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.
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Does the Toyota RAV4 have a CVT?
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).
RAV4 received a CVT when?
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.
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 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.
How long is the lifespan of a Toyota CVT transmission?
The lifespan of a CVT transmission is the same as that of a conventional automatic transmission, and they are built to last the entire life of the car. The lifespan of a normal CVT is at least 100,000 kilometers. Some vehicles, like the Toyota Prius, frequently have a lifespan of far over 300,000 kilometers. Some brands, like other automotive parts, last longer than others when maintained properly.
Toyota CVT dependability
Because of the smoothness they offer in urban areas and because Toyota and other manufacturers of hybrid vehicles favor CVTs, they are widely used.
On the other hand, CVT gears often offer excellent fuel efficiency and are extremely dependable. They are currently providing strong acceleration when you wish to pull away. Toyota offers the CVT in a number of different models, including the ones listed below. To find out if they have the characteristics you seek, click through!
Conclusion
Hopefully you now know what a CVT transmission is! Naturally, while buying a car, the reliability of the CVT transmission might play a significant role in your decision.
Even Toyota’s current lineup has several vehicles with CVT transmissions, including the Corolla and C-HR! Do you already drive a car with a CVT or have you ever considered getting one? Tell us if you drive a car with a CVT transmission or not by leaving a comment below!
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.
Which Toyota RAV4 model year is the most dependable?
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.
Do Toyota RAV4 issues frequently arise?
Treat each one with caution even if this model year isn’t quite as awful as the others on the list. If you’re considering purchasing a model from this year, we advise thorough inspection. Numerous consumers have reported gearbox problems to Car Complaints, and the NHTSA has received hundreds of reports of fuel system faults. Although it might not apply to everyone, carefully review vehicle history reports.
Consumer Reports advises against purchasing the 2019 Toyota RAV4. With a dismal score of 2, reliability and owner satisfaction were rated equally. According to CR, the overall value, trunk space, road noise, and minor transmission problems are some of the greatest problem areas.
Why is the Toyota RAV4 flawed?
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:
- The fuel gauge occasionally malfunctions and indicates that the tank is empty.
- Alignment and steering problems
- Transmission that is slow.
- Sometimes the brakes give out suddenly.
- Unsteady transmission.
- Transmission Leaks
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:
- 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.
- 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 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.
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.
How many gears does a 2021 RAV4 have in its transmission?
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.