Why the Toyota RAV4 should be on EVERY SUV buyer’s list | ReDriven used car review

Check out the Toyota RAV4 Cheat Sheet here: redriven.com/cheat_sheet/2006...
Looking for a used Toyota RAV4? - carsforsale.com.au/toyota/rav4
The RAV4 has come a long way from its cutesy compact lifestyler origins in the mid-’90s to Australia’s biggest-selling passenger car today. Indeed, the 12-month wait for the current, benchmarking model is one reason why shrewd buyers might dip back into Toyota’s mid-range SUV providence for a cheaper and more accessible option.
What did you think? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to hit subscribe to stay up to date with all of our latest content!
00:00​​​​​​​ - Intro
01:33 - What is it?
04:32 - How's the exterior?
06:44 - How's the interior?
09:04 - How's the tech?
10:20 - Is it practical?
12:09 - What goes wrong?
14:35 - Is it safe?
16:20 - What's it like to drive?
18:53 - How much is it?
19:50​ - Fuel use, warranty & servicing
20:42 - Should you buy it?
#toyota
#rav4
#suv
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At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.
Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.
Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.
So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.
We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.
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[@buzzliteyear11]

😂 Jerome's vocals on the safety features have to be the greatest ever on a car review video...and the blunt honesty on not knowing what the active head restraint safety feature is ...pure gold. Keep up the great work fellas.

[@geraldsmith3423]

My daughter has a 2010 Rav4, 300k miles and drives it every day. She got it with 50k a number of years ago.

[@ravipeiris4388]

Here in the States, the 2008 model offered the 3.5 liter V6 making 269 hp. Just amazing ❤.

[@stevehatch5453]

Nailed the presentation. Best I've seen you do, especially the beginning. So well paced for a vid that's over 20 mins long. Great specific detail and humour all along the way. Loved this vid. 👍

[@ReDriven]

Thank you Steve!

[@Cust0mBuilder]

Thank you guys for finally getting the V6 Rav 4! Been waiting for this review for ages.

[@governorairsoft4150]

Another good review, unfortunately I do agree with how boring it is. But when it's THAT reliable, you can't hate it.

[@supaflask1275]

Exactly, for someone who wants to drive from A to B and doesn't mind the bland style you can't beat the reliability

[@zhila5958]

@to G wise words from a wise man

[@mukansangarose4620]

Nbnjjßre🗼

[@pwrrpw319]

@to G Same here.

[@lurkingarachnid7475]

Well, if you want excited get a BMW and pray it doesn't break down and strand you

[@mattdebyl8806]

The RAV4 V6 was at the time the fastest car Toyota sold in the US. Crazy right? Also I believe it was slightly lighter than the Aurion AND had AWD for less slip on launch.

[@helloitsme1158]

I had A V6 Rav Almost lost my licence 😂 Have the hybrid one now

[@robertleemeyer]

A year late on commenting, but just have to mention ... we have the 2010 V6 and other than the fact that we have to stop every 250 miles to gas up, it's an amazing car. Sometimes the acceleration still catches us by surprise -- it moves! Wish it had a larger gas tank option! We modded it for camping by removing the rear seats and putting in a bed platform and took it across the US -- totally comfortable for 2! Also, the ABS & stability systems have been life-savers on several occasions when idiots cut in front of us on the highway and we were able to stop quickly and safely even when we had to swerve - but we felt in control the whole time. Marvelous vehicle!

[@BartSparrow123]

250 miles? Do you floor it all the time? It's a 15.9 gal tank. Should get at least 23mpg highway.

[@robertleemeyer]

@@BartSparrow123 My wife always makes me stop when the gauge gets to 1/4 tank, so we usually stop every 250 miles on our cross-country trips. .But I only ran out of gas once!! (She'll never let me live that one down.) The needle tends to drop rapidly between 1/4 and 0, so we don't chance it. Problem is that our other car, the Hyundai Sonata, can go almost 400 miles on 3/4 tank easily and we got spoiled, so now anything less is disappointing. (And, yes, I do have a lead foot!)

