Toyota Rav4 2.0 AWD GX-R Test Review

The modern motoring world is constantly inventing new segments and then down to niches. However, it's always the bold that lead and the rest that follow.

Toyota were the leaders in the compact SUV segment with the original RAV4 about 20 years ago. Since then, through several generations, the RAV has built a solid reputation based on true Toyota values.

A new generation of a market leader is still something to be celebrated and so, the latest RAV was launched recently. Like most others in this segment, the car has grown significantly with every passing generation and the latest has certainly grown into a very spacious family SUV.

Powered by a 2L petrol engine sans turbo, the output is still an extremely good 127kW and 203Nm and it relates to the car being no slouch when it comes to freeway cruising. Combined with the latest Toyota 10 speed CVT automatic transmission, it never missed a beat whether cruising on the open road or crawling in Jozi rush hour traffic. There are eco and sport settings for the transmission, although I felt that the default comfort mode did the job perfectly.

As the top 2L version, the GX-R is also fitted with All-wheel drive and although it boasts significant front and rear skid plates as well as body cladding I feel it's well suited to dust, sand or snow conditions and not necessarily full-on off-roading. To back up my belief, there are settings for such conditions.

As a top model, the GX-R is fitted with all the bells and whistles that one has come to expect in modern vehicles. The full leather trim with orange stitching as well as numerous orange accents on the trim may not be to everybody's taste (including mine) but it does show excellent quality and brings a touch of colour and brightness to the interior.

After a full week of testing that included both open road and traffic conditions, my only negative was fuel consumption of 8.6L/ 100km which I consider to be a touch on the high side.

The test version is currently priced at R508 900 with the entire RAV range priced from R416 400 up to R 577 900 for the 2.5L version. A service plan covering 6 services or 90 000km is included.

Видео Toyota Rav4 2.0 AWD GX-R Test Review канала MotorMatters Reviews