2008 Toyota RAV4 V6
15 Oct, 2007
83 Comments 
With the Compact SUV segment the fastest-growing in the SUV market, and sales increasing 19.1 per cent for the nine months to September 2007, it comes at no surprise that Toyota has expanded its RAV4 lineup with a new V6 variant.
Toyota has been hard at work applying the 3.5-litre Toyota Aurion engine (2GR-FE) across its entire range. First it was the Tarago then the Kluger, and now it has found its way into the RAV4.
The 3.5-litre V6 engine delivers 201kW of power (6200rpm) and 333Nm of torque (4700rpm) using regular unleaded petrol (ULP). This puts it 76kW ahead of the 2.4-litre RAV4, allowing it to run from 0-100km/h in a very respectable 7.4 seconds.
“The launch of RAV4 V6 is the most significant step for the RAV4 brand since its launch in Australia 13 years ago,” said Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner.
It’s not just one V6 variant either, Toyota has added three V6 models, taking the RAV4 range to nine variants overall. The three new quad-cam V6 models - CV6, SX6 and ZR6 - all have five-speed automatic transmissions and active all-wheel drive.
Given the slightly increased weight, the V6 RAC4 uses marginally more fuel than the Aurion, coming in at 10.5 litres/100km (ADR 81/01), but thanks to the additional power, the RAV4 V6 can now tow 1900kg, a 400kg increase over the four-cylinder models.
The entry model four-cylinder RAV4 starts at $31,990 while the entry model V6 range starts with the CV6 at $39,990. The RAV4 SX6 retails for $43,990 while the top-of-the-line ZR6 has an RRP of $49,990.
The extra $8,000 doesn’t just buy you a bigger engine through, all V6 models have higher standard specifications than their four-cylinder equivalents.
All RAV4 V6 models have 17-inch wheels. The mid-range SX6 and range-topping ZR6 grades have the additional exterior features (over the entry model CV6 grade) of privacy window glass, five-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lamps, overfender flares, roof rails and moonroof.
All V6 models have factory-fitted air conditioning, cruise control, six-speaker audio systems with steering wheel audio controls and rear-seat heater ducts under the front seats. CV6 has manual air conditioning, while SX6 and ZR6 have dual front zone climate-control air conditioning with push-button controls and LED display.
The CV6 and SX6 have grade-specific fabric seat trim, while the top-of-the-range ZR6 gets leather seat trim. CV6 has a single CD player (MP3-compatible) which the SX6 has a MP3-compatible six-CD changer with BluetoothT phone compatibility and the ZR6 has AVN Satellite Navigation with a built-in MP3-compatible four-CD changer with audio input and Bluetooth handsfree mobile phone communication.
Additionally all RAV4 V6 models have a chrome grille, with a V6 badge and four-bulb headlamps, with projector-type low-beam lamps. At the rear, RAV4 utilises light-emitting diode (LED) tail lamps (nine LEDs in each lamp) and centre high-mount stop lamp.
Toyota has equipped all RAV4 V6 models with Vehicle Control Management System (VCMS). This includes the all-wheel-drive system as well as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC - ESP), Traction Control (TRC) and the ABS anti-skid braking system.
VCMS is a specially developed system that can put Active AWD, Electric Power-assisted Steering (EPS) and ABS, including Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), VSC, TRC, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) technologies to work together for greater safety.
All three V6 model grades have dual-stage driver and front passenger SRS airbags, front-seat side airbags and side curtain-shield airbags - making six in total.
The 10 colours are: Glacier White, Storm Grey, Silver Pearl, Ebony, Wildfire, Dune, Envy, Mist Green, Blue Storm and pearlescent Crystal Pearl.
