I bought the 2015 Model in the base LE trim and after 8 years of owning this car, i can completely agree with Lucien’s statement. My 1 and only complaint is that I want to install LED brake lights and rear turn signal but the taillights are a pain to self remove and maybe the strange rear styling.
Thanks so much for this amazing detailed evaluation. I recently purchased a 2014 Toyota RAV4 all wheel drive limited. So far a couple months later overall I’m happy. But we’ll see what happens in one year.
My wife and I found this video to be very thorough. We just purchased the new Rav4 and he nailed everything. We have not noticed the hatch being an issue yet and it much better than the older side opening door. One other thing we didn't agree on is the handling. We find the Rav4 to be very tight handling especially in the sport mode.
Haven't met a single person who disliked the front end of the Rav4, not entirely sure how you could dislike it, it's far superior to the HUGE grille on the Camry.
You give great reviews and include technical explanations that you cannot find in other reviews. I appreciate your sensibilities when giving your opinion about overall car appeal . Keep it up!
That was my experience yes. Low road noise and a smooth ride would be how I would describe the GMC Terrain, Buick Encore, and perhaps the Escape. The CR-V is very comparable to the RAV-4 in most metrics.
Toyota's greatest advantage over the years has been the way it has turned away from the traditional exploitation tactics pioneered by Detroit automakers. Options: they don't soak you for the options you want quite as much. Reliability: they don't bank on selling you lots of repairs and parts. The result has been a steady climb from tariff-challenged import to #1 automaker in the world. Detroit, pay closer attention.
Well, it was partially an oversight but also because Subaru seems to march to a different drummer. The Forester is more real off road capable than the RAV4 and we're working hard to get our hands on one ASAP.
It really depends on what you're after. I would personally probably chose the Subaru over the Toyota but it's going to be a little less reliable according to the statistics and perhaps slightly less efficient in the AWD models as well. (Real world numbers.) I'm doing my best to get a hold of the Forester for a complete review but no firm dates yet.
I like the Edge a great deal mode, however the Edge is more of a Highlander competitor as it is significantly larger than the RAV4. There is an Edge video, although I think the production quality is lower than this one. You can find it on our channel.
YESS FINALLY!!! love all your reviews Alex!! Thanks for reviewing this vehicle! :-) I love this new RAV4 and I find that the front facia is not too much at all...it is a marked improvement!
Alex, I noticed that you mentioned several major competitors in this review, but you didn't mention any Subarus. Was that an oversight or do you not rank them well? As always though, thank you for doing a thorough review. So many car "reviewers" upload 4 to 6 minute "reviews" that include a very sparse amount of information. It baffles me why major auto manufacturers even bother flying them out to press events. You deserve to be there more than them!
You mentioned there were no V6's left in this segment. What about the Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain? They still have the 3.6 as an option for 2014.
GREAT detailed review! U said the mazda cr5 rides smoother than the Rav and you are the only reviewer to say that. All others say cabin noise and ride is more of a luxury ride in the RAV than any other small SUV. Im looking for low road noise and smooth ride. Can you clarify which you think is best for that? Do you have a review of the Mazda (didn't see it on your list). Is road noise of the Honda CRV same as the RAV? thanks for the great detail!!
Thank you for this informative Rav4 review. I enjoyed this a lot. The audio sounds good too. I'm hoping for a 2 door rav4. I think they called it a "three door" including the hatch. So might you know the last year they made the 3 door?
Alex on Autos Thank you for the response. Perhaps 1999 was the last year for that body style of 3door. 2005 seems to be the last year of the 3door in general. There are numerous photos online of the 3door from 2004 and a few from 2005.
On a test drive I found the Rav4's ride and low noise level to be nearing Lexus-quality refinement, and it will go when you want it to. Thing about 4cyl engines is when you do rev them hard the power comes on thanks to VVT technology. Most of the power is in the top end. The Rav4 also drives and handles like a smaller sedan. It's super easy to park (standard backup camera), and very comfortable. The CX-5 is down on power and refinement.
i have previous 2007 rav4 and love it. looking at this new rav4, i feel like toyota made the dashboard higher, and the front hood looks wider and bigger. i am just wondering how is the visability. i was ecited when Toyota planned to upgrade the design and was hoping to trade my old car with the new rav4 but looking at this one I am concerned. Maybe the new 2014 toyota higlander can be good choice.
