Buying Used: Toyota RAV4 (2019-2025)

The Toyota RAV4 is about to enter an all-new generation. Here’s what you should know if you want a used fifth-generation model…

toyota,rav4,

Image: CAR

The impending 2026 debut of the new Toyota RAV4 in South Africa casts a retrospective spotlight on the outgoing, fifth-generation model. When the latter iteration landed in South Africa in mid-2019, it was not merely a small update, it was a fundamental architectural reset for the world’s best-selling SUV. Toyota recognised that the RAV4 had grown soft, risking its dominant market share to increasingly sophisticated Korean and German rivals. And how did Toyota respond? With a hard pivot towards mechanical rigidity, aggressive geometric styling, and ultimately, a powertrain revolution that redefined the segment’s efficiency metrics.

A rundown on the Toyota RAV4

At the core of the fifth generation’s transformation is Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform. Transitioning to this modular underpinnings afforded the RAV4 a 57% increase in torsional rigidity compared to the fourth generation. The front axle utilises a revised MacPherson strut design, while the rear benefits from a trailing-wishbone multilink setup. This configuration allows for up to 220 mm of ground clearance. Despite a marginal reduction in overall vehicle length compared to its predecessor, the wheelbase was stretched by 30 mm to improve rear entry and exit, and boot space comes in at a generous 408 litres with the rear seats in place. While initial infotainment systems felt dated upon launch, subsequent updates – and the 2022 facelift – brought with it vital smartphone-mirroring technologies.

Regarding the powertrains, initial models were powered by Toyota’s naturally aspirated ‘Dynamic Force’ four-cylinder engines. The entry-level 2.0-litre powerplant delivers 127 kW at 6 600 r/min and 203 N.m of torque at a relatively high 4 400 r/min. Toyota paired this engine with its Direct Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT). This specific unit incorporates a physical first gear for superior off-the-line engagement. For those requiring more displacement, the 2.5-litre ‘Dynamic Force’ unit offers 152 kW and 243 N.m, and is mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic.

However, the introduction of the RAV4 Hybrid – particularly the E-Four all-wheel-drive (AWD) derivative – fundamentally altered the vehicle’s value proposition. The hybrid system pairs a specialised 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor generators. In the E-Four models, an independent electric motor is mounted directly on the rear axle. This dual-motive setup yields a combined system output of 163 kW, while offering a theoretical combined driving range of up to 1 146 km.

toyota,rav4,

Image: CAR

What to look out for when buying a used Toyota RAV4

  • High-voltage cable corrosion (AWD Hybrids): the wiring harness connector linking the rear electric motor on E-Four models is susceptible to moisture ingress and galvanic corrosion.
  • Roof rail seal degradation: early models suffer from compromised roof rail seals, where the mounting washers can degrade rapidly and permit water to channel down the A-pillars. This is a direct threat to internal electronic control modules.
  • Transmission hesitation and software discrepancies: hesitation, lurching, or low-speed “gear hunting” on both the 2.0-litre’s CVT and the 2.5-litre’s eight-speed automatic are indicative of transmission control software issues.
  • Hybrid fuel-tank filling issue: some early 2019-2021 hybrid models were plagued by a design flaw in the fuel tank’s internal breather setup, preventing the tank from filling to its 55-litre capacity.
  • Early infotainment and connectivity gremlins: the infotainment units on pre-facelifted models are prone to intermittent screen freezing. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard on the earlier local units.
    toyota,rav4,

    Image: CAR

Which one to get

The peak of this platform’s capability is the 2.5 Hybrid E-Four (preferably a post-facelift model). The hybrid drivetrain transforms the RAV4 into a marvel of efficiency, and the instantaneous torque delivery from the electric motors aids the Atkinson-cycle engine under hard acceleration. While the entry-level 2.0-litre GX models offer a lower barrier to entry, their mid-range torque deficit requires the engine to work hard when fully loaded.

In our 2022 driving impression of the Toyota RAV4 2.5 GX-R CVT Hybrid E-Four, we noted:

“Claimed fuel consumption is 4.71 L/100 km. On our test route that included town, country, gravel and freeway, we saw a consumption of 5.8 L/100 km, which, for this size of luxury vehicle, is quite spectacular and not far off the usually ambitious claim. The car runs extremely silently with excellent NVH levels. The traction control and constant shifting of drive between front and rear was unnoticeable but could be seen via the onboard display. On pull-away, more power will be sent rearwards, then in normal cruise mode, front-wheel drive will be employed. The 18-inch wheels fitted to the Hybrids cope well enough off-road and have the benefit of allowing the inclusion of a full-size alloy spare. This is not the case with others in the range. These have 19-inch wheels that are too large for the wheel well.”

Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post Buying Used: Toyota RAV4 (2019-2025) appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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