[@BartSparrow123]

@@robertleemeyer My 2007 Rav4 V6 is getting 24 mpg combined, but I only drive with a lead foot once ever 100 miles. I have noticed that I can get 200 miles just below 1/2 tank but the gas light comes on at 300 miles.

[@shirajhaque7688]

Ive got the 2.2d4d diesel 2008 with 170,000 miles absolute beast UK

[@lorraineattard1339]

I had the RAV4 2010 2WD CV manual and that was an excellent car. The speakers were amazing, it was so smooth to drive. I gave my car a good work out lol. AN AMAZING CAR ALL ROUND. Even the fuel millage

[@ChrisN06999]

"and if could liken buying a used fridge to a car, it would be the RAV4." ~AK Morris.

[@TheOutbackmojo]

Had the First series Rav4. Sold it with 370,000km, only slight leak in the power stearing and one clutch. Thats it. Not a thing wrong.

[@TheOutbackmojo]

Also had the starlet as soon as it was released. Took it off the lot, lowered it, sports suspension, body kit, tinted windiows etc. Flogged it to redline/ fuel cut off ever gear changed until i sold it with a half million klms.....didnt replace a damn thing on that car....God damn that was a fun little go-cart.

[@animalscars3799]

@@TheOutbackmojo bro u know anyone selling a starlet? Ive been looking all around for one but there is none on the market and the ones that are on the market are asking RIDICULOUS prices… preferably manual and 4door 🙏 my favourite car

[@TheOutbackmojo]

Pmsl. No mate. Been looking for one for my daughter for 6 months or Rav4 looking for bloody unicorn crap.......to think there were so many of them made. $7-10k with 300,000klms...damn !!!

[@emergingit]

Find another car that does that, that isn't Toyota.? Humm, don't think so.......

[@NYPD99STARR]

I love my Rav4. Just traded my 2007 in...i usually drive my vehicles down to the ground. Just bought a 2021. Shes a beauty!

[@makkahmadina5393]

Does any one like to use RAV4 2Nd gen..2005...now in 2024....? Is it useful....enough with existrd features...?

[@wilydimayuga519]

Love the video! I just got a 2017 Rav4 GX 4x4 a couple of months ago and would like to see your review on that model. The new b-roll formats are really well-made 😄

[@tessalala272]

Yes please I second this. I’m considering a used 2017 42km atm for purchase. What are your thoughts on this vehicle

[@kelleydennison7851]

I love my 2006 Rav4. Best financial decision I’ve ever made.

[@djole_belic]

Phenomenal car, I def recommend it, its a Toyota for Christs sake, it'll never leave you stranded

[@haleycrowe0]

Very helpful and educational review

[@mikajortikka3223]

Been waiting for this one for ages

[@mal2261]

Always upping the safety reels. 😄

[@yuribranco5177]

Love it, been waiting for you guys to do the RAV4 , I've got one with the 4 cylinder, it does consume oil but other than that it has everything I was looking for. It is so convenient and I like the looks of this one much better than the next generation. Keep up the great work with informative entertaining content.

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Try not to think of it as burning oil, think of it more like a fuel hybrid, mostly petrol, but some diesel (engine oil) you just need to top up the diesel tank in the top of the engine every tank of petrol or two. As an owner of a Toyota Z series engined Toyota that burns oil, it started burning oil early in it's life, but hasn't got much worse over the past 200,000klm. It's now well over 300,000klm and would probably last the average owner only 3,000klm or less before it ran completely dry of oil and seize the engine, because I check it and top it up every tank of fuel it's refused to die, an gives outstanding fuel economy. It's like the engine is so loose it has no fictional loss! Well at least none from the piston rings, those things went on strike early in it's life!

[@dalesmith4985]

Is 245,000 kilometers too many for a 2008 rav 4 CV 4 cylinder Auto, there is one near me for sale at a car yard and the price is $10,990 my worry is the potential oil burning issue and I'm not sure how much life is left in it with that mileage, I do want to get a Toyota and get away from my unreliable Ford focus

[@MarcoAntonioBarriosGonzalez]

Love you video mate!!!