OK, so this IS the 2014 model. It's good to have that clarified as things seems to be changing so quickly in this category of vehicles. Mazda was my favorite, based on reviews like yours. Thanks. Reviews now have my attention focused on The 2014 Ford Escape for the following reasons; Fun to drive, comparatively lower cabin noise, on par fuel economy and 3500 pound tow rating with appropriate engine. I would like to see a lower MSRP for the mid-level package though. I'm looking forward to seeing more 2014 & 2015 reviews of the small SUV/crossover category.
Liked the drive along Crystal Springs Reservoir to Woodside in the San Francisco Bay Area. Just look out for the bikes who think they own that road....
My auto '12 Scion TC have the exactly same drivetrain ( engine , gear ratio and final drive ) . Just wonder how the fuel economy on this Rav4 equal mine with more weight and frontal area . Maybe bigger tire and the ecomode rearrange the mapping of the trans radicaly .
OK. I'm completely confused. The title of the video is "2014 Toyota RAV4..." yet the entire video appears to be about the 2013 model. Is the 2014 model available for review? A mistake in the title of the review? A reissue of a previous review? Inquiring minds want to know.
Hi, how does it compare to Ford Edge 2013 SEL model? Ford looks like more loaded as compared to RAV 4. Do you have a similar review for Edge? Want to choose between the two cars
What is the best among these SVU's: 1-Hyundai tucson 2-Kia sportage 3-Toyota rav4 4-Renault duster 5-Mitsubishi ASX Best in fuel consumption, stability on rough roads, price, interior design and luxury dashboard. (Doesn't matter if its 1 or 2 or 3 years old model). Would 5help please! Thanks in advance
khalid abdalla In Canada, we don't have the Renault Duster but when I lived in Spain, I saw the car and it looked rather cheap and unimpressive. Almost no one drives a Mitsubishi ASX here. Now for rankings: 1. RAV4, Sportage, Tucson. I would rather choose between a CR-V, Escape, CX-5, Rogue and RAV4. Hyundai and Kia are starting to become big brands, but they're not quite there yet.
While test driving this RAV4 I found the speedometer too far below the dash. When checking speed your have to look down. I prefer the gauge cluster to be just below the dash. This was a deal breaker for me.
WOW,/Whoa....: 68 dB noise, at 50mph, is extremely quiet, twould seem, for that gen-- given that your reviews in the later model of this and other competitors is 70, 72ish, etc. ????!!! Maybe your measurment device is more accurate in later years??
Alex, Are you reviewing the 2013 or 2014 model? Video title says 2014, but you refer to it as 2013 at 11:50. Which is noisier to you, 2014 Mazda CX-5 or Toyota Rav4? Consumer Reports believes the CX-5 is noisier. You indicate a 4 foot wide item will fit in the back and then comment that 8 ft long items would prevent the hatch from closing completely, implying a sheet of plywood could be put in the back. On 11/16/13 I measured the width between the wheel wells at a showroom floor model and their width is well short of 4 ft wide. The rear opening at the bottom might be 4 ft, but I don't think you can get a sheet of plywood past the wheel wells. The rear opening narrows as you approach the height needed to clear the wheel wells. Approx depth to back of the front seat is 6 feet.
It was the 2014 but I had a mental slip and called it a 2013 twice by accident. II found the CX-5 to be quieter but it would depend on the weighting used. I measure dB with a C weighting. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I will have to ask Toyota what they meant by that. It is possible they were talking about inserting a 4-foot wide item at an angle which seems odd to me.
A friend of mine has a brand new RAV4 and I was a passenger recently. It was "ok" as far as being a passenger goes. I found the dash and instrumentation area to stretched out. At night the power window switches were not visible. And when I went to use it I had to go around the door handle that you would use to pull the door closed. I found this somewhat awkward. My friend did have the dash light brightness down some. But I don't think that played a factor in how visible the power window switches were. I don't think I would get this vehicle based on the interior alone.
