Meet the big brother of the Toyota RAV4. The company’s popular off-roader has a bigger, more opulent replacement that goes by the name of Vanguard.
Its foundation is an enlarged RAV4 chassis, and the two vehicles even share certain body panels. The Vanguard, on the other hand, has an additional row of seats inside, making it a true seven-seater.
The enormous SUV’s exterior has attractive headlamps, a wide grille, and horizontal chrome bars. The latter give the newcomer an upscale appearance and stand in stark contrast to the grey plastic components utilized in the RAV4.
The aggressive image is further enhanced by a higher bonnet line and strong wheelarches. Additionally, the company’s designers eliminated the spare wheel casing that resembled mudplugging on the tailgate to further emphasize the car’s road-biased setup.
Instead of a full-sized spare wheel, Vanguard owners receive an emergency puncture repair kit in the event of a flat tire, albeit this option is available from a long list of optional extras. But owing to standard features like hill start and downhill assist, the 2019 Toyota can still handle light off-road tasks.
There are various petrol engines available underneath the hood. These are anticipated to include a 2.4-liter engine with 168 horsepower that will come standard with a seven-speed CVT. There may possibly be a 3.5-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and a five-speed automated transmission.
This week, the Vanguard, which demonstrates how the updated RAV4 will look, went on sale in Japan.
In This Article...
A Toyota Vanguard has four wheels.
Vanguard is essentially the long wheel base Rav4 for the Japanese market with all-wheel drive and what Toyota refers vehicle as “Real Time 4WD” (which automatically alternates between front & all-wheel drive to improve traction & fuel economy).
Toyota discontinued the vanguard for what reason?
The Toyota RAV4 was first introduced at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show and underwent a complete makeover for the 2006 model year on an entirely new platform.
[23] It makes use of an EPS system for electric power steering.
Two variations of the third-generation RAV4 are available: a short-wheelbase vehicle and a long-wheelbase one. The long-wheelbase RAV4 is sold in Australia, New Zealand, and North America, whereas the short-wheelbase model is only available in Japan, Europe, and New Zealand (diesel exclusively in NZ). Since 2007, the longer RAV4 has also been offered for sale in Japan alongside its shorter sibling under the name Toyota Vanguard, but with updated front-end bodywork that includes a new grille, bumper, bonnet, and headlamps. [24] [25] The short wheelbase model was preserved in production for the Japanese market when the larger XA40 debuted in 2012 and continued to be sold there until 2016.
2005 saw the introduction of Japanese models to Toyota Netz dealers.
[26] Beginning in 2007, the 3-door model was discontinued, leaving Toyota without a tiny SUV until the 2009 release of the Urban Cruiser in Europe, North America (where it is known as the Scion xD), and Japan (as the Toyota ist). [27] Up until July 2016, the XA30 series RAV4 was sold in Japan; the XA40 will not be available there. In November 2013, Toyota canceled the Vanguard in favor of the revised XU60 Harrier. The RAV4’s external dimensions and engine displacement put it in the top tax category as determined by Japanese government dimension limits and annual road tax responsibilities, making it more expensive to acquire as it grew.
For the first time, the RAV4 is available in standard and extended variants for the North American and Australian markets. Regular versions are for Asian and European markets only; extended versions are for North American and Australian markets. The interior space of the extended-length RAV4 is 21 percent greater than it was in the previous generation, and a third-row seat for kids is now available (North America and Japan only). In North America and Japan, the RAV4 is still available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; however, most other nations only offer the all-wheel-drive model.
In select areas, the RAV4 received a mid-cycle update in 2008 (for the 2009 model year). This refresh included a number of improvements, including an entirely new four-cylinder engine, a revamped front end, and minor rear end adjustments. The front grille and bumper cover on the Limited variant are distinctive from those on other versions. Along with an option on the V6 model to have a rear door without the externally mounted spare tire, the Sport variant has a larger spoiler and red badging (run-flat tires are used on this model). Turn signals built into the side mirrors, a backup camera with a monitor integrated into the rearview mirror, satellite navigation, smart keyless entry, a push button starter, a multi-function instrument cluster display, etc. are some of the new features and options. The inside has largely not changed. A 2WD model was also marketed in Canada for the first time in 2009 for the Canadian market.
