For those who are unfamiliar, Toyota’s crossovers’ XLE trim level stands for “The majority of your wants and the best value for your money. The $28,967 XLE we tried featured cloth seats, a steering wheel that appeared to be coated in plastic rather than leather, a traditional key that needed to be inserted and turned in the ignition, and the front seats did not have heat; they could only be adjusted manually and in three different ways. Additionally, it lacks a front crash prevention system (FCP). Are testing expensive vehicles making us spoiled? -Absolutely. The RAV4 XLE is a fantastic vehicle, but it could need a few extra amenities. The cost of an 8-way power driver’s seat or FCP cannot be increased by the buyer. There is no bundle to purchase or box to check. Accept it or reject it. You have two options if you decide to depart. There is no FCP available for the 2015 RAV4 at any price, but you can choose to get a RAV4 Limited, which will bring you a seat you can be comfortable in. FCP is available in the Outback and CR-V, both of which are more opulent than the RAV4. 2016 sees a shift in this. One of the first Toyota vehicles to receive the new safety package, which includes FCP, is the RAV4. It will cost less than comparable products and come as standard on the RAV4 Limited. In a few months, the 2016 RAV4 will go on sale (hint hint).
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE rides smoothly on smooth highways and softly enough on rough parts.
Helpful tires include regular 17-inch tires with thick sidewalls.
After testing the RAV4 Limited, we were astonished by its unusually stiff ride, therefore we are happy to announce the XLE is the superior model.
Excellent handling.
Driving the RAV4 is enjoyable and it feels vivacious.
It has good cornering ability.
Body lean is kept in check and follows your directions.
The brakes are almost flawless. With 176 horsepower, the 2.5-liter engine is competitive in its class. The RAV4 continues to use a geared transmission, unlike the majority of its competitors. This is your salvation if you still detest continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). You will need to go elsewhere if, like me, you have grown to adore the CVT for its benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and smooth operation. The transmission is to blame for the RAV4’s significantly worse fuel efficiency than that of the Outback and CR-V. The RAV4 achieves an EPA-estimated 25 combined and 29 highway in AWD configuration. Both the Outback and the CR-V get 28 combined and 33 on the highway. Given that the majority of consumers rate fuel efficiency as one of their top three purchasing considerations, that is a significant gap.
Even though the RAV4’s style is a few years outdated, it still looks terrific.
Its surface strikes the ideal balance between rugged and elegant.
Instead of using faux wood trim inside, Toyota uses faux carbon fiber trim.
Yeah!
Finally, trees are being eliminated from family automobiles’ interiors.
Is faux-carbon fiber the best material for a baby SUV with a modest power output?
It is a personal preference.
The dash is effective.
The Entune Premium Audio and Navigation package was included with my XLE.
The Nav is small but extremely straightforward, the apps are easy to use, and the sound quality is excellent.
This device is superior to the Lexus mouse and touchpad in every way.
I also loved the very user-friendly climate control, and I especially enjoyed that it had independent controls rather than being a part of the touch screen menus.
In a significant crash test rating, the 2015 RAV4 has improved in one area.
Prior RAV4 model years did not receive any praise “Excellent results on the crucial IIHS small frontal overlap test.
After modifications, the RAV4 currently receives the best results in every crash test.
The FCP is still lacking, but as we noted above, it will be available in a matter of months at a cost that will make the rivals envious.
There is a good reason why the RAV4 is one of the most popular crossovers on the US market.
Long-term testing has shown the previous generations to be superb cars, and Toyota’s reputation for quality, dependability, and longevity is as strong as ever.
Like with every Toyota, the initial two years of maintenance are free.
The 2015 RAV4 is unavoidably among the top three crossovers of its size available on the US market.
It might just be the competitor in 2016.
Options:
- ($585) Entune Premium Audio and Nav
- System of VIP Plus Security (359)
- a first aid kit, a cargo net, and carpeted cargo space ($304)
Likes:
- Spacious Driver’s Area
- Comfortable Rear Seats
- Up until the 2016 Model Year, no forward collision prevention
- On the XLE, there is no power driver’s seat control.
In This Article...
What type of transmission comes with the 2015 RAV4?
A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 176 horsepower powers the 2015 RAV4. The standard transmission is an automatic six-speed. The three drive settings on the RAV4 (Eco, Normal, and Sport) alter the transmission’s performance as well as the throttle response.
Present Toyota RAV4 (5th Generation)
For 2019, the newest Toyota RAV4 made its premiere. It transitioned to a contemporary platform used by numerous brand-new Toyota passenger automobiles. The width rose while the length somewhat shrank.
The RAV4 hybrid’s power grew to 219 horsepower, while the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine now produced 206 horsepower. The hybrid’s fuel economy is rated at 41/38/40 MPG in the city, on the highway, and in the combined cycle. To improve driver control, the CVT now imitated an eight-speed traditional automatic transmission.
