A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower powers it. The Toyota RAV4 only offers this motor choice. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with the engine provides this SUV the ability to tackle both paved and snow-covered routes.
According to U.S. News, the RAV4 performs admirably in terms of fuel economy. On city streets, it gets 28 mpg, while on the highway, it gets 35 mpg. Up to 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway are still possible with AWD. The off-road package receives 32 on interstates.
This sport utility vehicle costs about average. The base trim, which costs $26,050, has the most amenities for the money and is likely the best deal available. The off-road variant costs roughly $35,700, while the higher trims can cost up to $34,600.
When it comes to driving on icy roads, the Toyota RAV4 is the ideal option. If you choose one of the higher trims, you also get Toyota’s safety systems plus a lot of ground clearance and traction.
In This Article...
Which issues does the Toyota RAV4 have?
There were 35 reports of gearbox issues made by RAV4 drivers as of December 2021. One customer claimed that after purchasing a 2019 RAV4 with 17,500 kilometers, he frequently experienced issues with the gears changing correctly. When this RAV4 owner brought his vehicle to a Toyota dealership, the problem was fixed with a software update. As vehicles do not become better with time, these kinds of software updates are frequently more of a band aid than a remedy.
Another driver complained that his RAV4 was lurching forward at slower speeds, making the on-ramp to the busy 10 highway unpredictable and perhaps dangerous. Shuttering and shaking were other prevalent concerns. He was informed that his vehicle was functioning as intended and that the dealership could not reproduce the problem.
There were reportedly six recalls for the 2019 RAV4 due to difficulties with the backup camera, separating suspension arms, and coolant leaks, among other things. Surprisingly, there were no transmission-related recalls.
Transmission issues with the 2019 Toyota RAV4 have been extensively reported. The 2020 RAV4 was expected to be an improved model, but there have already been far too many complaints and reports of unhappiness. The 2020 RAV4 has a number of concerns that drivers are having, some of which are listed below:
- Unsteady transmission.
- Transmission that is slow.
- Transmission Leaks
- The fuel gauge occasionally malfunctions and indicates that the tank is empty.
- Sometimes the brakes give out suddenly.
- Alignment and steering problems
No recalls have yet been issued as a result of the 2020 RAV4 transmission issues. But these are the recalls for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 as of April 2021:
- Select 2020 RAV4s have engine problems and coolant leaks, which led Toyota to conduct a recall and provide some RAV4 owners a free replacement engine and engine block.
- Toyota has agreed to replace the front lower suspension arms on some 2020 RAV4s at no cost in order to restore their safety. These arms may have cracks in them.
- Toyota has decided to replace the power steering gearboxes in a small number of 2020 RAV4s because they have issues with the electric power steering system.
- Toyota was compelled to replace the fuel pump assemblies in select 2020 RAVs because the fuel pumps in those vehicles have started to malfunction and create engine issues.
- Toyota is offering to replace the steering columns in select 2020 RAV4s because they may have an influence on the airbags in them.
Several sources claim that a software update that was issued on April 15, 2019, can fix the Toyota RAV4 transmission. However, other owners claimed that even after receiving updates from the Toyota dealership, the transmission issues persisted, and owners had to take their RAV4 to a dealership to get the update.
Although Toyota is known across the world as one of the most dependable automakers, all automakers are susceptible to manufacturing errors and design problems. When certain new models are introduced, the manufacturer’s ambition may exceed the skills and knowledge of the service specialists. According to the California Song Beverly act, you have a claim against the manufacturer if your car is in need of repair for more than 30 days at the dealership.
When you are initiating a claim against a major carmaker, severe automotive issues necessitate strong legal representation. Our skilled lawyers at the Lemon Firm have been successful in obtaining compensation for customers who purchased vehicles that did not function as promised, and we can do the same for you.
Can the FWD RAV4 handle snow?
If you have snow tires, FWD and traction control should be sufficient, but if your Suburban gets stuck, you might as well buy 4WD. While FWD is just more stable and manageable in the snow than RWD, getting stranded is still a possibility.
Can a Toyota AWD handle snow?
