Toyota RAV4 (2006 – 2013) Review
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Toyota RAV4 (2006 – 2013) At A Glance
Bigger and now 5-door only. More luxurious but not as practical as previous RAV-4. Car-like road manners. Petrol and diesel automatics. Facelifted 2010.
On most models, the tailgate doesn't open wide enough unless you fit a different checkstrap. Tailgate spare wheel abandoned in favour of tyre repair kit. Starting to feel dated.
Stepping out of a Yaris and into a RAV4 is bound to give the wrong impression. I always remembered the old RAV4 as the sportiest of all the SUVs. Yet this big new RAV4 D-4D 180 felt more like a Shogun.
Reviews for Toyota RAV4 (2006 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
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Toyota RAV4 (2006 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 VVT-i to 2.2 D-4D T180
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 23–53 mpg
That misconception didn't last. It has the same brilliant 177PS 2.2 litre diesel engine as the Avensis. Though sitting a foot or so higher, it obviously feels completely different.
The six-speed gearshift is longer, but snickily precise. Third gear is just as useful. Yet the engine has a completely different set of sound effects. It feels extraordinarily free-revving, like some diesels can after they've done 300,000 miles. And the exhaust has a melodious, echoing bellow as if the tailpipe is 4" in diameter (it isn't).
Like the Avensis, this RAV4 can motor. After taking the usual pictures, I found an Audi A6 3.2 on my tail and, much to the driver's surprise, easily out-accelerated it to over 100mph. Diesel 4x4s just aren't supposed to do that sort of thing. Of course, this was only once, in the interests of science. The rest of my tenure was fairly strictly speed-limited and often in cruise control. And at the end I was very pleasantly surprised by an overall consumption of just 7.58 litres per 100km (37.25mpg in olde English).
Sadly there is no cute short wheelbase version, which seems extraordinarily remiss. That niche of the niche seems to have been grabbed by the new 3-dr Suzuki Vitara, which looks remarkably similar to the old RAV4 SWB.
The big wheels still ride those accursed speed cushions well enough, though, as Toyota has not made the mistake of fitting them with low profile tyres. And the seats are extremely comfortable.
The new RAV4 has charm, character, performance and economy. Apparently it also has Honda worried and the arch-rival is reported to be rushing a new, bigger CR-V into production to compete at the higher level set by the RAV4.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 VVT-i | 33–37 mpg | 10.6–11.0 s | 177–202 g/km |
| 2.2 D-4D | 43–47 mpg | 10.2–10.5 s | 159–173 g/km |
| 2.2 D-4D 2WD | 47 mpg | 10.0 s | 156 g/km |
| 2.2 D-4D Automatic | 40 mpg | 10.8 s | 186 g/km |
| 2.2 D-4D SR150 | 39 mpg | 10.8 s | 189 g/km |
| 2.2 D-4D T180 | 40 mpg | 9.3 s | 185 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Toyota RAV4 (2006 – 2013)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
90%
Real MPG
23–53 mpg
MPGs submitted
593
Toyota RAV4 (2006 – 2013) interior
- Boot space is 410–1469 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4315–4395 mm |
| Width | 1815–1855 mm |
| Height | 1685–1720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2560 mm |
For the extra £1,200 you pay for the T180 you may be surprised to find you don't get a spare wheel. Instead you're supplied with bigger wheels with runflat tyres and a tyre pressure monitoring system, which is excellent as a get-you-home-without-stopping measure, but not so good if you are stuck in the middle of a desert. Unfortunately a standard rear door with door mounted spare is not yet even on the factory-fitted option list.
And the car seems to have lost its foldaway seats in favour of a higher, modular rear load deck with space underneath. In the old RAV4 the rear seats double-folded, leaving a clear, unobstructed floor ideal for Fido and his mates. In the new one it's higher and it isn't flat.
Toyota RAV4 (2006 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4315–4395 mm |
| Width | 1815–1855 mm |
| Height | 1685–1720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2560 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1465–1650 kg |
| Boot Space | 410–1469 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £18,750–£28,350 |
| Insurance Groups | 22–26 |
| Road Tax Bands | G–K |
| Official MPG | 32.8–47.1 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4 |
| Child | 4 |
| Pedestrian | 3 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until January 2013
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| SR 150 2.2 D-4D 5dr Auto | £28,350 | 39.2 mpg | 10.8 s |
| XT-R 2.0 VVT-i 5dr Auto | £25,045 | 37.2 mpg | 11.0 s |
| XT-R 2.2 D-4D 2WD 5dr | £24,340 | 47.1 mpg | 10.0 s |
| XT-R 2.2 D-4D 5dr | £26,040 | 47.1 mpg | 10.2 s |
| XT-R 2.2 D-4D Auto 5dr | £27,350 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
On sale until March 2009
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| XT-R 2.0 VVT-i 5dr | £19,620 | 32.8 mpg | 10.6 s |
| XT-R 2.0 VVT-i 5dr Auto | £19,620 | - | - |
On sale until November 2008
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| XT3 2.0 VVT-i 5dr | £18,750 | 32.8 mpg | 10.6 s |
| XT3 2.0 VVT-i 5dr Auto | £18,750 | - | - |
| XT3 2.2 D-4D 5dr | £19,975 | 42.8 mpg | 10.5 s |
| XT4 2.0 VVT-i 5dr | £21,195 | 32.8 mpg | 10.6 s |
| XT4 2.0 VVT-i 5dr Auto | £21,195 | - | - |
| XT4 2.2 D-4D 5dr | £22,420 | 42.8 mpg | 10.5 s |
| XT5 2.0 VVT-i 5dr | £24,135 | 32.8 mpg | 10.6 s |
| XT5 2.0 VVT-i 5dr Auto | £24,135 | - | - |
| XT5 2.2 D-4D 5dr | £25,355 | 42.8 mpg | 10.5 s |
On sale until April 2008
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| T180 2.2 D-4D 5dr | £27,405 | 40.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
Model History
September 2005
New RAV-4 from 2006 first shown Frankfurt Show September 2005. Length: 4,395 mm (14’ 5”). Length T180: 4,315 mm (14’ 2”). Width: 1,815 mm (6’ 0”). Height: 1,685 mm (5’ 7”).