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Specifications for each V6 model is available below:
|
CV6 |
SX6 |
ZR6 |
|
| Quad-cam V6 engine |
X |
X |
X |
| Five-speed gated-shift automatic transmission |
X |
X |
X |
| Four-wheel all-coil independent suspension |
X |
X |
X |
| Active AWD |
X |
X |
X |
| Electric Power-assisted Steering |
X |
X |
X |
| Four-wheel disc brakes |
X |
X |
X |
| 17-inch steel wheels |
X |
|
|
| 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels |
|
X |
X |
| Overfender flares |
|
X |
X |
| ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist |
X |
X |
X |
| Vehicle Stability Control with steering assist |
X |
X |
X |
| Traction Control |
X |
X |
X |
| Hill-st art Assist Control |
X |
X |
X |
| Downhill Assist Control |
X |
X |
X |
| Two-stage driver and front passenger SRS airbags |
X |
X |
X |
| Front-seat side SRS airbags |
X |
X |
X |
| Side curtain-shield SRS airbags |
X |
X |
X |
| Manual air conditioning |
X |
|
|
| Climate-controlled front dual-zone air conditioning |
|
X |
X |
| Dial-type heater control panel |
X |
|
|
| Push-button heater control panel |
|
X |
X |
| Power driver’s seat |
|
|
X |
| Power driver’s seat lumbar support |
|
|
X |
| Heated driver and front passenger seats |
|
|
X |
| Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment |
X |
X |
X |
| Urethane steering wheel with audio controls |
X |
|
|
| Leather steering wheel with audio controls |
|
X |
X |
| Leather gear shift knob |
|
X |
X |
| 60/40 split fold rear seat |
X |
X |
X |
| Fabric seat and door trim |
X |
|
|
| High-grade fabric seat and door trim |
|
X |
|
| Leather seat and door trim |
|
|
X |
| Six-speaker audio with single CD player |
X |
|
|
| Six-speaker audio with six-CD player |
|
X |
|
| Six-speaker audio system |
|
|
X |
| Satellite navigation with built-in four-CD player |
|
|
X |
| Footwell illumination |
|
X |
X |
| Rear spoiler |
X |
X |
X |
| Rear side and qu art er privacy glass |
|
X |
X |
| Roof rails |
|
X |
X |
| Foglamps |
|
X |
X |
| Tilt and slide moonroof |
|
X |
X |
| Chrome radiator grille with V6 badge |
X |
X |
X |
| Darkened quad headlamps with projector-type low beam |
X |
X |
X |
| 1900kg braked towing capacity* |
X |
X |
X |
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October 15th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Toyota need to hide the spare wheel or at least make it secure. It’s a massive target for thieves - just have a look at the number of Rav4s on the road with a missing spare. They’re not cheap to replace either at $1800 a pop (wheel + tyre + cover). Enough to make you think twice.
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October 15th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
yawn…
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October 15th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Wow the RAV4 sure has got bigger.
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October 15th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
arent they effectively taking Kluger sales with this car? and im talking 5 seat klugers…
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October 15th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
^That’s exactly what I was thinking, not a lot of difference between the two.
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October 15th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Nice, one of my contractors has 2006 model and it is nice, now they fix the front look and I really like. Well done and will sell excellent together with that dam nice Kluger! Both these models have been upgraded or redesigned totally new and with the variants available they will sell in numbers!
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October 15th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
The external design looks really staid - something grandpa would drive. can’t see too many under 40’s going for it.
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October 15th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
I can. It is nice!
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October 15th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Exterior = Hot
Interior = Not
Size = To big, its practically a Kluger… and its more expensive then a base Kluger!!!
Here is something, theyve developed all these AWD platforms for the Aurions engine… why the hell did they develop one of the TRD instead of a slightly smaller Kluger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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October 15th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
An SUV without roof rails (CV6), good one Toyota.
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October 15th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
One would have thought they would have called it RAV6.
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October 15th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Good point Paul……….why didn’t they.Too many choices
Toyota !
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October 15th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Yes your right, why the hell would you still call it Toy-mota Rav4, I think they are copying Holdenwoo again with false bluddy advertising, geeeez grow some common sense….
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October 15th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Close to the Kluger and bugger all size difference between them - might canobilise sales between those two as yes they are direct against each other! Bit like Explorer being a smaller clone of Territory! Still nice all places! And yes Paul it is one of those big wannabes / SUV that are big and do not really go off road!
(Report)
October 15th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
At 49 990 the top of the range is the same price as the Freelander 2 with similar specs. I know which one I would get if I actually wanted to take it off the pavement.
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Is it just me or does the new Rav4 front end look a lot like the previous Lexus IS200??? seems like Toyota is just recycling looks…
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
My 4X4 Suzuki Grand Vitara would eat the rav4 for breakfast, lunch, tea and dessert I hate soft roaders, they defeat the purpose and it makes me laugh when I see one tip toeing in the bush, cause I just love to fly past showing my middle finger fully extented this would be on fairly flat terrain to. My zook does everything the same as the Rav 4 but more…
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October 15th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
I just want to know why it’s got bigger since there’s already vehicles in that segment from Toyota. The RAV used to be a true compact softroder, but suddenly it’s sporting a 3.5L V6 rather than a smaller displacement 4-cyl. And given the current fuel climate, it doesn’t make any sense.
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October 15th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
All these comments about it getting bigger.
All you need to do is look at past cars. The Accord has grown. The Civic is bigger than the old Accord.
The Corolla was smaller. The Laser grew in size until it was replaced by the Focus.