We strongly advise going with a Toyota Camry or Toyota Avalon with AWD if you love cars and don’t want anything larger than a sedan for your winter trip. Many sedans use front-wheel drive (FWD), which improves fuel efficiency but lacks the grip and stability of AWD.
RAV4 AWD’s dependability
How Reliable Is the Toyota RAV4? The expected reliability rating for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is 81 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.
Which year Toyota RAV4 is not recommended?
As long as you don’t mind a tough, small crossover, most of these RAV4s are trouble-free. The only significant problem is that, like many models from 1996 to 2000, the safety and technological features are antiquated. However, these are fantastic if you needed a little, fuel-efficient, easy-to-drive buggy to drive around town.
Common Toyota RAV4 Problems
The Toyota RAV4 enjoys a strong reputation for dependability. The RAV4 has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, according to RepairPal. The RAV4 has experienced many persistent issues over the course of its lengthy manufacture, though:
- Transmission troubles are likely to be the cause of difficulty changing gears or the SUV lurching when traveling at lower speeds. The 2019 appears to have transmission issues worse than the more recent models.
- Excessive oil consumption is a widespread issue that first appeared with the RAV4 model in 2005. Many drivers claimed that the SUV used more oil than usual between 75,000 and 150,000 miles. Toyota was forced to extend the warranty as a result of this problem.
- The wheel may lock up or pull to one side as a result of steering issues, which are very prevalent with the 2017 model year. Additionally, some owners claimed to hear knocking sounds when they turned.
- Engine cooling issues – The system that keeps the engine cool is vulnerable to leaks, which can cause coolant fluid to flow into the engine and seriously harm the mechanical components.
Finding a Good Used Toyota RAV4 in Your Area
Avoid the following Toyota RAV4 model years: 2019, 2013, and 20062008. They are the ones with the most well-known issues, but keep in mind that they are Toyotas, which are renowned for their dependability. By purchasing one in decent condition, the tiny problems they have won’t put you in the poor house. Finding a well-kept Toyota RAV4 with reasonable mileage is the best course of action when looking for one. Like any car, as it ages, issues can arise, but serious issues can be prevented by doing your research when purchase.
How to Tell If a Toyota RAV4 is Worth Purchasing
Bring a knowledgeable friend if you’re not sure how to determine whether the Toyota RAV4 you want to buy has been well maintained. Anyone can tell whether a car has been through the ringer or not by looking at it. However, a semi-educated vehicle person should be able to prevent you from making a costly error for some of the signals that not everyone will be aware of and that a buyer might try to hide.
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 does the Toyota RAV4 fare in the winter?
The quick answer to the question of whether the Toyota RAV4 is suitable for winter driving is as follows:
- Thanks to its enormous ground clearance and plenty of safety equipment, the Toyota RAV4 handles snow and winter driving fairly admirably.
- The RAV4 features an All-Wheel Drive option, which greatly improves winter driving.
Better in snow, FWD or AWD?
In ice and snow, all-wheel-drive is typically preferable since it uses all four wheels to get you moving and keep you moving. An all-wheel-drive vehicle can manage the majority of snow and ice situations when equipped with current traction and stability controls. Because the engine is mounted above the drive wheels, front-wheel-drive vehicles perform well in the snow as well. The additional weight aids in traction. You might be able to save money by getting a front-wheel-drive automobile and a set of winter tires if you reside somewhere with mild to moderate winters. Keep in mind that on ice and snow, an AWD vehicle is superior to a 4WD vehicle.
AWD VEHICLES ADAPT TO SPECIFIC CONDITIONS, NOT ALL CONDITIONS
AWD describes drivetrains in which the vehicle chooses between two- and four-wheel drive according on the state of the road.
Thus, the A in AWD might just as easily stand for adaptable:
- AWD cars typically operate with 80100% of the vehicle’s power going to either the front or rear axle under normal driving circumstances.
- AWD vehicle systems automatically distribute power to the wheels with the most grip when the road is slick.
You can navigate unplowed highways, escape snow-covered parking spaces, and accelerate on treacherous conditions with the aid of an AWD vehicle. However, they are not nearly as capable as they could be without winter tires. Compared to a two-wheel-drive car fitted with all-season tires, AWD offers little assistance for turning and braking on snow and ice.
