncomfortable. As for the Escape, we rented one to go to Boston and the transmission failed on us coming home. We had to take a $500 cab ride from Providence RI back to New York which then we had to fight with Zipcar to get them to reimburse us for it. Yeah not a pleasant experience with the Escape. So to us, the Rav4 was a no brainer. It is comfortable, reliable, and considering we went with the sporty SE, I feel like it has more character than the CR-V. The CR-V looks like an appliance next to our Rav4 SE.

[@pgtboy69]

Juan Zingarello Is the second row comfortable for 3 passengers or too small?

[@fkporsche1]

Excellent review Alex. I bought my niece a Rav 4 SE model. I was concerns about the reliability and dependability for my niece car for the long run. Keep it simple for her. Because she may keep this car for over 10yrs time. It's more of a practical choice. Thank you so much again! 🦅🦅🇺🇸

[@p.lawrencefagan6056]

Alex, I think your comparison of the 2016 RAV4 Limited with the Mazda CX-5, and your conclusion that the Mazda is the more sporty of the two is accurate, but misplaced. You should have compared the new RAV4 SE (sport), which has a retuned suspension, to the Mazda and I think you will find it competes nicely. Add this to the RAV4 SE's other features, which are nearly every bit as luxurious as the Limited's, and I can't help but think you would reach a different conclusion.

[@brentreitherman5268]

can't wait for the hybrid review. great job alex.

[@antoniodelatorre3121]

Your reviews are the best. Keep up the great work!

[@alferjumawan7012]

this car is superb , had this in UAE a year ago...performance is awesome...

[@NEF243]

You the man!!! Great reviews sir!!!! Best on youtube by far!!!!

[@leifamrhein6972]

I live in South Florida and have concerns about the lack of ac vents for rear seat passengers. Any experience with rear seat comfort in hot and humid climates?

[@oakley5]

just got one! love it!

[@Toyota4Life]

Love the new look. The interior update is MASSIVE on this new rav-4 looks great as well. Interior design is eye catching and good material. That steering wheel looks good. Also thumps up for the traditional hand brake ! The locking Diff is def a winning option. Overall a very good product and substantial update. "doesn't have sharp handling" No one buy these cars for sharp handling. Lets be real here people buy these type of cars to be comfortable and to drive with ease.

[@NathanCelica]

great review. for me, you are one of the best reviewers on KZbin. keep up the great work!

[@ho560402]

Damn Alex did you get a new camera? This video is crispy AF. Great work!

[@elliottmanning4116]

+Gordon Ho He films his reviews in 1080p now.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Elliott Manning Still in 4K, but the camera was having some focus problems which required a trip to the "camera mechanic"

[@humahumayon3616]

omwaitsforthebus

[@Apex7x]

Gordon Ho lol I love this comment

[@ricky3506]

Alex your easily the best in the car review business. Awesome job. Thank you.

[@ahaf5255]

Best vehicle reviewer out there!

[@ronaldconiglio9942]

To answer your call for opinions of the looks of the '16 RAV4, I think the front end design is more pleasant ( at least more tolerable ) than either the IS or GS which for me are overdone. I think the CRV ( and Civic ) fronts, while well-executed are also a little over-styled compared to the RAV4. I think the RAV4's overall design is similar to the latest Camry's in that it is generally cohesive and restrained without looking too plain. I'd call it a good job. ( a B+? ).

[@yippie6862]

Really like your videos Alex. In the future, especially when comparing vehicles, can you talk about crash test ratings? I think this is important, and very important for families.

[@Ravaniscool]

C- really isn't acceptable by today's standards. I always enjoy all your reviews! You are so thorough! Thank you so much!

[@asaber-ty2of]

Great review, but I personally prefer the quality and dependability of the Toyota over the Mazda any day. In the past I would consider only the Toyota and the Honda, but Honda quality has been slipping in the last few years The best two vehicles are the Toyota and the Hyundai in my opinion, but I still feel that the Toyota takes first prize. I really don't like all the creature features on the Limited and would opt for a lower priced version. Just my preference of course

[@antoniocognato5023]

yes, i agree

[@hiltz0007]

alex... the mj of auto reviewers

[@richardgivens9845]

We got caught up in the VW TDI Dieselgate problem and sold i back. I based most all of my replacement vehicle research by watching Alex and his great in-depth presentation. I test drove every CUV in the market, and ee went with the 17' RAV4 SE as it seemed to hit all categories well. It became obvious that no CUV is perfect, but we found one perfect for us. Thanks Alex.

[@isaiahbaculpo819]

In my opinion, everything about the Rav4 looks pretty attractive except for that front bumper. It looks as if one bumper is stacked above another bumper

[@gjmac22]

Great review. Very detailed. I really like the way you compare the vehicle you are reviewing to the competition.

[@texasyank48]

I agree about the front end appearance. Looks edgier and more modern.