For the 2012 model year, the RAV4 had another facelift in 2011 that was inspired by the style of the Vanguard.
The cars were made in Toyota’s assembly facility in Tahara, Aichi, and under contract at Toyota Industries’ plant in Nagakusa, Obu, Aichi. Vehicles for the North American market started being produced at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., Second Plant, in November 2008. [28] [29] Chinese models have been produced by Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. since March 2009 in a joint venture facility in Tianjin, China. [30]
The 2015 WheelsTV award for pre-owned car of the year went to the RAV4 from the XA30 series.
[31]
What distinguishes the Toyota Vanguard from the RAV4?
The Japanese refer to these seldom off-roaders as leisure vehicles, or RVs. We refer to them as sports utility vehicles. And Toyota is without a doubt the king of RVs in Japan, producing anything from the 4.7-litre V8 Land Cruiser to the Rush (a Daihatsu Be-go that has been modified to look like Toyota).
The RAV4, a pioneer in the crossover class whose main competitors include the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Nissan X-Trail, sits in the middle of the two extremes.
Additionally, the Vanguard serves as the RAV4’s internal rival in its home market. With Borneo Motors selling the long-wheelbase export version of the RAV4, which shares its expanded (2560mm plus 100mm) platform with the Vanguard, this sibling rivalry is even more apparent in Singapore.
The official Toyota RAV4 and the unauthorized Toyota Vanguard are presented here. The Borneo Motors is the so-called Standard version, which has fewer bells and whistles than the Premium variant, which is more comparable to the Vanguard. Nevertheless, the ordinary RAV4 is more affordable than the RAV4 Premium, which costs $9,000 more, and has the same sticker price as the Vanguard (as offered by Pinnacle Motors).
In other words, the Vanguard gives a little more vehicle for the dollar, but Borneo Motors’ greater warranty and after-sales support more than offset this advantage.
Similar gauges for both vehicles, with the exception of color and the JDM Vanguard’s speedometer’s range, which reads just 180 km/h (below)
The RAV4 just features a 4WD “Lock mode” but the Vanguard has extra driver aids (described above) (below).
Where the two automobiles diverge most is in this area: While the RAV4 focuses on its function as a cargo carrier, the Vanguard offers a third row of seats (above) (below). The vehicle with the most versatility is probably the Vanguard 7-seater.
Is Toyota Vanguard a reliable vehicle?
Affordable Excellent SUV with roomy front and rear seats. Additionally, the luggage space was far larger than I had anticipated.
This is a very powerful and quick vehicle.
The ride is smooth.
The vehicle is in good general condition.
completed tires
completed battery
Check the engine
Despite having a road worthiness certificate, it appears that the automobile was not maintained before delivery. I am generally dissatisfied with this buy.
Dear,
The purchased car has shown up and been delivered. I must make a claim for the growing scratch on the windscreen. The right rear shock absorber is dead and needs to be replaced, which is another problem. Last but not least, the controls for retracting the mirror are broken. I therefore want to know how to resolve these problems. Regards. Matsinhe Valdemiro
Do I require an extra tire?
No, the law does not require you to keep a spare tire on hand for emergencies like flat tires. However, if your car doesn’t have run-flat tires, it is advised that you do. Most new cars come equipped with run-flat tires, thus a spare is not necessary.
Vanguard: Is it larger than Rav4?
Only 5 people can fit in the Toyota Rav4 as opposed to 7 in the Vanguard. Although there isn’t much room for passengers, there is a sizable cargo area that can easily accommodate all of your tools and equipment for a family outing or any type of moving work.
Additionally, Vanguard boasts a top-notch chassis structure and accessory levels that provide greater flexibility on bumpy terrain.
The model is less expensive to operate because it uses less fuel and needs less upkeep.
As a mid-size SUV intended for family use, the Vanguard New Model initially appeared on the Kenyan market in 2007.
You may learn more about this car by reading this review of the Toyota Vanguard’s features, characteristics, and pricing in Kenya.
The Toyota Vanguard’s powerplant.