[@dedclownsRfunny]

Love the B4 Liberty behind the mechanic

[@schimor]

I'm surprised there weren't more comments regarding the bumper guard. I want to know more about it!

[@spicyF1]

Love my RAV4, the designers have done a great job with the interior space given it's dimension, visibility is really good much better than some larger SUVs and seating position. With the push button start ingress and exit is very easy as well. I honestly don't feel like changing to a next car

[@Cookiemaster98_98]

my family had a 2nd or 3rd gen RAV4 a loong time ago, this car made me a toyota fan

[@ralphevoque5209]

i have a 2002 full option gray one and its SO AMAZING TO DRIVE. it has it’s own personality and cute and at the same time tough. i love it so much more then the newer ones. mine is so fun with thr removable rear seats and things like that

[@pablolobo6560]

I agree 100%. Have the same generation (2005) and it's amazing and unique., very well rounded and balanced.

[@traceycrawford9938]

I LOVE the older generations (Gen 1 and 2)! They had much more character ❤️💖

[@1962DrNo]

Good review. We have the manual 4 cyl Altitude version, which is the wife's daily driver, who loves it. In the ten years we have had it it's largely been bulletproof, though did a clutch at less that 20K kms, which we have heard others report as well. Have never worn a clutch before so that was unusual. Also fitted an RTA-approved seven-seat option which worked well for us. Yep, boring and just goes and goes, but that's the way the wife likes it.

[@MomenKaziVideos]

Thanks so much for your review. I ended up buying my first car which is a 2008 Toyota RAV4 with 320,000kms. Hopefully it will live for a long time to come!

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much for watching. - AK

[@ekinteko]

​@@ReDriven Trying to figure out which is the better RAV4 , the Gen2 or Gen3 ?? I guess the CR-V is better in terms of city/practicality and possibly in reliability. That's for the Gen2 Honda. But the RAV4 comes in the V6, and has much much better off-road capability. I wonder if there is a way to have both? The high-reliability factor, but also the practicality, and the off-road capability. I don't want to use it for adventures the way a Hilux could, but I seem to NEED it now that I am living very remotely with paved roads that are just mud and gravel (not concrete or asphalt). Lots of "dirt holes" and corrugations means a lot of damage and wear to the engine mounts, suspension, and my booty. PS: I'm a young man looking for best value. Reliability is paramount since I don't have access to mechanics.

[@swampholler]

What a gorgeous voice! (Professional singer/ teacher with 40 years behind me. You're really good! ) Dahling main guy, I'm not sure what a capella style is. My understanding is it began in the Renaissance. It means "In chapel" and is when a voice or instrument sings/plays alone without accompaniment. You're teaching me so much, wanted to share. Love your voice!

[@vincetemoana6381]

My missus when we met had a 99 RAV4, it was gutless and revved it’s balls off at 100kmph, but she loved her Ravs..I bought her a 08 V6 RAV4 in 2014 and we still have it. Great car and abit of a sleeper when it comes to acceleration off the line. I did have a problem with smoking on start up for maybe 5-10 seconds and also smoke after long freeway cruising then accelerating. I was thinking the valve stems were leaking into the bores by the symptoms presented but after pissing about with it here and there it ended up being a sludge build up under the cam covers, in the oil splash cover then let’s the oil drain back down through vents but they were completely blocked which was leading the the oil getting sucked back into the intake through the PVC valve...I had the drill the vent tray from the cover as it was riveted on so I could clean the sludge off and unblock the drain vents, tapped screws back in (with locktite so they didn’t fall out and onto the cams) and it’s never smoked on start up again or any other time for that fact. The cruise control has a gremlin as it sometimes turns on and sometimes it doesn’t..changed the switch (stem) for a Jew one but the problems persists, could be a vacuum problem but I haven’t been assed to track it down yet. All in all it’s been a great car that has now got 215 thou on it now and still drives awesome. I did change the head unit for a 10” android screen that came with a surround that relocates the vents so it fits (Joying brand) Chinese outfit but it’s been great, we use it mostly for CarPlay which kinda updated the whole look and feel of the dash. Good review by the way..accurate!