[@karlrod4699]

Alex, that was one of the best review videos I ever seen on the Internet. I think you answered all questions I could have. Seeing it in action I wish you could test it's 4 wheel drive system going uphill, downhill and in snow. Besides that I would give it A.

[@Moisi547]

I agree acceleration is very slow, and interior quality is definitely not the best; but it is not bad either. Body roll is too noticeable, making it very annoying to drive on twinning roads. Nonetheless it is a reliable, better off-roader, it is good on snow roads and it’s a Toyota.

[@emilo81]

I'll take the RAV4 over the CRV for one reason, the CRV has no Volume Knob.

[@dygardion9130]

I agree lol I hsve a 2011 rav4 so I'm biased lol but I don't care much for the crv despite its popularity

[@hondaftw1234]

You can use the steering wheel

[@emilo81]

I shouldn't have too.

[@Clove_Parma]

+ER B (hondaftw1234) on new models, it's going to be a rich sensor as well, like in the civic, what a joke.

[@venelinkeremedchiev9643]

Very nice and complete reviews on this channel! Well done! And only important stuff. Not drag races and all that kind of things that are irrelevant in real world life

[@DominoChild]

Wow you hit it out the park with this one. Really enjoyed your impressions and thoughts.

[@sergevivier956]

This Rav 4 in Canada cost 44k, the leather looks good but no vent at the back for the kids means that I have to freeze in front for them to be comfortable at the back?

[@asaber-ty2of]

Just flip the lever on the front middle vents and the air is pointed to the back seats. I had this feature on my 90 Camry and it is ingenious. It works!

[@MortenBergane]

Picking up my hybrid model on wedensday!! Can't wait

[@dennisscipio]

I find the front grill to be a love hate relationship in my opinion.

[@narcmusic7327]

It looks like a corolla in the front

[@neirboca]

derp.

[@belladaniell]

If you check out the new Lexus, it looks like the Lexus in front-same family of vehicles.

[@DominoChild]

it's more about the ground clearance for me. I wish they would of raised it just a bit higher.

[@Carrera06GT]

good video, how tall are you Alex?

[@paulcoleman6016]

Thanks for the great review. I am in the market for a suv and the Rav4 is one of my top picks. I commute to work and winters in New England can be bad a times. Locking the center coupling would be important to me. Also, reliability is a must (essential employee). I appreciate the comparisons on realiability. Thank you Alex.

[@tumee1661]

Alex, another very good review. Keep up the woodwork man.

[@nolakillabeast]

liked, again. Fantastic review, again. I will be able to afford this car in about 20 years, but still, what a thrill to watch every minute of your review. What a pro you are my good sir :)

[@ankursharma8624]

Another great review! Thanks Alex for specifically comparing it to the Forester and the Cherokee at the end.

[@ActionHero29]

I love your reviews Alex. Good job.

[@thorlax]

Hey Alex- Another great review. I spent a little bit of time in an XLE rav4 and found that the not-very-adjustable manual driver's seat wasn't for me - I felt like it lacked thigh support. So, it looks like the SE trim is the trim I'm most interested in in terms of price/features. On the SE trim, what do you think about the "sport-tuned suspension" and ride/handling? The cx-5 seems to have a great balance of both of those, but I'm drawn to the greater cargo capacity/size/resale of the SE rav4.

[@mf6532]

Great honest and down to earth review.

[@Tully3674]

Good review but I feel you took the long road (pardon the pun) until you got to your recommendation (the Mazda CX-5). One of my take-aways from your review is this segment is so competitive, there isn't a de facto winner. I know you liked the CX-5 but I got the feeling you wish it was another vehicle.

[@MarcG7424]

Rav4 won me over the CRV with it's 6 speed transmission over a CVT

[@Seawood77]

Best review I've seen. Great job and thanks for the no BS info.👍

[@stevearita3267]

Thank you Alex for your review. I have to say, I think you give the best reviews anywhere. You are very informative, quick and to the point, and accurate - you definitely know your stuff. Thank you again, very helpful!

[@bjsimon802]

Excellent Review, I am glad you look at your review objective not subjectively. I am impressed with your knowledge, I am a big car guy, and your reviews are very throughout!!! Thanks

[@sol9570]

Love your reviews! Lots of information and very detailed. I was wondering if you'd be able to review the Toyota Land Cruiser? To be honest I just recently heard of this vehicle and don't know much about it except people think it's overpriced and Toyota has had a hard time selling them.

[@NoName-tz5ji]

Actually the rear vents are under the front seats on both my 2014 limited and 2017 le

[@m.stewart7208]

can you please do metric, majority of the world doesn't do mpg

[@godfatherNYC]

Overall it's pretty good, and definitely better looking than before, but it's till a bit of a mess. Many of the style lines just seem to be there for no reason, and it's a bit mixed up, particularly in the front. The rear taillights that JUT out seem really impractical and ugly to me, and the rear design robs it of some cargo space, too. It's a very good, very reliable car, and it looks so-so, but I think they could still really improve the looks.