From its introduction on August 30, 2007, to the conclusion of sales in November 2013, the luxury crossover SUV VANGUARD had tremendous global success. It had a sizable body that gave the impression of solidity, and there were three rows of seats that could accommodate either 5 or 7 passengers. There were two different kinds of engines: a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and a 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine (170 horsepower). “350S” and “240S” were the grade variations, and “G package” was offered for each kind.
Toyota VANGUARD has had one small update and some upgrades, including the addition of grades and new colors, since its 2007 introduction. “TOUGH & GENTLE 7 SEATER” was the new slogan at the time. Let’s examine the modifications in more detail.
Partially better. Active headrests for both the driver’s seat and the passenger seat have been made standard equipment, and the interior color has been added to the current grade (dark gray). New dark violet, mica metallic, gray metallic, and beige metallic body colors have been introduced.
Minor adjustments caused it to surpass Japan’s 2010 exhaust pollution standards. Additionally, by establishing eight body colors, including the new shades of Blackish Red Mica, Dark Steel Mica, and Dark Green Mica, it was successful in catering to a wide range of customer needs. It is possible to create a more potent or comfortable driving experience by altering the interior and exterior designs of all cars and upgrading the equipment.
Released was the specially outfitted “240S S Package ALCANTARA Limited” vehicle. It had an Alcantara seat center console box, a genuine leather steering wheel, and a shift knob embellished with black wood grain.
Why do new cars lack a spare tire?
You’re making your way home through an unlit country path on a rainy, windy night. A loud thump is followed by the car pulling firmly to one side. Your tire has been punctured by a pothole you just hit. Any person with a practical mentality would prepare themselves and swap the damaged wheel with the spare. It’s possible that at this point you realize your car doesn’t truly have a spare wheel.
Many individuals won’t know whether their car has a spare wheel or not since they have a puncture every 44,000 miles, or every five years, according to tire manufacturer Continental. More and more automakers have switched from traditional spare wheels to tyre repair kits during the past ten years. They identify two key causes for this: repair kits are lighter and take up less room, which improves fuel economy.
Cost, though, is a third justification. A space-saving spare wheel could cost 100, whereas a tire repair kit costs about $20. Car manufacturers can therefore profit from this practice by including repair kits as standard equipment and assessing an additional fee for a spare wheel.
To find out what they include as standard to deal with flat tires, we performed a survey of 251 new automobile models from 31 companies. We discovered that just 8% of them come with a full-size spare wheel. 30 percent of vehicles come equipped with a space saver, while 55 percent have a tyre repair kit instead of any kind of spare wheel. Run-flat tires are on the other vehicles. Here is our list of models that can and cannot be purchased with a spare wheel.
What Car? says…
We think it’s unfortunate that so many automakers charge extra for a spare wheel, but if you can, we still advise obtaining one. If your automobile develops a puncture, even a space-saving wheel will allow you to reach your destination, and that’s preferable to the chance of having to have your car towed to a shop to acquire a new tire if your tyre repair kit is insufficient.
Discover which automobile types and models include a spare wheel, space-saving spare, or tyre inflation kit, as well as how much it will cost to install a spare if one is an optional extra, by clicking through.
Why do new cars lack a spare tire?
Because of regulatory pressure to get more miles per gallon of gasoline, automakers are omitting the spare tire: by removing the 4050 pounds that a tire and jack typically add to a car’s weight, fuel economy is somewhat increased. (Incidentally, because automakers don’t have to pay for those parts, this enhances their profits.)
The issue is that if a tire’s sidewall is cut or if the flat is brought on by more severe damage than a tread rupture, a sealant kit won’t be of much assistance. Think about investing in a spare-tire kit, which comes with a tire, jack, and lug wrench, if you want to be ready for any kind of flat tire. These starter kits cost about $150.
Before you take delivery, Chris Jones, a trained mechanic and tire specialist at CR, advises that you should be aware of how your automobile is outfitted.
Don’t assume the car has a spare tire if you’re going to purchase it. The showrooms are the greatest place to find out, so you may use it as a negotiating chip instead of on the side of the road after a flat.
I’m from New England and have driven anything from a Segway to an aircraft carrier. I’ve actually driven thousands of automobiles, many of them on international racetracks. At the CR Auto Test Center today, such knowledge and enthusiasm are being used to empower customers. And if that means sacrificing some tires in the name of the truth, then be it. Continue with me