It goes on and on. In 5 years the Kluger might be as big as the Landcruiser and be dropped, with the Rav being the replacement and another small soft-roader being introduced, or some sort of crossover vehicle with even less off-road capabilities.
I heard a rumour that the current “new” Corolla will be replaced with an even newer shape next year and an AWD turbo model introduced…. maybe that’s where the AWD/more power trial is coming from…
Steve
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Even 6cylinder Corolla - go to website: www.nihoncar.com
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October 16th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
“At 49 990 the top of the range is the same price as the Freelander 2 with similar specs. I know which one I would get if I actually wanted to take it off the pavement.”
Going from Toyota to Land rover is like going from reliability heaven to reliability hell…
http://www.jdpower.com/corpora.....ID=2006133
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October 16th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Spitfire, RAV stands for Recreational Active Vehicle, the 4 stands for 4WD. This was direct from the press material on the launch of the original 3dr rav4 in the early 90’s.
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October 16th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
“Toyota Paul Says: Size = To big, its practically a Kluger… and its more expensive then a base Kluger!!!”
Wrong! RAV4 CV6 same price as KX-R 2WD. Get your facts right before you post.
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October 16th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
ALL CARS yes agree with Landrover relability issues. Will have to research more current stats as from what I seen with Disco 3 looks slick and well put together!
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October 17th, 2007 at 12:15 am
Ooooh VW_Freak. someone not married to Toybota telling Toybota_Paul what’s what. that is priceless, good on ya mate. Stick him, haha.
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October 17th, 2007 at 1:41 am
Naughtyius Maximus, the Disco 3 suffers from a lot of problems. A survey carried out by the BBC among UK car owners has found that(carried out by Experian):
“Discovery owners endured the third highest number of breakdowns (a third of those surveyed, a record of unreliability that was surpassed only by the erratic Renault Espace and Focus C-Max). On top of that, the fuel consumption was terrible, the performance sluggish and the service costs stratospheric”.
As a result, the Disco 3 was ranked 125th in the survey. This information was published in this month’s issue of Top Gear Magazine.
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October 17th, 2007 at 1:45 am
Just a quick note (typo): the BBC survey was powered by Experian ;)
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October 17th, 2007 at 8:44 am
VW_Freak your WRONG! GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE POSTING!
Im comparing apples to apples nitpicker… base 4WD Kluger is $44k compared to base AWD Rav4 at $40k. You dont compare a 2WD to a AWD.
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October 17th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Toyota Paul, didn’t you just goose yourself by proving its not more expensive than a base 4WD Kluger.
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October 17th, 2007 at 11:47 am
HA HA HA HA HA HA good point above!
Oh yeah, see snapshot of huge USA market on reliability @ TOYOTA SLIPS IN RELIABILITY POST… what a day as everything goes full circle, yes EVERYTHING! Old cliche “TIS EASIER TO GET TO TOP WHEN STRIVING…IT IS MUCH HARDER TO STAY THERE WHEN OTHERS HAVE SAME OBSSESSION”
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October 17th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Lol uh oh that was a fark up. I could still consolidate from this though, I would be almost certain that although a $4 difference exists, I bet the Kluger offers waaaay more features and its bigger afterall. The original point I was making is that they are blurring the gap between these two.
As for the reliability article, please go read my response… the reason for this slip is a transmission issue (a transmission we dont have in Australia) and an engine issue (on a car which we dont have… on an engine we dont have). Toyota Australias reliability is as strong as ever.
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October 17th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
“Toyota Paul Says: VW_Freak your WRONG! GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE POSTING!”
Learn how to spell while “you’re” at it…
“Toyota Paul Says: Lol uh oh that was a fark up. I could still consolidate from this though, I would be almost certain that although a $4 difference exists, I bet the Kluger offers waaaay more features and its bigger afterall. The original point I was making is that they are blurring the gap between these two.”
Now awaiting an apology…
Features are nearly identical, size is only major difference, which is like a few cms… oh, and the reversing camera in the Kluger.
Anyways, this market is getting too saturated, especially in Toyota’s area. And then we’ll have Tiguans, Kugas, and other various offerings next year. SUVs/crossovers or whatever - left, right and centre!
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October 21st, 2007 at 10:36 pm
I was very disappointed that Toyota Australia chose to import the American style RAV4 V6. The Japanese RAV4 variant Vanguard would have been a far better vehicle. Getting rid of the spare wheel from the rear door was a sensible thing to do. I am speaking from experience because I have a 2006 RAV4 Cruiser and the wheel blocks too much rearward vision and also makes for a very heavy door. The re-designed front of the Vanguard is also an improvement with a better looking bumper, headlights and grille. The indicators in side view mirrors are also becoming more expected in vehicles these days by discerning car buyers.