FashiYinka Emma I'm not sure where you are getting your numbers but the CX-5 is 12th in its segment in sales and the CX-9 is 20th in its segment in sales. 6 months ago the Escape, CR-V and Equinox outsold the RAV-4. This month the RAV4 has clawd its way back to number 2 behind the CR-V. The top sales chart in compact crossovers in order is currently: CR-V, RAV4, Escape, Equinox, Rogue, Cherokee, Wrangler, Forester, Patriot, Santa Fe, Terrain and then the CX-5.
Erkal RAV4 is a Toyota, and Toyota's have higher resale values, better reliability and better fuel economy. Rogue is a nice car too, it looks way better than the RAV4, but it's not a Toyota.
The front is wider in the bottom than the top.. giving it a jowl like design.. Guess it's for aerodynamics.. Heck.. I'm getting this for reliability and resale only...
I wish they put the 6 speed on their Scion XB. Toyota just costantly play the catch up games to other JApanese and American cars. Get your shit together toyota.
OH NO! You mean you have to take a step back in order to open the hatch???? How awful! .. Come on!! who cares! STOP BEING SO DAMN LAZY! .... If that car had some nice wheels, it would be gorgeous!
Nice review very helpful you do say "awful" an awful awful awful lot, and "terrible" too. Perhaps work on using positive words when describing positive features.
great review, but hey Toyota, why the FUCK did you remove the V6 engine? you know there are consumers who rather have power on the small SUV class. by fucking us up like this, you are making them getting a V6 or Turbo 4 from your competition.. SAD
Infotainment is a joke. Chevy has already incorporate Siri in their system . You're better off spending $500 getting a Ipad mini and use it for music, internet, and GPS.
4 years later this is the most comfortable, reliable, and quiet vehicle we have ever bought, and we have bought a lot of them.
And after 6 years?
@@niemanickurwa And after 6 years and 5 months?
I bought the 2015 Model in the base LE trim and after 8 years of owning this car, i can completely agree with Lucien’s statement. My 1 and only complaint is that I want to install LED brake lights and rear turn signal but the taillights are a pain to self remove and maybe the strange rear styling.
Just bought same exact one in silver. FANTASTIC!! Very peppy, sporty, sprightely, and solid on the road. Highly recommended.
Thanks so much for this amazing detailed evaluation. I recently purchased a 2014 Toyota RAV4 all wheel drive limited. So far a couple months later overall I’m happy. But we’ll see what happens in one year.
So how is it?
I’ve watched a ton of reviews in searching for a car or SUV & this is the most informative.
This is my first car I have it now only 16 years old I love it
My wife and I found this video to be very thorough. We just purchased the new Rav4 and he nailed everything. We have not noticed the hatch being an issue yet and it much better than the older side opening door. One other thing we didn't agree on is the handling. We find the Rav4 to be very tight handling especially in the sport mode.
Haven't met a single person who disliked the front end of the Rav4, not entirely sure how you could dislike it, it's far superior to the HUGE grille on the Camry.
I personally don't find it good looking, at least not compared to a 2015 Escape, CR-V, Rogue or CX-5
WuWei Xu Well I actually don't care for the way the new Rogue looks. The Escape isn't bad, but to each his own.
You give great reviews and include technical explanations that you cannot find in other reviews. I appreciate your sensibilities when giving your opinion about overall car appeal
. Keep it up!
That was my experience yes. Low road noise and a smooth ride would be how I would describe the GMC Terrain, Buick Encore, and perhaps the Escape. The CR-V is very comparable to the RAV-4 in most metrics.
Best reviewer on RUclips in my opinion. Great job, I needed this information to determine what family car we were going to buy.
Alex, i really like that the air van are in the front, because when there is fifth people siting in the car, the air won't blow right at them
The styling is growing on me. After swearing off Nissans forever after watching their CVT blow up before its time, the RAV4 is an appealing option.
Toyota's greatest advantage over the years has been the way it has turned away from the traditional exploitation tactics pioneered by Detroit automakers.
Options: they don't soak you for the options you want quite as much.
Reliability: they don't bank on selling you lots of repairs and parts.
The result has been a steady climb from tariff-challenged import to #1 automaker in the world. Detroit, pay closer attention.
