THERE are some cars that will always be on our roads. They will defy age. The 2005 Toyota Rav4 is one of them because of its reliability and resale value.
Pros:
Outstanding driving position
Numerous security features
Reliability and refinement of Toyota
Cons:
Comfort in the backseat
Occasionally bumpy ride
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Limited ability to tow
I spent the last week with one, courtesy of The Legacy Car Rental. I must admit when my son picked it up from The Legacy Car Rental we were suppose to have it for five days during his stay for he was visiting. When he went back to his work base outside Zimbabwe, I could not resist but hang on to the little beauty for another six days.
I have always felt the RAV4 is a car for females, but having spent more time with it, I am almost converted. I had no problems with the extension from The Legacy Car Rentals. It was all done over a phone call and they were professional and proactive.
With the RAV4, I covered hundreds of kilometers.
Even though it is getting on in years, it still has tremendous market value, travels well, and looks amazing.
This vehicle is quite practical and useful, and it also handles nicely. Any need can be accommodated by rearranging the internal area. With the rear sets out, it offers the room and loading convenience of a van and can easily seat five.
Driving is easy with decent visibility. Its lack of adequate road noise shielding is a drawback; while this is not an issue in the city and suburbs, it is very noticeable on bumpier roads like the potholed Houghton Park roads.
But look this is a vehicle that is close to 20 years so its noise, vibration and harshness, also known as noise and vibration, abbreviated to NVH and N&V respectively, will be higher.
Technology to suppress NVH back then was not a good as it is now.
The 2005 model was the first to feature the larger 2.4-litre engine while keeping the compact body style. Giving this rugged and athletic SUV more power on the road truly works nicely.
It has outstanding transmission and renowned dependability. It performs better on roads than off. The elevated seating and substantial automobile body always make me feel secure.
The RAV4’s 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine produces 126.7 kW at 6000 rpm power and 223.5 Nm at 4000 rpm of torque and is available in 2WD and AWD models.
A four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission is available to customers. Buyers can anticipate getting between eight litres to nine litres per 100kms from highway to city driving, which is outstanding fuel economy.
I, however, feel a 2.4 litre engine on a medium SUV is not fuel consumption friendly these days. A 2 litre engine must be the maximum.
Safety
Both the VSC stability control system and four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on Toyota vehicles. Front passenger side airbags and full-length side curtains are options.
The RAV4 performed admirably in crash tests, receiving a perfect five-star rating for side impacts and four out of five stars for frontal collision protection. Additionally, it received the IIHS’s top “Good” grade in front offset and side-impact crash tests (the RAV4 is the first vehicle to earn a “Best Pick” designation for both frontal and side-impact tests).
The absence of a rear bumper on the RAV4 is another noteworthy feature. Low-speed collisions that harm the vehicle’s rear might be expensive to repair
Interior
Customers will discover a pair of chic white-faced gauges inside. All controls, as usual, are easy to use and intuitive. A few thoughtful design features are the movable cupholders and the strategically positioned storage bins.
Four passengers can fit comfortably, but if you add a fifth, space becomes a little limited. The RAV4 can accommodate 827 litres of cargo behind the back seat.
The car can hold an astonishing 1 934 litres when the 50/50 split bench seat, which also slides, tumbles, folds, and reclines, is removed.
Handling
The RAV4 is a typical Toyota when it comes to handling; it steers lightly, which prevents it from being engaging, but it corners effectively and offers reasonable ride comfort over bumps and rough terrain.
The RAV4 is one of the more agile and sportier cars in its class and is simple to drive. It feels quick and dynamic thanks to its low centre of gravity, car-like design, and firm suspension, which effectively reduces body roll and for somewhat aggressive cornering.
However, because of its stiffness and short wheelbase, the RAV4 can become a little choppy on uneven surfaces.
The low-effort pedal makes it difficult to determine how much pedal travel is still available, and the brakes lack sensation and are vague.
The on-centre sensation of the slow steering is likewise vague. When you start to turn the wheel, the steering system starts to communicate more.
Because it is not thrilling or engaging enough, the RAV4 is not a car for enthusiasts. Nevertheless, it is dependable, simple to operate, predictable, and effective.
In other words, it is a Toyota and the ideal vehicle for someone looking for a vehicle that is practical, offers respectable fuel economy 9litres/100kms, as well as adaptable cargo capacity.
With the RAV4 being rated to tow up to 680 kgs —the same amount as a CR-V —it will even offer a minor level of towing capacity. Fully loaded variants can be a bit pricy, but in exchange for that money you can upgrade into any other Toyota for durability, quality, and resale value.
Specifications
Engine: 2.4L L4 DOHC 16 valves
Fuel consumption: 9 L/100km (average)
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Curb weight: 1735 kg
Maximum power: 126.7 kW at 6000 rpm
Maximum torque: 223.5 Nm at 4000 rpm
Transmission: 4 speed automatic transmission
- andrew@muzamhindo.com.