[@ankursharma8624]

I think that in terms of styling, the years 2010 to 2013 were the best for Toyota and Lexus

[@yesyoumay]

I've heard that the hybrid has better torque and 0-60 performance, compared to the regular Rav. But how is the hybrid's highway/high speed performance? Are all the electric motors engaged and contributing at higher speeds?

[@woogate22823]

How about the gas tank

[@BryceLovesTech]

Great review, I can't wait for you to review the hybrid. That's the one I would buy

[@18_rabbit]

Hi Alex-- your end notes showed 22.5mpg, but u'd said 24.5?? is the 24.5 correct for your avg??

[@marianneellman480]

Can someone explain the benifits or detriment of AWD.? Thank you.

[@Kdog8888]

Alex, you mention that the Rav4 scores 70dB @ 50mph which is slightly louder than the CRV. In the 2015 review of the CRV, you list its cabin noise score as 72dB @ 50mph. Do you have a more recent review of the CRV (I could not find one)? Thanks.

[@Marco-ce8kr]

Alex, last comments about reliability are correct and I will add that the buyers on the segment should wait for the new Kia Sportage based on the last scores about reliability, performance and quality of the brand.

[@1northsparrow246]

+Marco Cordero Alex made a great point about the way the vast majority of reviewers avoid discussing predicted reliability. The fact is, the brand that starts with T almost always comes out on top and has done so for decades. It is a great disservice to readers/viewers to avoid reliability but it really says a lot about whose interests are being served by the 'impartial' reviewer.

[@marianogarcia4156]

Hi Alex 2017 toyota rav4 xle Comes with LED headlights? For daylight run to

[@moose64]

Alex I have the 2013 LTD...is the 2016 a softer ride than the 2013?

[@ricky3506]

Great review Alex. Did you get a chance to test the LED headlights at night? If so how did they perform? Bummer the fog lights are not LEDs.

[@Mr.Highway]

That was a very good review thank you

[@PrinceJunior90]

Hey Alex great review. What's the name of the dash cam you used while driving? Thank you!

[@abujeylani3860]

I was thinking switching my xle none led with limited led rav4. am I able to do that? I love those bright led butvmine didnt come with one.

[@jasanmiguel]

Alex, what is the names of the European off road tests you allude to in this video?

[@AM-hk9wl]

Wow, that was a helluva review!

[@SR3TG119]

I still don't understand why the RAV4 can't put air vents for the back seats in the centre console, like EVERY other car...wtf

[@amandasmith8327]

gearman My thoughts EXACTLY

[@johnfurious8419]

Another Excellent review... Thanks

[@jamesmwangi2491]

exceptional review

[@camfam52002]

Can you get the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in the USA?

[@nosidevideos]

alex thanks for detailed reviews

[@caperr2]

awesome review

[@fleetingdays]

The NX has a lower ground clearance, I believe. The RAV4 hybrid has 7 inch clearance. If you live in the Northern climates this might be another consideration.

[@PnutButterJellyTime]

just started watching your reviews good stuff subbed. You should do reviews on Jeep's trailhawk trims.

[@polksie]

My thoughts on the styling? Reminds me of a scowling Fiat 500.

[@mtchen3658]

Hi Alex. I really looking for RX450h F sport. Do you have a chance to test this model? (U,S version) or any comment for this car. Thanks

[@d_charles]

Review was great, but the split screen during the drive was a bit hard to take - it gave me motion sickness!

[@alsharifhusain]

how much is this RAV4? I really like it. Pls give me a website to see all the trim levels Thank you !!

[@dongshuowu3454]

Soda receipt was in the first level of the storage. Haha. But best review as usual.

[@ST4R_G9L1XYS]

Thanks Alex for the video! 2016 Rogue SV (with premium package) or RAV4 limited? which one is worth it for the money?

[@asaber-ty2of]

In the recent Consumer Reports review, the Rogue has an "average" reliability rating and the Rav4 has an "Excellent" reliability rating. Depends on what is more important to you and how long you are going to keep the vehicle.

[@chromeboy1]

By the way, love your reviews :)

[@swanblake]

if only it wasnt soo slow. My mom test drove one and after not being able to accelerate to merge, walked away. I like the refresh but the engine needs an update and not a hybrid. Colder states and batteries do not go together

[@oldtwins]

+Blake Swan When they had the V6 option, the Rav4 was awesome. They should really bring that back, though I'm guessing Toyota doesn't want its lowly Rav4 to outgun the NX on the Lexus line.

[@swanblake]

oldtwins i was thinking the same. Their 3.5L V6 is one of the best. I miss it

[@Tonetwisters]

+Blake Swan The Corolla suffers from the same fate. They have only one punk-sized engine, I think a 1.8 or something. They used to offer a 2.4 I think, in the S model. I don't know what their thinking is on that.

[@fcejacer]

HI Alex are you doing a video on the Murano 2015 or 2016? Thank you

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

You will find a review on my channel already

[@dygardion9130]

I'm so interested in the rav4 hybrid!!