All-wheel-drive vehicles now have a controller that allows the driver to choose the type of road so that the car may be properly programmed to maintain motion. Additionally, the Adventure model was back.
The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid crossover, was also introduced with this generation of the RAV4. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor provide 302 horsepower in total. It has a 42-mile range on electric power alone and a 40/36/38 combination city/highway/combined fuel economy rating.
Along with a wireless smartphone charger, other technology features included compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa.
Adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic braking, and lane departure warning were all featured as standard safety features.
Toyota also introduced the new Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims for this version of the RAV4.
The RAV4 is still one of the best-selling cars in the United States despite all the changes.
Toyota RAV4 (4th Generation)
For this generation, the RAV4 is a little more conventional than it was for the last.
Even though the car was a little bit longer than previously, the V6 and third-row seats were gone. But to improve fuel efficiency, a four-cylinder and continuously variable gearbox combination became common. A liftgate was also introduced, and the spare tire was positioned underneath the cargo floor, a design strategy that other compact SUVs had been employing for years.
Toyota updated the RAV4 for the 2016 model year in 2015. It simplified the outside style, improved interior refinement by adding extra soundproofing, and introduced a number of other amenities.
Even though it wasn’t mechanically different from the conventional models, the 2017 lineup was finally expanded to include a tough-looking Adventure model.
Toyota RAV4 (3rd Generation)
Toyota drastically increased the RAV4 for 2007 in order to provide customers more of what they desired.
A V6 was made available for the first time, providing 268 horsepower, significantly more than anything else in the class, although a four-cylinder engine with slightly greater power was still the standard. The car itself extended by 15 inches, and some models even included a third row of seats. It could only be used by children due to its small size, but when not in use, it could be folded into the cargo floor.
As before, front-wheel drive was the default and all-wheel drive was an option. An automatic transmission was now standard on all variants.
Additionally, this generation added amenities like push-button start, keyless entry, available backup cameras and navigation systems, and side curtain airbags. Run-flat tires were also available on a Sport variant.
2012 saw the introduction of an electric-only version of this generation. The RAV4 EV had a 37kWh battery pack with a range of about 100 miles thanks to a deal with Tesla. In California, a limited number of clients could lease it for three years for $599 a month. There were about 2,500 made. The EV did not have a third row seat or spare tire.
Toyota RAV4 (2nd Generation)
Toyota increased the size of the second generation, which was released in 2002, in order to capitalize on the RAV4’s surprise popularity. The vehicle, which is now exclusively offered as a five-door, has grown in length by about three inches and in width by about an inch and a half to provide more room for passengers and goods.
Additionally, power rose by roughly 20 horsepower. Although a four-speed automatic transmission was an option, most buyers chose the conventional five-speed manual.
Later on in the life of this model, a 2.4-liter, 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine was installed.
Stability control, a six-disc CD changer, and a driver’s seat with height adjustment were among the new amenities.
An exclusive Sport Package was made available. It included decorative elements such as an imitation hood scoop, chrome highlights, and unique wheels.
Toyota RAV4 (1st Generation)
When Toyota introduced the RAV4 in the United States in 1996, it carved out a brand-new market segment by combining the elevated driving position and rough styling of an SUV with the comfort and economy of a car.
The RAV4 shared a chassis with several Toyota cars and had a 120 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a basic five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic.
The initial body variants were a four-seat, three-door vehicle and a larger five-seat, five-door model, but a convertible model debuted in 1998.
The RAV4 had basic front-wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive option, which was unusual for an SUV at the time.
All RAV4s had power windows, locks, and mirrors as standard equipment, and many also had air conditioning and alloy wheels.
The back door’s ability to swing outward rather than upward, along with the spare tire mounted on the door, were two RAV4 features that endured for many years. However, the design was a hit and inspired rivals like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V.
All-electric RAV4 models were temporarily made available to government fleets in 1997 before being made available to the general public in 2003. It had a top speed of 85 mph and an estimated range of 95 miles. It had a 27kWh battery pack.
Is there a CVT transmission in the Toyota RAV4?
The engine is front-wheel drive and coupled to a continuously variable transmission, but it also automatically engages the rear motors when more traction is required. The RAV4 Hybrid achieves a combined EPA rating of 33 mpg.
Can I buy a 2016 Toyota RAV4 with a CVT?
In contrast to the RAV4 that only runs on gas, the RAV4 Hybrid has a CVT rather than a conventional stepped gearbox. The front-drive LE and XLE are the most economical of the gas-only RAV4 trim levels, at 23/30 mpg city/highway, followed by the SE and Limited at 23/29 mpg.
Do all Toyota vehicles have CVTs?
Which Toyota models are CVT-equipped? A CVT is either a standard feature or an option on several recent Toyota vehicles. Among them is the Toyota Camry.
