[toggle title_open=”Car specifications” title_closed=”Car specifications” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Price: $51,490
Engine: 2.5 litre four-cylinder, 132kW/233Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 9.5 litres/100km
Emissions: 198g/km (Euro5)
Equipment: Reversing camera, smart key, rain sensing wipers, descent assist
Safety: Five-star Euro and ANCAP crash rating
Factory warranty: Three year/100,000km[/toggle]
One of the first soft off-roaders and thus something of a square peg in the car market pie chart, today’s RAV4 plays in a field as crowded as a pizza with everything. The latest RAV builds on the model’s reputation for quality, reliability and adaptability, but there’s one major departure: the spare wheel has moved from rear door to under the cargo floor, losing a styling point of difference. Today’s RAVs are offered in front- and four-wheel-drive and the GXL four-paw sits mid-way between the $47,290 GX and the $60,790 Limited. Although the Limited is loaded with goodies including satnav and a moonroof, the GXL represents a nice balance between price and equipment, given that the only major difference in the drivetrain is wheel and tyre size. Despite slick styling, inside and out, and despite a good engine, transmission and suspension, the RAV lacks the “excitement” of some of its more out-there rivals, but that may not be a bad thing – it just gets on with the job and delivers good ride, satisfying performance and a high level of usability (it’s also rated to tow 1500kg, braked). The six-speed auto has a useful sequential manual mode and hill-start assist and descent assist controls are standard. The centre differential can be locked to help improve traction in loose or slippery conditions and the electronic traction control does a good job off-road, but as with any crossover-type wagon, don’t push your luck.
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Good features
Competent, compact but roomy
Not so good
Lacks the elusive X factor
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[box type=”tick” size=”large” style=”rounded”]Rating 8/10[/box]