[@e.k.boabengoutreachministr2727]

This is my first time and I love the review. I have subscribed to your channel. Please which years second generation of rav 4 is good and has less fuel consumption

[@RichardCarr-zv6bl]

A review on the rav 4 diesel would have been interesting. I do enjoy your presentations.

[@teejay1474]

Fab review ! Really helpful. Btw back door opening sideways can be a good thing if you have a dog. When you open an upward tailgate door it's not easy to stop an enthusiast dog jumping out.

[@saurabhvartak1992]

I actually like it, better than the 4th generation looks.

[@VladimirLadev]

I have a 2009 Diesel D4D and love it so far.

[@seanhine6929]

Loving the safety features song.

[@phillipinmon4132]

Toyota RAV is a beast I drive it wide Open that's the way it looks to roll Hollywood

[@davidgordon2309]

My wife has an 06 manual cruiser. It's extremely practical and reliable. Only issue is the oil consumption but after trialling a few oils found one that reduced the consumption by 50%. If we bought another it would definitely be a V6, for their more relaxed nature and power but the 4 does the job. They're not drivers cars but fit the brief of family car to a tee. Another great video, I enjoy how well researched they all are.

[@vosaemify]

I disagree. I love driving my rav4. Suspension upgrade will most certainly make it even better than it already is.

[@andrewcox7179]

What oil reduced consumption?

[@willhooke]

What oil did you use to reduce the oil consumption David?

[@mrpallycapoops]

Yes….what oil did you use???

[@davidgordon2309]

Gulf western Synx 6000

[@australianphotographer234]

Genuinely surprised. Would love to see a same era kluger.

[@TwistedDonners]

I was literally thinking too myself today 'I wouldn't mind seeing the guys review a Rav4 I wonder when they'll do it' lol 🤣 I'd heard rumours that the Rav4 4 cylinder had plenty of gremlins lurking under the bonnet but hadn't heard anything about the V6 version as that one seems too fly under the radar like you guys said. If you guys are able too get a Genesis too review will you be looking at the sedan, wagon or forbie that they produce? Also is there a chance that you'll be able to review the Holden Jackaroo or Smart Fortwo by any chance? Good work as always guys and a good way too end the working week. Take care guys have a good weekend and look forward too next weeks videos 👍

[@psychosquirrel555]

I still drive a 3 door of the previous generation. It's freaking great. If u come to Adelaide, Morris, you're welcome to use it for a review :)

[@amberhopkins6522]

I loved this review! I am looking at a 2008 RAV4 V6 atm that already has 320,000 kms. It looks like it has been well cared for and serviced regularly. I know it’s high kms but do you think it would last a while yet with proper care?

[@adrianwilliamson6861]

They do have one issue. If not able to be garaged the weather strips around the windows breakdown very quickly. Not an expensive fix but something to keep an eye on.

[@happycat0411]

I have a 2002 Rav4 and the Rav4 has been dependable as heck! Replaced one running light bulb, PVC valve, and the ignition coils and the battery. Other than that I have only changed the engine oil once every three years and the 2.0 engine is still running strong. The AWD is a little weak for the 2.0 litre engine but it still does the job well and plows through the snow like butter in the heavy Canadian snow that we have up here during the winter months. Gas MPG is pretty good as well for an AWD vehicle. Easy to maintain and most work the average DIY mechanic can tackle themselves over a single weekend. For a 21 year old vehicle that is still going strong it's pretty hard to say anything bad about this little beast. If you can't find a second gen Rav4 in decent condition consider the Honda Element as well. Honda Element and the Rav4 were about the same in terms of reliability during 2002 ~ 2005. The second gen Rav4s were the best though as electronics were still minimal during the second gen Rav4s. As well, Toyota used a timing chain instead of a belt thus Toyota engines based on a timing chain should last the entire lifetime of the Rav4. The Rav4, Corolla, and the Camry were all based on the same engine thus parts are still readily available even in 2023. When Toyota developed the All-Trac wagon in 1988 the AWD system was so robust Toyota used the same AWD system till 2005. Compared to NA crap, most NA cars start rusting out by their 6th or 7th year, even when though the car's exterior's paint is still shiny. Just take a look at the Dodge RAM or any Chrysler made vehicle. Other than minor seal leaks (front transfer case) the second gen Rav4 is moderately easy to maintain by anyone with a good general background in mechanics.

