#Toyota rav4 2004 tuning update#
#Toyota rav4 2004 tuning driver#
#Toyota rav4 2004 tuning plus#

I was comfortable both as a passenger and as the driver during my time in the RAV4, and the new upper door padding (on all but the base RAV4s) played a part. Gone are the sometimes mismatched trim pieces and, in a move thatвЂ™s particularly welcome to my eyes, the faux carbon-fiber inlays around the door lock switches are history. For 2016, all RAV4s have a more uniform interior appearance across all trim levels. SE models get a power driverвЂ™s seat, contrast stitching and a choice of two interior colors - black and black/cinnamon. Looking at the combined mileage figures, the RAV4вЂ™s 25 mpg beats the four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive Equinox (23 mpg), but it trails all-wheel-drive versions of the CR-V (27 mpg) and Rogue (28 mpg). With all-wheel drive, the RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined, and front-wheel-drive versions are rated 23/30/26 mpg city/highway/combined. I couldnвЂ™t help wondering if IвЂ™d accept the rough ride more if I knew that I was getting more power. While the SE models do get paddle shifters, thereвЂ™s no improvement in engine response to make the pain of the ride worthwhile. What doesnвЂ™t help is that all RAV4 models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 176 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The compliance that makes the other RAV4 trim levels enjoyable to drive is largely gone. It jiggles a lot over rougher roads and greets potholes with a noticeable crash. By trying to вЂњdial upвЂќ the suspension performance in the SE, Toyota seems to have gone too far. Non-SE models already felt more composed and sporty than the Equinox, Rogue and CR-V. The SE versions get sport-tuned shock absorbers and coil springs in addition to the 18-inch wheels, and the result is a ride thatвЂ™s jarring on rough roads. If youвЂ™re driving on rough roads, it becomes apparent quickly that the SE models are different from other RAV4s. You can compare the 2016 redesign to the 2015 model here. ThatвЂ™s not a bad thing: I think the more fluid, wildly styled designs - for example the Nissan Rogue - might look more modern now, but that the RAV4вЂ™s more conventional, angular design will wear better. The design changes are so subtle that unless youвЂ™re viewing the RAV4 from the front, itвЂ™s hard to tell that any changes were made.

#Toyota rav4 2004 tuning plus#

The SE models get unique bumper and lower grille designs, plus 18-inch wheels and LED headlights and taillights. In profile and from the rear, the changes are subtler. The 2016 RAV4 is sleeker with a more angular, creased grille area than the previous RAV4. The RAV4 also is sold in a new-for-2016 hybrid version, which is reviewed here. The test SUV cost $34,595 including a $900 destination charge. We tested a 2016 Toyota RAV4 in the new, sporty SE trim level, also equipped with the optional Advanced Technology Package that includes sonar parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. To see whatвЂ™s new for 2017, click here, or check out a side-by-side comparison of the two model years.

#Toyota rav4 2004 tuning update#

The RAV4's slight update for 2016 brings it closer to the competition, but it still trails class leaders including the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue.Д®ditorвЂ™s note: This review was written in April 2016 about the 2016 Toyota RAV4, but little of substance has changed.

Short-wheelbase models are sold in Japan and Europe long-wheelbase models in Australia and North America.The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is a useful compact SUV, but the SE trim level is let down by a stiff ride and a high price tag. Up until now, the RAV4 has built-in five generations but for the third-generation model, Toyota allowed both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. In other markets, it is the crossover equivalent of the FJ Cruiser. In most markets, the RAV4 is the solely compact SUV or crossover accessible from Toyota. Despite not all RAV4 models are four-wheel drive, the RAV4 nameplate stands for 'Recreational Activity Vehicle: 4-wheel drive'. The car was most of the advantages of SUVs, such as improved cargo room, bigger visibility, and the choice of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability and fuel saving of a compact car. It was presented in Japan and Europe in 1994, and North America in 1995. The Toyota RAV4 (also known as Toyota RavufЕЌ) is a compact crossover SUV (sport utility vehicle) manufactured by the Japanese automobile maker Toyota, the first of this kind.