Because Toyota Australia chose to release the V6 version almost two years after the release of the 4 cylinder it really needed to be a striking new vehicle with some real impact rather than something that most people will not even be able to differentiate between. About the only minute difference is the V6 badge and a bit of silver on the grille. With a nudge bar fitted these features will be mostly covered anyway.
As a side issue it is interesting to note that when I purchased my RAV4 Cruiser in March 2006, and I enquired about the V6 version (because I knew that it had been the main focus of sales in the United States) the Toyota car salesman emphatically told me that Toyota Australia would never ever bring the V6 to Australia.
The other thing that I am disappointed in is the fact that the SX6 (the equivalent level as a Cruiser model) has a compulsory moonroof. One only has to go to RAV4 forums to discover how much of a problem these can be with leaking being a relatively common one. Why not make this an option rather than standard? One of the main reasons I chose a Toyota RAV4 Cruiser over a similarly equipped Honda CRV was the fact that the Honda had a sunroof that was standard on that model and it couldn’t have been ordered without one.
Thought I should let you know my feelings since I have now owned all three generations of the RAV4 and have a reasonable perspective on where I think Toyota Australia should be headed with the RAV4 from a customer’s point of view. The Japanese certainly seem to be right on the market with their RAV4 Vanguard.
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October 22nd, 2007 at 12:04 am
HOLY $H!T Shane Smith! big comment. Will any one read the whole thing?
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October 25th, 2007 at 12:14 am
I’d kill for a RAV4 with the size of the 2006 model and the power of the 2007 V6. The only thing that stops me buying a 2006 RAV4 is the lack of power. But I won’t buy the 2007 V6 because the frickin’ thing is now too big :-(
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October 26th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
I owned a 2003 Rav4 and just sold it for a 2005 Kluger. Heaps different as you would expect.
I have read other reviews and they can’t stop raving about the 200KW V6 in the Rav4. Something like 15.4 sec standing 400 mtrs.
Imagine Toyota putting AWD in the Aurion TRD and kept it at the same $60K price!
I bet they could go heaps more power in the TRD with AWD!
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October 28th, 2007 at 10:24 am
What do we need a stupid moon roof for?
Is this a Toyota executives idea of cool?
I was going to seriously consider an SX6 but the moon roof has put me right off. The non-switchable ESP is also overly intrusive.
Its amazing how many Japanese car companies can take a good car and then stuff it up!
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October 28th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Yeah JohnP its very disappointing that they didnt make the TRD AWD and make it an international vehicle…I assume its to prevent the differentiation between Lexus and Toyota from being blurred, because who in their right mind would then pay the extra $10k for an IS250 when you have the TRD! Can only HOPE that the next TRD is AWD coupled with the direct injection variant of the current engine which products the same figures as the TRDs does naturally aspriated… add supercharger… goodbye V8s!
On another note, I think its interesting Toyota have put all their eggs in the one basket with this 3.5L V6. We saw the TRD had what we think is an isolated incident, imagine if it wasnt! The majority of Toyotas models with that engine would have recalls and Toyotas reliability… goodbye! I think its highly risky using the on engine from this perspective.
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October 31st, 2007 at 11:57 am
Toyota surely is looking at the press with all their new fleet of cars, the new Rav4 V6, new Kluger and the TRD Aurion. Let’s hope they listen to the reviewers and public and get the formula right with future TRD spec’d cars.
I hear they are releasing the TRD Supercharged Hilux next and possibly a TRD Corolla with AWD and a V6. Let’s hope they also do a TRD Aurion with AWD.
I’m a big fan of Toyota’s as they have been the most reliable car I have owned so far and the resale is quite good too.
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November 17th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I own a 2006 RAV4 and have a problem with the engine management control unit much the same as they indicate the new V6 suffers from. By this I mean the vehicle hesitates under accelaeration in certain circumstances. Toyota dealer personnel have indicated this is a problem but Toyota will not fix it. Is anyone else having similar problems ??.
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November 17th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Oh No!!!! not more Toycar’s having probs
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December 1st, 2007 at 9:54 am
Hey Craig .I’ve got a 2006 Toyota RAV 4 with similar problem -acceleration hesitation - especially uphill.Bloody embarrassing sometimes.Dealer says it’s driving style- rubbish.After this I’m going back to local dealer again and Toyota
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January 9th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Hi Craig, we too have a 2006 Rav4 CV and have been having the same problem with acceleration for 18 months now, started out that Toyota dealership would not even acknowledge the fault. Last time we had the vehicle serviced it was acknowledged that there is a problem but no one knows how to fix it. I have currently got a complaint in with customer relations at Toyota.