[@dopo666]

From memory the 2AZFE engine had piston ring problems on the years roughly 2007-2009. This was when they had the power plant meltdown in Fukajima (can't remember the exact name sorry). This effected the 4 cylinder camrys that used the same engine.

[@eddiej9733]

I’ve owned many cars over the last 30 years and recently bought a 2009 RAV as a filler car till I bought a better one. 4 years later, and it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. Feels much newer than a 14yr old car should. A bit thirsty - and still needs maintenance (speed sensors, alternators, etc) and I’ve got a 2.4 that consumes oil - still, a brilliant car

[@shaunrayner]

That studio lighting tho! 🥰

[@brokenlegz]

Had a cruiser l loved it. More room in the boot than our prado that replaced it. Only wish we had the v6 as the 4cyl was a bit gutless and it could never chose the right gear.

[@barron204]

My sister had a AWD Diesel Limited and it was nice. Friend has a petrol Limited auto. We also had them as rental vehicles at work in 2010 and they were popular. No major issues.

[@davidarter6271]

I don’t think we got a diesel model in Australia. Such a pity, as a 2.8 D4D in it would have been an awesome car!!!!

[@chrisbusta9334]

Would have liked to know what it can tow. We are looking for a 4wd to tow long distances but we don't want a tank, so the rav4 seems attractive. Good channel. Thank you very much.

[@rogerbec5766]

My wife's 2010 RAV4 V-6 has over 200K and everything works awesome except for the cruise control which I plan to replace myself for about $16.00. I tried enticing my wife for a Highlander but to no avail.

[@sandybrisbane4167]

Comfortable and reliable, Flogged the teeth out of 4 of them when the Security company I worked for used them. 120,000klm in 12 months on every one of them no problems ever.

[@robertceroli3512]

RAV4 not only popular new but the most popular sort after SUV on the used market and the V6 like the Aurion didn't sell in big numbers from new but more popular second hand and commands a hefty premium over the boring 4cyl variant

[@Kiki-jt6sz]

Ohhh I wished you did a review on the 3 door models!! I’m looking in the market for them atm and they’re so cool. They’re not to big or small and have a sunroof plus they don’t have a terrible power to weight ratio. Approximately 80-90kw ptw

[@seamusobrien2675]

you are right, i'm 65 my parents gave me their 2005 i gave it to my daughter, she took it to the county and smashed it, 350,000k latter last year sold completely ok for $8k. A white fridge, unstopable. Awesome .

[@timellins]

do Skoda Yeti next! AWESOME car!!

[@DriftingStudent]

The song got you my sub

[@EzzaLeo]

That Acapella ... Aww yiss ❤️

[@Blueythebear9]

Let's face it when it comes to reliability it's bloody hard to go past a Toyota!!!! Rav 4s are one of the best suv's on the market but like any 4x4 with a Toyota badge that legendary reliability comes with a pricetag!!! Saying that Toyota's hold value better than most other brands

[@ericnaude8158]

I have a 2007 D4D and it is quick enough for me. I bought it about 3 years ago with about 195 000 km and it now has about 240 000km. I get about 7 litres per 100km but I don't drive like a maniac and so others probably would not get that. It is rated to tow up to 1500kg and I have towed about 1000kg without any fuss. Engine turns over at about 2250 rpm at 120. I've had to replace front wheel bearings and there was a problem with the switch that controlled the ABS or something like that but otherwise normal wear and tear items. I could probably sell it for close to what I paid for it. I love boring. Far better than the excitement of being stranded next to the road waiting for a tow truck or having to find a dealership who can fix a car and then find a rental car to complete the trip, as happened to me when I owned a VW Caddy.