Can l get similar one to purchase if so state mileage,price Totoro rav4 2014
you are seriously my new favorite car channel! thank you for all the awesome reviews :)
Well, it was partially an oversight but also because Subaru seems to march to a different drummer. The Forester is more real off road capable than the RAV4 and we're working hard to get our hands on one ASAP.
I suffering from love at first sight with this vehicle!
i love these long ttac reviews
so informative
The front looks superb !
It really depends on what you're after. I would personally probably chose the Subaru over the Toyota but it's going to be a little less reliable according to the statistics and perhaps slightly less efficient in the AWD models as well. (Real world numbers.) I'm doing my best to get a hold of the Forester for a complete review but no firm dates yet.
Glad it worked!
I almost ate a whole box of ice cream while watching this.
This guy does great reviews
We're working on it :)
The Equinox and Terrain are larger than the RAV4, but I do like the Terrain.
Man, you talk so well.
I really want to learn to talk like you.
I like the Edge a great deal mode, however the Edge is more of a Highlander competitor as it is significantly larger than the RAV4. There is an Edge video, although I think the production quality is lower than this one. You can find it on our channel.
YESS FINALLY!!! love all your reviews Alex!! Thanks for reviewing this vehicle! :-) I love this new RAV4 and I find that the front facia is not too much at all...it is a marked improvement!
Alex, I noticed that you mentioned several major competitors in this review, but you didn't mention any Subarus. Was that an oversight or do you not rank them well?
As always though, thank you for doing a thorough review. So many car "reviewers" upload 4 to 6 minute "reviews" that include a very sparse amount of information. It baffles me why major auto manufacturers even bother flying them out to press events. You deserve to be there more than them!
Very nice ..... and not boring at all...👌👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
You mentioned there were no V6's left in this segment. What about the Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain? They still have the 3.6 as an option for 2014.
GREAT detailed review! U said the mazda cr5 rides smoother than the Rav and you are the only reviewer to say that. All others say cabin noise and ride is more of a luxury ride in the RAV than any other small SUV. Im looking for low road noise and smooth ride. Can you clarify which you think is best for that? Do you have a review of the Mazda (didn't see it on your list). Is road noise of the Honda CRV same as the RAV? thanks for the great detail!!
GCC version has 6.9inches ground clearance..so am very happy
Thank you for this informative Rav4 review. I enjoyed this a lot. The audio sounds good too. I'm hoping for a 2 door rav4. I think they called it a "three door" including the hatch. So might you know the last year they made the 3 door?
The last year was 1999
Alex on Autos Thank you for the response. Perhaps 1999 was the last year for that body style of 3door. 2005 seems to be the last year of the 3door in general. There are numerous photos online of the 3door from 2004 and a few from 2005.
Great detailed review, thanks!
this is the only publication that i have read that said the RAV4 was not sporty, it rode worse than the CX-5, and was also louder than the CX-5...
On a test drive I found the Rav4's ride and low noise level to be nearing Lexus-quality refinement, and it will go when you want it to. Thing about 4cyl engines is when you do rev them hard the power comes on thanks to VVT technology. Most of the power is in the top end. The Rav4 also drives and handles like a smaller sedan. It's super easy to park (standard backup camera), and very comfortable. The CX-5 is down on power and refinement.
2012 v6 toyota will blow away cx5 in speend ,acceleration lol
i have previous 2007 rav4 and love it.
looking at this new rav4, i feel like toyota made the dashboard higher, and the front hood looks wider and bigger. i am just wondering how is the visability. i was ecited when Toyota planned to upgrade the design and was hoping to trade my old car with the new rav4 but looking at this one I am concerned. Maybe the new 2014 toyota higlander can be good choice.
We should have one in a few weeks.
Nice review❤️
OK, so this IS the 2014 model. It's good to have that clarified as things seems to be changing so quickly in this category of vehicles. Mazda was my favorite, based on reviews like yours. Thanks.
Reviews now have my attention focused on The 2014 Ford Escape for the following reasons; Fun to drive, comparatively lower cabin noise, on par fuel economy and 3500 pound tow rating with appropriate engine. I would like to see a lower MSRP for the mid-level package though.
