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).
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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.
RAV4 is automatic or CVT.
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.
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.
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?
The Toyota “transmission used in hybrids and PHEVs is extremely very very very reliable, to put it simply. The Prius, especially the 2nd Generation model (20042009, the distinctive oval egg), showed how dependable and long-lasting the “eCVT is. The hybrid eCVT served as the basis for advancements that were produced and applied to other vehicles.
Failures will occur, but they are much more the exception than the rule and occur much less frequently than with other methods of transmission.
Which Toyota model has a CVT?
Toyota Levin GT, Auris, Allion, and Corolla (E210)
2.0L (2018present) 2.0L Toyota Camry (XV70) (2019present) Avalon (XX50) 2.0L Toyota (2019present) IZOA 2.0L/Toyota C-HR (2018present)
How many gears does a Toyota RAV4 have in its transmission?
A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and an eight-speed automated transmission power the 2022 RAV4. Although all-wheel drive is now an option, front-wheel drive is still the default system offered by Toyota. This depends on the trim level. The Adventure model we tested included an all-wheel-drive system that could be switched off when necessary to increase fuel efficiency. The 2019 RAV4 outperformed the 2018 model at our test track, clocking in at 60 mph in 8.0 seconds compared to 8.3 seconds for the 2018 model. The obedient four-cylinder may be raucous, especially when trying to pass on the highway, and the transmission in our test car appeared to stutter when it was time to downshift. In our hands, the RAV4 Hybrid, which was reviewed separately, clocked in at an even faster 7.4 seconds to 60 mph. The Mazda CX-5 is our segment favorite, but the RAV4 lacks the same confidence while driving down the highway or along a winding part of road. The RAV4 feels steady and robust in both of these situations.
Is CVT preferable to automatic?
Benefits of CVT When compared to a conventional automatic, a CVT may offer a smoother driving experience depending on the car and the driver. One of the biggest benefits of having a CVT, according to Carfax, is that they frequently use less fuel than a standard automatic.
What type of transmission comes standard on the Toyota RAV4 in 2021?
A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and an eight-speed automated transmission power the 2021 RAV4. Although all-wheel drive is now an option, front-wheel drive is still the default system offered by Toyota. This depends on the trim level. The Adventure model we tested included an all-wheel-drive system that could be switched off when necessary to increase fuel efficiency. The 2019 RAV4 outperformed the 2018 model at our test track, clocking in at 60 mph in 8.0 seconds compared to 8.3 seconds for the 2018 model. The obedient four-cylinder may be raucous, especially when trying to pass on the highway, and the transmission in our test car appeared to stutter when it was time to downshift. In our hands, the RAV4 Hybrid, which was reviewed separately, clocked in at an even faster 7.4 seconds to 60 mph. The Mazda CX-5 is our segment favorite, but the RAV4 lacks the same confidence while driving down the highway or along a winding part of road. The RAV4 feels steady and robust in both of these situations.
Are there any gearbox issues with the 2021 RAV4?
Fist Pump Guy, also known as Gary, claims that there is a quick remedy for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 transmission. He asserts that the issue would be fixed by a software update that was made available in April 2019. However, some consumers said that even after obtaining this update from the Toyota dealership, the transmission issues persisted. In order to receive the update, owners must take their RAV4 to a dealership.
Toyota issued a service bulletin for this problem with the NHTSA catalog number T-SB-0107-19. Those with hesitant acceleration from a rolling halt will receive service. The update for the Engine Control Module lessens the possibility of stuttering. Additionally, the Toyota Federal Emission Warranty covers this repair. Nevertheless, the automaker chose not to initiate a recall for this problem despite these suggested solutions.
For the time being, the Toyota RAV4 model years 20202022 have no known transmission issues. However, when those cars log more miles, new issues can surface. It’s encouraging that the transmission issues with the 2019 model year Toyota RAV4 seem to have been resolved in the current generation of cars. There are only three complaints about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 on Car Complaints.
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.