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 there a CVT available for the 2018 Toyota RAV4?
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.
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.
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.
Performance isn’t the 2020 RAV4’s forte, but it keeps pace.
The TRD Off-Road package is a new feature for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 that adds “mucho to the already-macho soft-looksjust roader’s not much hardware.
An inline-4 powers every crossover, TRD Off-Road or otherwise. Although they don’t provide much more power, RAV4 hybrids improve fuel efficiency by adding an electric motor and batteries.
The RAV4 performs well overall, even if some vehicles do somewhat better, so we award it an average performance rating. It’s a 5.
A standard 2.5-liter inline-4 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and 203 horsepower powers the gas-only RAV4. It’s capable but not particularly refined. All crossovers are standard with front-wheel drive, but only Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels come standard with all-wheel drive.
In the RAV4, Toyota provides two all-wheel-drive systems: The TRD Off-Road, Adventure, and Limited trims come with an all-wheel-drive system that also uses the brakes to provide side-to-side traction. LE and XLE trims come standard with a traditional system that quietly moves power around. The latter technology brakes slipping wheels when it notices them in order to improve traction on the non-slipping wheels. Although efficient, the technology somewhat reduces fuel efficiency.
The RAV4 has a smooth ride over bumps thanks to its sturdy structure and four-wheel independent suspension (MacPherson struts up front and multi-link, trailing wishbones in back). However, rivals like the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V are a little softer.
The 2.5-liter inline-4 of the RAV4 Hybrid is enhanced with a nickel-metal hydride battery and electric motor to produce 219 horsepower. To maintain the crossover’s efficiency, an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is used. The RAV4 Hybrid’s exceptional combined EPA rating of 39 mpg when compared to the standard RAV4 is remarkable. The 39 mpg rating is also outstanding when compared to just about every other car on the road.
The RAV4 Hybrid is kept at low rpm by the CVT; press the throttle and the Hybrid continues to roar.
All-wheel drive is the only drivetrain option for the RAV4 Hybrid, but it isn’t as well-designed as the RAV4 Adventure or TRD Off-Road trims. Off-roaders might not even think about the hybrid RAV4 because it can take a moment or two longer to scrabble to gain traction.
Despite the additional weight, the RAV4 rides comfortably. In our tests, it behaves just as coolly and collectedly as the conventional RAV4.
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.
What model year Toyota 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.
Has the 2017 Toyota RAV4 been equipped with a CVT?
Intensity and Power 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.
Has the RAV4 2022 a CVT?
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors in the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provide a combined 219 horsepower. All-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are included as standard equipment.
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.
Although the above-mentioned Toyota RAV4 starting issues may be the subject of numerous articles, it’s crucial to remember that this problem is not yet widely reported. This is undoubtedly something to consider if you’re looking into small SUVs, but it’s also feasible that you won’t completely discount the RAV4 because of it.
Has the 2015 RAV4 been equipped 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.