I'm looking forward to seeing more 2014 & 2015 reviews of the small SUV/crossover category.
where is the driving part filmed that road looks so peaceful
Liked the drive along Crystal Springs Reservoir to Woodside in the San Francisco Bay Area. Just look out for the bikes who think they own that road....
Great review
My auto '12 Scion TC have the exactly same drivetrain ( engine , gear ratio and final drive ) . Just wonder how the fuel economy on this Rav4 equal mine with more weight and frontal area . Maybe bigger tire and the ecomode rearrange the mapping of the trans radicaly .
Just got this car I love it
Thanks for all the detail. What is the best size yellow squash?
OK. I'm completely confused. The title of the video is "2014 Toyota RAV4..." yet the entire video appears to be about the 2013 model. Is the 2014 model available for review? A mistake in the title of the review? A reissue of a previous review? Inquiring minds want to know.
2013 and 2014 were the same, no differences between the two.
Hi, how does it compare to Ford Edge 2013 SEL model? Ford looks like more loaded as compared to RAV 4. Do you have a similar review for Edge? Want to choose between the two cars
Do you measure cabin noise in all your tests? Which compact crossover was the quietest?
What is the best among these SVU's:
1-Hyundai tucson
2-Kia sportage
3-Toyota rav4
4-Renault duster
5-Mitsubishi ASX
Best in fuel consumption, stability on rough roads, price, interior design and luxury dashboard. (Doesn't matter if its 1 or 2 or 3 years old model).
Would 5help please!
Thanks in advance
khalid abdalla In Canada, we don't have the Renault Duster but when I lived in Spain, I saw the car and it looked rather cheap and unimpressive.
Almost no one drives a Mitsubishi ASX here.
Now for rankings: 1. RAV4, Sportage, Tucson.
I would rather choose between a CR-V, Escape, CX-5, Rogue and RAV4. Hyundai and Kia are starting to become big brands, but they're not quite there yet.
Starting at 17:00 , where is this beautiful riverside scenic road ?
This is so much nicer than the lump that is the CR-V
nice review.. very complete.
While test driving this RAV4 I found the speedometer too far below the dash. When checking speed your have to look down. I prefer the gauge cluster to be just below the dash. This was a deal breaker for me.
Can i suggest that you make a review on the car that you actually own?
Any plans to test the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee?
You forgot the Mitsubishi Outlander has 7 seats and a V6 option, oh yeah everyone else has forgot it too.
Good review,
good review ,, thanks alot ..
Owned a 2008 Rav4. It was ok. The new one looks like it's even worse unfortunately.
Gee too bad it's not like the Volvo XC you obviously are in love with.
WOW,/Whoa....: 68 dB noise, at 50mph, is extremely quiet, twould seem, for that gen-- given that your reviews in the later model of this and other competitors is 70, 72ish, etc. ????!!! Maybe your measurment device is more accurate in later years??
can you compare the rav4 with the mazda cx-5 please.
Alex,
Are you reviewing the 2013 or 2014 model? Video title says 2014, but you refer to it as 2013 at 11:50.
Which is noisier to you, 2014 Mazda CX-5 or Toyota Rav4? Consumer Reports believes the CX-5 is noisier.
You indicate a 4 foot wide item will fit in the back and then comment that 8 ft long items would prevent the hatch from closing completely, implying a sheet of plywood could be put in the back. On 11/16/13 I measured the width between the wheel wells at a showroom floor model and their width is well short of 4 ft wide. The rear opening at the bottom might be 4 ft, but I don't think you can get a sheet of plywood past the wheel wells. The rear opening narrows as you approach the height needed to clear the wheel wells. Approx depth to back of the front seat is 6 feet.
It was the 2014 but I had a mental slip and called it a 2013 twice by accident.
II found the CX-5 to be quieter but it would depend on the weighting used. I measure dB with a C weighting.
Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I will have to ask Toyota what they meant by that. It is possible they were talking about inserting a 4-foot wide item at an angle which seems odd to me.
Why no mention of the Subaru Forester at all?
Subaru Cvt transmission .Cvt transmission is garbage.
No rear seat air vent, really most other suv in this class have them.
