Toyota engineers have consistently viewed the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as a crucial tool in their pursuit of the highest levels of performance and fuel economy. What exactly is a CVT and are they available in the Toyota RAV4 series? In this in-depth, thoroughly researched post, we go over this and a lot more.
The fuel-effective CVT in the Toyota RAV4 is far smoother than the standard manual or automatic transmission. Other Toyota RAV4 models with a standard or optional CVT transmission are listed below, in addition to the RAV4:
- RAV4 LE Hybrid from Toyota
- Hybrid Toyota RAV4 XLE
- Hybrid Toyota RAV4 XSE
- Hybrid Toyota RAV4 Limited
CVTs are quickly replacing and updating the conventional automatic transmission. In this article, we’ll define a CVT, describe how it operates, and discuss its dependability. We’ll also take a deeper look at the various RAV4 models’ specifications, aesthetics, and functionalities. Why don’t we start now?
In This Article...
Is there a CVT transmission in the Toyota RAV4?
The LE, XLE, Adventure, SE, Limited, and Platinum trim levels of the Toyota RAV4 are each available with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The RAV4 has a 176-horsepower, 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that is mated to a 6-speed automated transmission across the board. A flexible lockup torque-converter in the transmission allows for increased efficiency, especially at slower speeds.
The XLE Hybrid keeps the 2.5L four-cylinder engine but adds front and rear electric motors with a combined 194 horsepower, driven by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. 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.
All-wheel-drive vehicles have a Dynamic Torque Control system that, when necessary, may transmit up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled connection immediately in front of the rear differential. To enhance fuel efficiency, the system sends all of the available torque to the front wheels. The system has three driving modes: Auto, Sport, and Lock. In heavy snow, mud, or other conditions where slow, sure traction is required or wheel slide may be beneficial, select Lock mode. An automatic limited slip differential that may be used at low speeds and aids in navigating slick terrain, such as a snowy driveway, is standard on front-wheel-drive variants.
The MacPherson strut-type suspension in front and double-wishbones in back give the RAV4 car-like handling. Crisp responsiveness is provided by speed-sensitive electric power rack and pinion steering when maneuvering parking lots or winding mountain roads.
Front seats are updated in XLE and Limited models, and thin-profile front seats aid increase legroom in the back. French stitching on the SofTex leatherette upholstery and trimmings of limited variants further improves the sitting. The rear seats now have more room, and the seatbacks can recline substantially or 60/40 split-flip forward to increase the load capacity (with easy-retracting rear headrests).
Eight airbags in total, including a driver’s knee airbag, and anti-lock brakes with electronic braking-force distribution and brake assist are among the safety features. Radar sensors are used in blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert to alert the driver to oncoming vehicles.
The 17-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, power windows, and air conditioning are all standard on RAV4 LE variants. Alloy wheels, roof rails, a sunroof, fog lights, folding power mirrors with integrated turn signals, dual-zone automatic temperature control, sport-bolstered front seats, and a tonneau/cargo cover are additional features added to XLE versions.
With sporty exterior details, 18-inch wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension, the SE trim expands on the characteristics of the XLE level. In addition, it has paddle shifters, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, and a driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment.
Limited variants also come with leather-wrapped steering wheels, 18-inch alloy wheels, Smart Key entry, push-button start, and synthetic (SofTex) seats.
The Platinum trim of the RAV4 is at the top of the food chain. Additionally, it has a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting in the footwell, an overhead 360-degree camera, and an Entune Premium JBL sound system.
All RAV4 models come standard with Display Music sound systems that have six speakers, a 6.1-inch touch screen, AM/FM/CD, a USB connector, an auxiliary input, Bluetooth audio streaming, and hands-free calling. Using the available navigation system, the climate control settings, or Entune features with mobile apps for services like Bing and Pandora may all be configured via the touchscreen. Additionally, there is a multi-information display with buttons on the steering wheel that provide quick access to trip-computer features and other displays. The RAV4 Limited’s step-up JBL Premium Audio system includes eleven “GreenEdge” speakers and a 576-watt, 8-channel amp.
What type of transmission comes with the 2016 RAV4?
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2016 RAV4 generates 176 horsepower. The standard transmission is an automatic six-speed. The EPA estimates the RAV4’s city/highway mileage to be 23/30 mpg, which is typical for the class.
When did the Toyota RAV4 acquire a CVT?
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.
Can I buy a 2017 Toyota RAV4 with a CVT?
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combine to produce 194 horsepower power the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. It comes standard with a continuously variable gearbox (CVT), which works like an automatic.
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.
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: Consciously variable transmissions, often known as CVTs, have been around for a while but, until recently, were primarily employed in off-road vehicles and tiny motorized vehicles. 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.
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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.
Are the CVTs in the Toyota RAV4 dependable?
Transmissions that have been tried and true over the past 20 years are perhaps the most dependable ones currently on the road. Even though they don’t require much care, anyone who has spent more than ten minutes around them will advise replacing the transmission fluid. Like a manual transaxle or differential, they empty and fill. Depending on your driving habits, it just takes about 15 minutes to complete and costs affordable insurance every 30 to 60 000 miles. Otherwise, they are quite resilient, which is why Toyota hybrids have taken over as the preferred taxi car. There are several vehicles with original drivetrains and 400k or more miles on the road in New York City.
Does the 2015 Toyota RAV4 come with a CVT?
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD competes in what is arguably the most competitive area of the automotive industry. It’s getting close.
When you drive the 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, you’ll be happy. The interior of Toyota’s little crossover seems anything but small. The back seats feature more legroom than many mid-sized sedans, and the driver’s space is remarkable. Even the cargo space is big. One of those peculiar automobiles, the RAV4, has a larger inside than exterior. In the region where the blue key chain is hanging over the cup holder in the second image of this article, one of Toyota’s clever tricks is displayed. In certain compact crossovers, the driver’s knee would awkwardly lay just to the right of that. However, the dash on the Toyota is open. The dash is raised, as you can see. As a result, drivers like me who are six feet or more have enough of space to sit comfortably.
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.