Do Toyota RAV4s have issues with the transmission?
A few instances of transmission issues with the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have surfaced. A stuttering transmission, one that is delayed and then lurches ahead, and a leaky transmission are examples of these issues.
Which Toyota model does not have a CVT?
Toyota does not provide CVTs in the 86, Avalon (non-hybrid), Mirai, Supra, 4Runner, Highlander, Camry (non-hybrid), Corolla (manual only), Yaris, Land Cruiser, rav4 (non-hybrid), Tacoma, and Tundra.
What model year RAV4 is having transmission issues?
The RAV4’s main problems, primarily with its automatic transmission, occurred in 2002 and 2007. Unfortunately, although having a new iteration, the most recent RAV4 still has issues with its automatic transmission.
2008, 2006, and 2001 are some further troublesome years. There are concerns with every model year, but these five have the most complaints and the most serious problems. Car Concerns also considers how frequently these complaints appear in the media.
Which RAV4 model year is best?
Here is a succinct explanation of the Toyota RAV4’s best and worst years: The 2009, 2010, 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years of the Toyota RAV4 are some of its best iterations. On the other hand, the 2002, 2007, 2008, 2013, and 2019 models should be avoided.
How can I tell if the transmission in my car is a CVT?
Identifying a manual transmission, often known as a standard transmission or a stick shift, is simple.
Some additional controls that automated and continuously variable gearboxes do not have are included in vehicles with manual transmissions.
Because the driver must manually choose which gear to utilize, a manual transmission goes by that name.
The desired engine speed and the vehicle speed determine the gear you are in, thus a driver must be somewhat experienced and have some familiarity with the engine and vehicle to operate it safely.
The “stick” portion of a stick shift, the gear selection lever, is typically situated between the front seats within easy reach of the driver in a vehicle with a manual transmission.
This shift level was positioned on the steering column in certain very old cars.
When the gear selector lever is in a specific gear in a manual gearbox, the engine, transmission, and tires are locked together at that specific gear ratio.
A clutch, also known as a disconnect, is put between the engine and transmission so that it is possible to switch between ratios.
In addition to the brake pedal, a foot pedal is typically used to activate the clutch.
Automatic Transmission: Automatic transmissions are so named because they automatically determine the gear ratio the car should be using and switch gears as needed based on the road’s conditions.
Depending on the speed of the vehicle, the engine speed, and the throttle position, the automatic transmissions decide which gear to be in.
While more recent automatic gearboxes are electronically controlled by sensors and electronics, older automatic transmissions were relied on hydraulic controls and pressure.
Automatic transmissions are easy to spot while you’re driving because you don’t have to change, but you can also spot them when they’re not in use by checking for the gear selector lever, which should be located either between the seats or close to the steering wheel.
The gear selector lever in a car with an automatic transmission will typically contain the options “Park,” “Neutral,” and “Drive, with possibly a few more possibilities like “L or “OD.
Continuously Variable Transmission: Continuously variable gearboxes, sometimes known as CVTs, have been around for a while but, until recently, were mostly employed in off-road vehicles and tiny motorized vehicles like scooters.
The CVT has improved as gas prices have increased and more environmentally friendly vehicles have been required by both the law and the public.
Its nearly endless variety of gear ratios and capacity to let the engine run at its most effective level contribute to fuel savings and higher overall efficiency.
It might be challenging to tell if your automobile has a CVT by looking at the shift lever alone, and the pedal layout might be the same as on an automatic transmission.
A lack of shift points when driving and the transmission fluid type that is suggested for your car are two things to watch out for.
The best method to tell if your car has a CVT transmission is to look for the manufacturer’s emblems, which include those for Nissan’s Xtronic, Honda’s Multi Matic, and Toyota’s Synergy Drive.
The best place to look for the precise make or model of your transmission is on the housing, where you should be able to locate a casting number.
As much pleasure as it is to work on your own car, this involves getting underneath it.
Grab a flashlight and make sure your car is well-supported with blocked wheels.
The bell housing will be the most obvious feature.
It should be big and spherical since it joins your transmission to the engine.
Look backwards from the bell housing in the direction of the transmission’s drive shaft or axle exit.
You should typically find some numbers and/or letters etched or embossed into the metal, usually near one end and frequently on the side.
Note these figures, then get dressed, wash up, and go to the computer.
Start your search for those numbers on Google to see what results are returned.
These figures will typically help you identify the particular transmission in your car and provide the answer to the query “What transmission do I have?
Any transmission, regardless of the type, needs some sort of operating fluid to keep it functioning properly.
While you are looking for serial numbers, if you see fluid leaking, put BlueDevil Transmission Sealer right away to your transmission to permanently stop the leak and prevent expensive transmission breakdowns.
BlueDevil Transmission Sealer is available here online or at one of our affiliate auto parts retailers, such as:
- Advance Automotive
- O’Reilly Automotive
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