New 'Active Troque Control' electromagnetic four wheel drive system. 2.0 litre chain cam petrol manual or auto. Smooth new 2.2 litre D-4D chain cam diesels as seen in Avensis with 140PS or 177PS. T180 has excellent combination of strong performance and economy. T180 is on runflat tyres so no back door spare.
January 2008
RAV XT-R is a special edition available in a choice of 3 metallic colours. Extras include electric sunroof, privacy glass, dual zone climate control, but no spare wheel on the wider opening rear door. Has a Tyrefix kit instead. Fits between XT4 and XT5 models. List price for 2.2 D-4D 140 is £21,245 on the road, the Style pack is £550 extra and the Protection pack is £450 extra.
High specification and high value from new RAV4 XT-R for 2008.
RAV4 XT-R key standard features include
o Bluetooth
o Cruise control
o Rear parking sensors
o New-design 17-inch alloys
o Rear privacy glass
2.0 VVT-i petrol and 2.2 D-4D 140 engines. Prices from £19,995.
July 2008
New sports-themed SR-180 announced. Powered by 175bhp (177 DIN hp) 2.2 D-4D engine. 0-60mph in 9 seconds. 18-inch alloys, extended wheelarches and run-flat tyres. Dark-tinted headlamps. Integrated Active Drive with Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Hill Start Assist Control. On-the-road price £23,045.
May 2009
New Optimal Drive 2.2 diesel 4WD manual with 150PS and 340Nm torque, yet CO2 down to 154g/km and combined mpg up to 48.7mpg. 2.2 diesel 4WD 6-speed automatic offers 39.2mpg combined and 189g/km CO2.
2.0 petrol engines now Valvematic with 158PS and 198Nm torque. With 2WD 6-speed manual offers 38.2mpg and 174g/km, and with 4WD Multidrive S CVT auto offers 37.7mpg combined and 177g/km CO2.
XT-R Toyota Optimal Drive 2.0 Valvematic 6MT 2WD £18,995
XT-R Toyota Optimal Drive 2.0 Valvematic MDS AWD £22,395
XT-R Toyota Optimal Drive 2.2 D-4D 150 6MT AWD £22,795
SR Toyota Optimal Drive 2.2 D-CAT 150 6AT AWD £25,295
Petrol CVT auto and diesel 6-speed torque converter auto both good. Diesel better for towing. Petrol better for the school run.
March 2010
Facelift for 2010, more aerodynamically efficient. A wider grille, with horizontal bars and chrome accents displays the new Toyota family look that has been established on the latest Avensis, Verso and Auris models. The grille is flanked by new headlights, with projector-type low beam lamps. A new flowing bonnet design helps to emphasise RAV4’s wide track and dynamic appearance, qualities that are further expressed in a new full-width front bumper.
Further chrome detailing around the foglamps and bonnet moulding add an extra dash of premium appeal. Inside the cabin the high quality finish is complemented by new leather and Alcantara upholstery. In the UK the 2010 RAV4 will carry forward its Toyota Optimal Drive powertrains, with 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol and 2.2 D-4D and D-CAT diesel engines, with six-speed manual, Mutridrive S (Toyota’s advanced continuously variable transmission) and six-speed automatic transmissions. CO2 emissions start from just 150 g/km.
May 2010
RAV4 restyled and re-equipped for 2010. Introduction of new entry point 2.2 D-4D XT-R model with two-wheel drive. 148 bhp 2.2 D-CAT 6 speed automatic transmission newly available on XT-R grade. Toyota Optimal Drive delivers excellent balance of power, fuel economy and emissions performance across the range. New contemporary urban front-end styling. Leather and Alcantara upholstery and new 17-inch alloys for RAV4 XT-R AWD. HDD satellite navigation with music jukebox function standard on SR grade. Available to order from 13-5-2010 official on-sale date 1-6-2010. On-the-road prices from £22,410
2.0-litre Valvematic petrol with Toyota’s Multidrive S CVT system remains part of the RAV4 portfolio, now exclusively in XT-R specification with all-wheel drive. The grille, a signature feature of the latest Toyota models such as Avensis and Verso, is framed by new-look headlights. These incorporate projector-type low beam lamps, integrated into the new bonnet and front wing design, emphasising RAV4’s wide track and dynamic appearance.