[@tristramfenech8284]

Oil feed line recall, for the v6 is an engine killer. Make sure you get it done for any car with the 2gr engine

[@Speedz1980]

That reminds me I need to check mine soon, my other 2GR V6 burst it's oil feel line not long ago but it managed to live on

[@Me-dt3ul]

We have a 2011 Rav4 4cyl that we got when it almost new still have it besides the recall for a airbag issue and paint flaking on the bonnet (our penal beater said it was a common problem) it's been an awesome car.

[@loden888]

There is an extended warranty for the white paint peeling that expires December 2022 for most versions.

[@rotarpowered6665]

That sexy voice over caught me off guard that I completely forgot what I was watching for a moment

[@kevinbarry71]

In the United States; the really annoying part about that rear door is that it is not changed; which means it is hinged on the wrong side for a left-hand drive car

[@uli3119]

How is it the wrong side? I havent had any issues loading and unloading with the current hinge setting.

[@cheriemontgomery9368]

Hey AK, would you put the Vanguard in the same category as the Rav4????

[@gonkazama]

Love your videos. Could you do one on the Nissan X-Trail?

[@ReDriven]

Totally Sean, it's in the planning at the moment, and thanks so so much! - AK

[@danmccarthy4700]

I actually really like what that bull bar does for the looks of this thing.

[@swampholler]

With my parking skill..... it looks great!

[@robertdaniels2747]

Couldn't agree more I have this same shape Rav with a V6 and its about to hit 300,000 kms, it drives like new. Also have a GWS204 Crown and drives like a big cruisy boat, must be anything with a 2GR that gets a great review If you want to make it 3 for 3 for car's in my garage I have a 3SGE Beams AE86 you can test.

[@coolboybob2314]

I bought one brand new in 2012 and for the last 10 years, it’s been bloody great. It’s the less exciting 4 cylinder with the auto but I’m someone who just wants something that will get me from point A to B without a hassle and that’s what it’s done exceptionally well. One thing to note though, the oil consumption issue with the 4 cylinder ones could be worse than what they actually seem. What do I mean? Well, I noticed recently that there wasn’t much oil left in my Rav4, at least according to the dipstick. It roughly showed that there was about 1.5-2L left and from memory, the Rav’s take about 4ish litres (correct me if I’m wrong). So I added just 1L since the car was due for service and the oil would be changed anyway and the level after adding the 1L showed slightly above full. Spoke to the Toyota mechanic about this and he said that the 3rd gen Rav4’s sometimes have inaccurate readings, even on flat surfaces. I don’t know why and forget to ask the mechanic why but it made sense in my case. Now most people say that the 2007-2009 were the worst for oil burning (4 cylinder) so my advice would be to just get a later model one (2010-2012 seem pretty solid). Overall, my Rav4 has been great for me and will keep it as long as I can.

[@niemanickurwa]

If the only problem in 10 years is you have to add some extra oil occasionally then I can live with that.

[@sprcrzyguitrman8]

Would you still recommend this? Can't decide between a 2.2 2012 rav 4 or a 2010/2012 vw tiguain..... 😂😂😂😂

[@coolboybob2314]

If you want pure reliability, go with the Rav4. Parts and service should also be cheaper than the Tiguan. But if you want a better driving experience and don’t mind the extra cost in maintenance and the fact that the Tiguan will probably be less reliable, go with the Tiguan. Depends what you want. The oil consumption in the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine isn’t too bad as long as you check it every so often and add oil if needed. For me, the oil consumption has actually decreased and I haven’t added oil to it in a little while.

[@MrBilltong]

I've got a 2008 SX6 for a daily driver. I work offshore.. so it's a perfect for what need it for. I've installed 1 and half inch lift Pedders and Kings suspension.. All Terrains 235's.. 10.2 inch display head unit with upgraded speakers.. neoprene seat covers. upgraded exhaust ( check out modified exhaust on V6 Ravs on KZbin ). With 201kw and upgraded suspension.. the Rav is a solid daily and getway vehicle super reliable which keeps going up in price.

