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.
In This Article...
A Toyota Vanguard is what?
In August 2007, the Toyota Vanguard, a new medium-class SUV, went on sale. It can be compared to a long-bodied Toyota RAV4, however unlike the RAV4, the Vanguard idea was dynamic and luxurious, and it was built with an emphasis on design, driving pleasure, multi-functionality, and multi-passenger use. Vanguard was created for an active urban lifestyle while still maintaining an image of the RAV4 design. By adding bronze ornamentation and chrome finish, the inside of the Toyota Vanguard demonstrates its sense of high quality. Even genuine leather and Alcantara are employed for its high grade seats. In comparison to the RAV4, the Toyota Vanguard has a body that is 235 mm longer and a wheelbase that is 100 mm longer. As a result, all grades received not only 5 seaters but also 7 seaters. The 2.4 liter in-line 4-cylinder engine (125 kW/224 Nm) and the 3.5 liter 6-cylinder V6 engine are the two options for the Toyota Vanguard’s powerplant. A 4-cylinder engine model with a CVT transmission is available. Super ECT 5-speed electronic control gearbox with Hyper CVT-i, 6-cylinder engine model. All vehicles come equipped with the steering-assisted vehicle stability control (S-VSC) and active torque control (4WD) systems. There was no 2WD version at first. All models come with a hill start assist control and a downhill assist control as standard equipment. The SRS airbag system, curtain airbags, 3-point seat belt for the rear center seat, headrest, etc. are excellent safety features.
The Toyota Vanguard is dependable.
Where can I purchase Vanguard? Many nations, including Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, sell the Toyota Vanguard.
What is the degree of quality? It is a premium crossover with a roomy interior that can hold up to seven passengers.
Can a buyer of a used car look for the Petrol model? The petrol variant, which comes with a reliable powerplant, is for sale.
Is this a fuel-efficient vehicle? Yes, it is a fuel-efficient vehicle that guarantees lower fuel usage.
Toyota Vanguard has AWD or 4WD.
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).
What year RAV4 ought to be stayed away from?
Avoid the following Toyota RAV4 model years: 2019, 2013, and 2006–2008. 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.
A vanguard is it an SUV?
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.
What is the Toyota Vanguard’s fuel consumption?
The basic Vanguard specifications are as follows:
- Type of Drive: AWD/FF
- 5 or 7 seats are available.
- 0-100 km in 10.6 secs for a 2.5-liter engine and 8.6 secs for a 3.5-liter engine.
- Tank Volume: 60 Liters
- Power Max: 170280 ps
- Fuel consumption ranges from 9.6 to 12.6 km/l.
- Engine displacement: 2,53,500 cc
Toyota Vanguard for Sale in Mombasa KenyaMaximum Power
The vehicle has a maximum power of 170-280ps, making it a stable model even while under a high speed. It has sufficient horsepower to operate in challenging driving conditions.
Toyota Vanguard for Sale in KenyaAWD/FF
The automobile is available as a 4WD (AWD) or 2WD (FF) type, as mentioned. If you desire power to drive on slick roads, you can select the 4WD model.
For commuting within cities, the 2WD model is advised because it uses less gasoline.
Toyota Vanguard Review in KenyaEngine Capacity
The vehicle’s engine capacity ranges from 2500cc to 3500cc. When you choose the 2.5l engine, you save more fuel, but you give up some power and acceleration.
Does the Toyota RAV4 have issues?
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:
- Transmission that is slow.
- Alignment and steering problems
- Sometimes the brakes give out suddenly.
- Unsteady transmission.
- Transmission Leaks
- The fuel gauge occasionally malfunctions and indicates that the tank is empty.
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 is offering to replace the steering columns in select 2020 RAV4s because they may have an influence on the airbags in them.
- 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 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 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.
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.
The ideal RAV4 model?
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. It’s crucial to take note of these years while purchasing a used RAV4 SUV.
Which RAV4 model year is best?
One of the best pre-owned Toyota RAV4 SUVs is the 2012 model, which is a couple more years old. 2012 is a fantastic year to look for even if the majority of RAV4 years are suggested. The owner satisfaction score was adequate, while the reliability score is high. In its crashworthiness testing this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) primarily awarded four and five stars.
Speaking of the NHTSA, this year has seen a number of Toyota SUV recalls from the agency. Make sure these recalls have been completed before signing any documentation because two of these recalls concern the airbags. Apart from that, 2012 offered a trustworthy Toyota RAV4 SUV.
Is a RAV4 a good investment?
The Toyota RAV4 is a good SUV, however… The Toyota RAV4 is a capable small SUV, yes. The RAV4 has two rows of comfortable seats, a lot of safety technology, and a simple entertainment system. It also has a lot of cargo space. It also offers a comfortable ride and a powerful, fuel-efficient powertrain.