Two new exterior colours have been added for the new 2010 RAV4: Deep Titanium metallic and White Pearl pearlescent.
New leather and Alcantara upholstery combination standard, together with heated front seats. In addition, both AWD and 2WD versions ride on new-design 17-inch alloy wheels.
The RAV4 SR gets Toyota’s hard disc drive (HDD) satellite navigation system now part of the standard package (previously it was an option). This sophisticated navigation technology, which is also optionally available on XT-R models, includes dedicated disc space for owners to set up their own on-board “jukebox” of their favourite audio files.
Highlights of the XT-R grade include cruise control, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, seven airbags, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and rear privacy glass; AWD versions add Intelligent All-wheel Drive and, with automatic and Multidrive S transmission, Downhill assist control (DAC).
The RAV4 SR, offered exclusively with the 2.2 D-4D D-CAT engine and six-speed automatic transmission, gains 18-inch dark-finish alloys, smoke-finish headlamps, a reversing camera, Smart Entry and Start and over-fenders.
All RAV4 powertrains benefit from Toyota Optimal Drive technologies to deliver an excellent balance of power, fuel economy and loweremissions. The table below demonstrates the advantage this gives the core model in the RAV4 range, the 2.2 D-4D XT-R AWD, over some of its key compact SUV rivals.
| MODEL |
OTR PRICE |
INSURANCE GROUP |
VED BAND |
|
XT-R 2.2 D-4D 6MT 2WD |
£22,410 |
tbc |
F |
|
XT-R 2.0 Valvematic MDS AWD |
£23,710 |
22E |
I |
|
XT-R 2.2 D-4D 6MT AWD |
£24,040 |
25E |
G |
|
XT-R 2.2 D-CAT 6AT AWD |
£25,670 |
tbc |
J |
|
SR 2.2 D-CAT 6AT AWD |
£27,380 |
25E |
J |
What to watch out for
I had no problems over 4 months. Feedback from longer experience welcome.
Reports of oil leaks from the timing chain cover gasket. One report of high oil consumption (1,000 miles per litre) of 2.2 D-4D.
Gearchange quality of T180 manual improverd by LV75WMT gear oil.
Seems to be a problem of brake discs warping (all four) after around 3 years.
Problems with cylinder heads of 2.2 litre diesels.
Early 2.2 chain cam diesels are gaining a reputation as moderate oil burners, consuming around 1 litre of oil every 5,000 miles with this considered "normal" by Toyota.
26-01-2012:With 2.2 litre diesels, problems over regenerating of DPFs can lead to overfuelling that can damage the piston rings and bores. Apparently Toyota has extended the warranty to 5 years (even on 3 year warranted cars) to cover this.
27-03-2013:Reader reported a spate of water pump failures, but he is the first to report this to us.
30-07-2013:More injector and cylinder head problems reported on a 2006 2.2 D-4D.
On factory fitted satnav, directions to a full UK post code is an option on the second destination option screen.
Complaint of only 26.7mpg from 2010 RAV-4 2.0i Valvematic Multidrive S.
04-06-2015:DPF of 2010 RAV-4 D-4D SR 150 auto blocked with ash at 67,000 miles. Quoted £1,800 to replace. Ceramex chargest £300 to clean.
11-06-2015:Noise on turning steering slowly on 52k mile 2009 RAV-4 SR180. Apparently there is a fairly universal steering shaft knocking noise associated with the model.
29-03-2016:Problems reported with RAV-4 diesel used for towing a horsebox at weekends, but short urban runs to and from work during the week. Has needed a replacement DPF, replacement DMF and replacement clutch.
11-04-2017:Report by an owner that i ncreasing numbers of 2006-2012 RAV4 owners are experiencing fuel leaks caused by corrosion of the fuel filler pipe. This is due to the use of thin low quality steel combined with road debris and mud accumulating in the space between the panels where the pipe runs, which is partially open to the rear wheel arch.
14-02-2018:Key synchronisation problem reported with 2010 Toyota RAV-4 with push-button start. Two fobs supplied when new, but one was lost. Toyota dealer quoted replacement at £270, but it would not synchronise. Another was tried but that, too, failed. Dealer now thinks the problem is with the receiver and quoted £500 to rectify this, including the new fob.
30-03-3013:If in a RAV-4 2.2 D-4D all the warning lights come on suggesting a fuel leak, then suspect fault P0093. If this is the case there is a technical service bulletin from Toyota about a faulty "suction control valve" causing this issue which requires a modified valve and new software to be installed. If this car is at a Toyota dealership tell them to look at bulletin EG-0044T-0310-EN.