AWD AND 4WD ARE NOT THE SAME THINGS
While many people mistakenly believe that AWD is sufficient to handle treacherous ice and snow, there is essentially no difference between vehicles with AWD and regular cars when it comes to steering, braking, and handling in wintery conditions.
People who believe AWD and four-wheel drive (commonly abbreviated as 4WD or 4X4) systems are fundamentally the same thing are surprised by this. They don’t.
In contrast to AWD systems’ ability to adjust, 4WD systems equally distribute power to all four wheels, regardless of traction. One of the primary differences between AWD and 4WD is this always-on power. Contrary to popular belief, tires alonenot even 4WDcreate traction. 4WD could not be sufficient to maintain control of the vehicle if the tires are traction-limited (either by design or due to severe wear).
WINTER TIRES OFFER DISTINCT ADVANTAGES FOR AWD
Three seasons a year, all-season tires are excellent and highly useful. However, if you live in a region that has heavy snowfall or icy conditions on a regular basis, all-season tires won’t be able to hold their own against the winter’s onslaught.
Having winter tires installed on your vehicle offers obvious advantages over any other tire type, regardless of whether it has AWD, 4WD, FWD, or RWD.
Tires for winter:
- provide traction that is 2550% better than all-season tires.
- consists of tread rubber that has been particularly designed to ensure optimal pliability in temperatures below zero.
- Include tread patterns that provide greater control and mobility on ice, snowy, dry, and wet roads.
Do you even need winter tires for an AWD car? If you value driving safely and confidently through Mother Nature’s toughest season, you might.
WINTER DRIVING TIPS FOR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
This winter, be conscious of your car’s capabilities. The professionals have some suggestions for you if you’re using all-wheel drive to navigate the roadways.
WHEN TO CONSIDER 4WD FOR WINTER DRIVING
It’s impossible to beat 4WD for folks whose lives, careers, or passions take them off the beaten track, where unplowed roads, deep snow, and uneven terrain await them every winter.
However, winter tires can still be the difference-maker. One explanation is that many 4WD systems are intermittent and need the driver to turn them on (versus AWDs always-on status). Winter tires can assist prevent you from ever getting into a difficult situation, whereas turning on a 4WD system may help you get out of one once you’re there.
WHEN TO CONSIDER FWD FOR WINTER DRIVING
The majority of passenger cars and SUVs include FWD. Due to two factors, this may be a wise choice when driving in the snow:
- Over the two driving wheels, a car’s weight is mostly distributed. The tires’ traction is enhanced by the added weight.
- A FWD vehicle is less prone to have oversteer, which is when the rear of the vehicle slides out when cornering and causes a more sharper turn than anticipated. This is because the drivetrain in a FWD vehicle is practically dragging the car along.
Your FWD car can become a very capable winter vehicle by combining these benefits with a decent pair of winter tires.
PROS AND CONS OF RWD FOR WINTER DRIVING
RWD is frequently found in sports cars, muscle cars, trucks, and truck-based SUVs. Under ideal driving circumstances, RWD typically enables a more even weight distribution and better handling. This is due to the fact that the front wheels are in charge of steering, whereas the rear wheels are in charge of transferring power to the ground.
Driving in the snow is not recommended for vehicles with rear-wheel drive. Driving a RWD vehicle is less of a problem if you reside in a region where measurable snowfall is uncommon, or even non-existent, such as the southern states.
RWD cars often have less weight on the driven wheels than FWD, AWD, or 4WD cars, making them more difficult to accelerate on slick roads and more likely to lose control of the rear of the car.
These cars can handle and have secure traction in snowy and icy situations with the aid of a decent set of winter tires.
Which Toyota SUV handles snow the best?
The 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower I-4 engine in the RAV4 is powerful enough to manage bad weather conditions without experiencing unexpected movements that might happen in overpowered vehicles, making it an excellent fit for the snow. Practically speaking, the spacious back seats and rear doors fit bundled-up passengers without making them feel confined. For the best traction in icy and slippery weather, choose the RAV4’s AWD model.