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.
In This Article...
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.
Is the CVT transmission used by the Toyota RAV4?
The transmissions of these two SUVs are another obvious distinction. The Toyota RAV4 features a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, but the Subaru Outback has a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
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.
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.
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.
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.
The RAV4 from 2018 has a CVT transmission, right?
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors combined to produce 194 horsepower in the RAV4 Hybrid. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which works similarly to an automatic transmission.
which SUVs utilize CVT?
There are several Toyota models on this selection, as you’ll see. The Japanese automaker is one of the leading producers of CVT gearboxes and is known for building incredibly dependable vehicles, a reputation that is well-deserved.
The brand’s family SUV, the Toyota RAV4, competes with vehicles like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Volkswagen Tiguan. The most recent model, which was introduced in 2019, is better than ever because of its upscale interior and exceptional build quality.
There is only one available engine, a fantastic 2.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a classy CVT automatic transmission. Both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are options; we recommend the former (unless you plan to venture that far off the beaten track).
Toyota began utilizing CVT transmissions in what year?
K110. Production of the K110, Toyota’s first belt-type CVT, started in August 2000. Toyota said that the transmission was both fuel-efficient and offered high driving performance.
Whose CVT transmission is the most trustworthy?
There is no clear answer to the topic of what is the best CVT transmission, but we can always look at the past and make educated predictions based on user reviews and online research. And that’s just what we did in this place today. There is a good probability that when you Google terms like “Honda CVT difficulties” or “Honda CVT reliability,” you will only be presented with a slew of pointless articles that don’t actually address your query concerning the reliability of specific car brands’ CVTs. These articles frequently reiterate what a CVT transmission is, along with its advantages and disadvantages. Absolutely useless, to put it mildly. Check out our guide if you want to learn more about CVT transmissions.
By reviewing the CVT history of each automobile model and compiling a list of the most and least dependable CVT gearboxes that frequently experience CVT issues, we decided to approach our task a little differently. Let’s start now!
It’s vital to note that not all automakers create and produce their own CVT transmissions before we list the most dependable CVT transmissions by automaker. This has a significant impact on reliability because transmissions that are outsourced are never subject to the same quality checks as those that are made “in-house.” As an example, Honda creates and manufactures its own CVT transmissions, making them dependable and simple to service.
Honda CVT transmission problems & review (WINNER)
In our opinion, based on online research, in-person conversations with technicians, and personal experience, Honda delivers some of the most dependable and issue-free CVT transmissions on the market right now. Honda makes and designs their CVT gearboxes with dependability and simplicity of maintenance in mind. You shouldn’t experience any issues with the Honda CVT transmissions if you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for changing the transmission fluid and filter.
Toyota CVT transmission problems & review (2nd place)
To no one’s surprise, Toyota came in second. Toyota’s CVT transmissions are just as dependable and durable as their entire brand is. The same information can be found by conducting a fast Google search for terms like “Toyota CVT difficulties.” Simply put, the Toyota CVT transmission systems don’t have any significant flaws.
Toyota owns the Japanese automatic transmission producer Aisin, which creates the CVT transmissions. The normal Toyota CVT and the e-CVT transmissions were both expertly made by Aisin, which is renowned for producing some of the greatest automatic transmissions in the world.
Depending on the type of drive train, Toyota offers a variety of CVTs. Consider the 2017 Toyota Corolla as an illustration. A standard CVT transmission is used in lesser petrol versions of the Corolla, which is appropriate for weaker petrol engines like the 1.8L found in the Corolla. Toyota actually installed a CVT transmission with a physical first gear for Corolla vehicles with stronger engines, such the 2.0L gasoline engines (like in a manual gearbox). The normal CVT system, which is only activated after the first gear, is put under less pressure when a physical first gear is used. Because the first gear is where the CVT receives the majority of the load, this design is genius. Toyota is aware of this, and by adding a physical first gear to stronger models of the Corolla, they considerably increased the CVT’s lifespan.
Toyota really employs an e-CVT system for their hybrid cars. In no way resembles a conventional CVT system. Single planetary gear sets are used in the hybrid powertrain’s electric component to simulate multiple gear ratios that effectively utilize all of the engine’s output. Many Toyota Hybrids, including the Prius, have logged more than 300,000 miles with no issues because to this integrated CVT system. Any CVT system made by Toyota should be serviceable for the duration of the vehicle.
Subaru CVT transmission problems & review (3rd Place)
Subaru, a further Japanese automaker renowned for dependability and toughness, comes in third. Their CVTs are internally developed and produced. If you have driven a Subaru, you are well aware of how great the Lineartronic CVT is. But there is a reason Subaru wasn’t there to begin with, and that reason is the years 2013 to 2017. Subaru CVT transmission in this period suffered from transmission failure issues which caused some drivers to lose power as they were driving, causing potential bodily harm if they ended up in an accident because of it.