[@raylee08]

Hi, there what sort of terrain have you taken it on off-road.?

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

The oil consumption problem is only a problem if you don't top the oil up every tank of fuel, or every two tanks if you're lazy. Got a high milage 4 cylinder Toyota that starting burning oil early in it's life, it has settled at around a litre of oil every 1,000klm and refuses to get worse. The up side, is outstanding fuel economy. It's well over 300,000klm, and while the next owner (I'm never selling it) might get 3 to 4 thousand kilometers out of it befor it ran dry of oil and seized up. So yes it's a problem, but for me, and because of the outstanding fuel economy, It's not.

[@damilolaakanni]

The RAV4 got a new 2.5 4 cylinder in 2010, and there was a sports appearance package which removed the spare tyre completely and has a bigger, more interesting front end in 2011/2012. Plus, depending on your market, a third row was offered, but since people looking for a three row SUV got the bigger Highlander/Kluger, they ditched it for the 2013 redesign.

[@kevinbarry71]

That must've been one very small third row; I'm pretty sure that was never offered in the United States

[@damilolaakanni]

@@kevinbarry71 it was offered in the US, but it's rare.

[@reynossa3187]

You must do the next gen RAV4, best damn car videos on KZbin.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so so much mate. That RAV4 is coming too. - AK

[@zracrental7466]

Wow! Where to get that front bumper upgrade?

[@matthewwebb1429]

I've got the second gen 3 door in Sydney you could maybe test, but in very "interesting condition". Still goes and goes and goes tho

[@roy8542]

I have a 2010 2.4 with 185kkm, burning 1L of oil every 800km. Not great, but so far it doesn’t affect the driving and that’s the ONLY problem

[@Crispkingguy]

Id like to see a video about the next generation of Rav 4 please :)

[@swampholler]

Single mom. Any car that doesn't leave me stranded in Amish country with two toddlers is gor-geeeee-ous!

[@JustMe-nm3he]

Please tell me how I can get that front bumper guard? I have the 2010 model. Thank you! David

[@samartz]

If it came with a low range box, it will be the best budget 4wd!

[@mattdebyl8806]

Can I also just chuck one more car into the mix in this kind of genre. That’s the Dodge Journey / Fiat Fremont. Now like this you HAVE to get the V6 (the Dodge didn’t do the 4, only the Fiat) and it MUST be after the 2012 refresh. Basically they stuffed the 3.6 Pentastar V6 (the one that’s actually good, same engine as late 300C and Jeep Wranglers right up to today) with 210kw into that boxy SUV-come-people mover. They also completely redid all the shonky interior and overhauled the whole car. They had 7 seats, very practical, have a better look than these (IMO), weigh about the same as the RAV4 and are almost stupidly cheap (because you know, bad brand reputation). But they’re actually a very solid car. They were also rather inexpensive when new and brimming with gear. I’ve seen good, low kms examples from 2013 for about $12k. They stayed on the US market right up until last year. Oh and every major surface is like squidge galore. I’m going out on a limb, but I reckon they’d be close to being THE most underrated car.

[@mattdebyl8806]

Dunno how you always manage to nail the same interest in cars all the time! These only came to my attention a few weeks ago and honestly make the whole boring fridge thing quite appealing. Saying that, I THEN found out that they stuffed this V6 into the Tarago. If you really want to question why nobody talks about a particular car, check those out! People movers basically died with the rise in SUVs, but they are a bloody good thing! Not *that* much heavier than these, INSANELY fun and practical road trip interior, they have the raised driving position and more. Find a 7 seater with V6. It even arguably looks better than the RAV4.

[@mslongnleanlegs]

2010 RAV4 base. Radio turn knob volume not working very well. CD player not working. Some button lights are out. Rear wiper washer doesn’t work

[@simonmunchen5914]

Thank you

[@SamO-ik2cm]

I think it's your duty as an Australian to do a video about the beautiful falcon ute you've got there.

[@StaffaMC]

In my country, only 2.2 diesel. Is it good ?