How heavy this small suv? Worried that has only 176 hp.
which one is better? this Toyota Rav4 2014 or the new Subaru Forester 2014? :)
What is best seller crossover suv in 2013? Thanks
How tall are you Alex?
i have to move the indicators in front to the outside of the headlighs
A friend of mine has a brand new RAV4 and I was a passenger recently. It was "ok" as far as being a passenger goes. I found the dash and instrumentation area to stretched out. At night the power window switches were not visible. And when I went to use it I had to go around the door handle that you would use to pull the door closed. I found this somewhat awkward. My friend did have the dash light brightness down some. But I don't think that played a factor in how visible the power window switches were. I don't think I would get this vehicle based on the interior alone.
waiting this beautiful suv in india
Dang, you gotta walk back a couple steps in order to open the trunk? That's too much work for me!!! -_-
Reviewing a 2013 with a title for a 2014 🤔
I know its not important but it bugs me he always says the drink holders can hold certain size "sodas" instead of "drinks" or "beverages".. WTH?
Sean, it's a regional thing. At least in my part of the country we don't say "pop" or "coke" for everything that is carbonated :-)
Love it
Love my 2013 RAV 4 .....32 MPG average with best at 47.6 MPG.
i love rav4
is this a 2013 or 2014? he keeps saying 2013 but title says 2014.
Who did they Lose their title of "best selling crossover" to?
The Escape, CR-V and Equinox all now outsell the RAV-4.
Alex on Autos Wrong!! Its both Mazda CX 5 and 9 then CRV. Espace and Equinox are crap, nowhere near top 10
FashiYinka Emma I'm not sure where you are getting your numbers but the CX-5 is 12th in its segment in sales and the CX-9 is 20th in its segment in sales. 6 months ago the Escape, CR-V and Equinox outsold the RAV-4. This month the RAV4 has clawd its way back to number 2 behind the CR-V. The top sales chart in compact crossovers in order is currently: CR-V, RAV4, Escape, Equinox, Rogue, Cherokee, Wrangler, Forester, Patriot, Santa Fe, Terrain and then the CX-5.
Odu Oba Ara The Escape is one of the best crossovers in this segment... facts not opinions.
@@Lucky8s it's been 3 years for you feel like a moron now?
After our Prius, I will never buy another Toyota in our lives. Can you say "cheap plastics"?
Can u test the 14 Honda crv?
From certain angles it looks good...the side profile doesn't look as good as the front imo
this or rogue ?
Erkal RAV4 is a Toyota, and Toyota's have higher resale values, better reliability and better fuel economy. Rogue is a nice car too, it looks way better than the RAV4, but it's not a Toyota.
Nice car
I think it looks cool but it has grown on me
The front is wider in the bottom than the top.. giving it a jowl like design.. Guess it's for aerodynamics.. Heck.. I'm getting this for reliability and resale only...
I think the new rav4 is cool but a bit too much by the designers
what better people the rav4 or the crv or the rogue
What bout this?? Lol
yea but alot of people prefer that 2012v6 power engine compare to this 2013 4cylyinder.
I wish they put the 6 speed on their Scion XB. Toyota just costantly play the catch up games to other JApanese and American cars. Get your shit together toyota.
ya i have to agree that the front and the interior has lot of stuff going on ..don't like it
OH NO! You mean you have to take a step back in order to open the hatch???? How awful! .. Come on!! who cares! STOP BEING SO DAMN LAZY! .... If that car had some nice wheels, it would be gorgeous!
3550 lbs
Nice review very helpful you do say "awful" an awful awful awful lot, and "terrible" too. Perhaps work on using positive words when describing positive features.
The expression "an awful lot" can be positive or negative depending on how it's used.
I quite liked the old rav4, but I don't like this one
great review, but hey Toyota, why the FUCK did you remove the V6 engine? you know there are consumers who rather have power on the small SUV class. by fucking us up like this, you are making them getting a V6 or Turbo 4 from your competition.. SAD
👍
Infotainment is a joke. Chevy has already incorporate Siri in their system . You're better off spending $500 getting a Ipad mini and use it for music, internet, and GPS.
The RAV4 is pretty peppy.
Front looks like a Pontiac Minivan….