[@garrysalis4312]

I used to work for that drink company and have driven a few as a spare vehicle when my Hiace was in for repair, great car but handling at higher speed was average.

[@oldtimerman59]

Has anyone had any issues with the 2010 and later 2.5 Rav4 with the newer AR motor?

[@daviddenley3512]

The worst thing about most of these Japanese SUV's is all the bongs and whistles wailing all the time...the newer the worse it becomes! I think the odd explosion would sound better and at least it'd be more memorable!

[@danbywaters6123]

In the past I had a 2005 Camry Sportivo with the 2AZFE under the bonnet and a manual gearbox. Around 2009 my brother and his wife bought a new base spec Rav4 - 2AZFE, manual and front wheel drive. They still have it and we call it the 'Fat Camry', because that is all it is. A Camry driveline jammed into an obese SUV body. I had no such oil consumption issues with my 2AZ, and eventually sold the car with about 160,000km on the clock. As for Toyotas 'Unparallelled Support Network' that everyone harps on about..... What a load of crap. The alternator regulator crapped itself on my Camry. I worked out that this Bosch regulator was shared with a plethora of other really common Toyota models. Not one dealer in South Australia carried one of these regulators in stock. Toyota were going to have to ship a replacement from one of their warehouses in VIC or NSW. I was saved by Repco who had one in stock under the Bosch part number. I've owned Nissan, Subaru and Mitsubihi too. They are all the same. The dealers hold not much more than oil filters and belts in stock and have to order everything else from their interstate warehouses. Toyota having some god-like support network..... What a load of BS.

[@spidermight8054]

Is that a cattle guard on the front bumper? I’ve never seen a RAV4 fitted with one of those here in the USA. I have an 07 V6 Limited with 40k miles. It RIPS! It truly shines on the freeways. It “hyper-cruises” at 70 mph at only 2000 rpm’s. Yes, it has a tachometer. It works very well in bad weather too (snow,rain,whatever) thanks to the AWD feature. But don’t think the AWD feature enhances performance. This vehicle is mostly a FWD car, but with minimal torque steer.

[@pdabin]

thank you

[@tg6892]

I just bought a 2011 RAV-4 AWD and keep getting a shudder noise around 40 mph. Anyone else experiencing this? It only has 120,000 miles and everything else seems clean on the car.

[@madcowusa4277]

Rented one recently in Arizona. AC barely kept up with 105 degree heat, very loud on max fan. Left knee pain from encroaching hard material door handle. Too much confusing tech right off the bat and chimes and beeps galore. God help you if you don't have your seat belt on while backing up - faster and faster overly loud beeping. Felt very cramped due to encroaching center console and kept thinking how I'd be absolutely crushed in here in a hard side impact. Very loud suspension while going over highway expansion joints. Wanted this car, but no way @ 6'2" and 240 lbs.

[@swampholler]

That helps to hear. Especially the crushed part. I don't know how it happened, but I think my youngest's dad was a gorilla.

[@andreaskappen4320]

Trying to figure out what watch you wearing 🤔?

[@greenfalcon1568]

nice rav 4. the only issue i have with them is the fuel economy with todays gas prices

[@erswnn]

I have 150,000 absolutely trouble free miles on my 2011 base model. It has never seen a mechanic, ever. Well, for tires and alignment...does that count? One "hack" to the longevity is oil. These are low tolerance engines, they really, really like oil changes no more than 5000 miles apart. Even with synthetic. And those take about 10 minutes after you figure it out the first time.

[@VeryOldMerc]

I have a 05 RAV with a 2.4 mated to slush box. It's as reliable as a brick. Fast, no but quick enough. It runs out of breath about 80 mph on the highway. That's my only complaint at 150k.

[@swampholler]

Best review ever! Sexist of me, but most men don't mention where to store napkins or jumper cables.

[@ricklau1383]

Hi, great review. Can you compare this V6 with the similar Kluger V6 in the similar age?

[@ReDriven]

If we can ever access both at the same time, totally. - AK

[@wardcathcart121]

Same engine I have heard.