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January 17th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Hi Craig/Harry and Charles…we have a 2007 RAV4 with exactly the same problem as you describe. Toyota dealership (sydny city toyota) have acknowledged the problem but don’t seem to have a fix.
I find the hesitation quite dangerous because sometimes when you want to shoot across an intersection, for example, you put your foot down and nothing happens….and then suddenly the car takes off….
I have to say that we recently went on a long drive down south coast (about 600km in all) and the car has been driving MUCH better since…
I do think that if enough of us complain, Toyota will have to do something. My wife hates driving the car right now
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January 18th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Hi All, I spoke with Toyota this week, the feed back is that this problem is with the technical people in Melbourne and has now been referred to Japan, still no idea when a fix may be available.
This week we have had two extremely hot days and have found the condition to be worse.
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January 21st, 2008 at 10:36 pm
TC…u r an absolute idiot…the 2006 and 2007 RAV4 are identical in size and shape
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January 24th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Hi all over the other side of the world…….
I am a proud owner of a 2007 RAV4 2.2D. I the world of motorways and agressive driving in rainy suburbia this vehicle rules supreme. Its fast, agile and commanding…and I love it. It retails at around £24,000 ($60,000) Bargain for you get…..
PS send us some sunshine will you
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January 24th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Hi Simon. I know how you feel about the weather. I’m in Plymouth (UK) and it ain’t stopped here much for two weeks.
Enjoy the RAV. Funnily enough I work overlooking a Toyota garage looking at all the RAV’s and Hilux’s. Seems Toyota and Nissan sell more 4WD’s in this country than so called sensible cars. I’m considering a 4WD as the roads in Plymouth are completely falling apart. My Vectra had to have new suspension parts fitted when it failed its 1st MOT, probably caused by crappy roads and speed humps.
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January 24th, 2008 at 8:14 am
# tp Says:
January 21st, 2008 at 10:36 pm
TC…u r an absolute idiot…the 2006 and 2007 RAV4 are identical in size and shape
Now that is typical of a reply from you……….if that’s the case can I suggest in stead of bagging the poor guy you reply the following next time?
“Hey TC….I think you will find that the 2006 & 2007 RAV4 are the same size. ”
May help you get along with others!!!!!
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January 24th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Yeah…
TP, maybe you’ll find more respect if you can be happy on here.
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January 24th, 2008 at 9:18 am
The name of the site is Car “Advice” TP. NO ONE has an encyclopeadic knowledge of everything, you included.
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February 6th, 2008 at 10:31 am
May we all be contented of what we are driving now. The fact is that we can only afford much on the AWDs with much to say.
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March 18th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
After having a 2006 RAV4 manual for 2 years with not a problem we upgraded to 2008 RAV4 auto. The gears shift up and down erratically and feels like the transmission is going to drop out of the car when in cruise control going up hills.
Toyota Local Service will not acknowledge problem and neither will Toyota Australia when we told them. America has also noted this problem and they have a tech bulletin that they released mid February this year to fix the problem.
I sent this to my dealership and Toyota Aust who promised to get back to me within the hour. that was 2 days ago.
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March 29th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Hi Guys,I have the same problem as Anne with my 2008 rav4 and it is much worse in the heat (wa). I have taken it back to toyota on numerous occasions all they said was that yes the vehicle does have flat spots but there is “no fix”. I think it is quite dangerous as sometimes there is no power on acceleration (low speed). It’s worse from a stopping position or at a roundabout. They told me to try 2 full tanks of premium petrol and to take it back if it didn’t fix the problem which it didn’t. Don’t know what to do except keep hounding them.
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March 31st, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Hi Gill, Back in January I made mention of this problem on this page. It certainly is much worse in the heat. I too live in WA. Having phoned Toyota’s customer line with nothing other than, “we acknowledge the fault, there is no fix…” I am going to pursue this again tomorrow, see if I can get onto someone higher up in the organisation.
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March 31st, 2008 at 7:16 pm
attn TP, attn TP….Toyota fault I don’t believe it. In fact I refuse to believe it!!!
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March 31st, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Naahhh Can’t be true. Its an illusion. Dodgy Toyota products with lousy customer support. ‘Oh what a feeling’ as they were let down on the side of the road.
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March 31st, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Imagine 200 killer TP’s…………….
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April 9th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
So it’s now 09/04/08.
I just got a quote from Toyota for a Rav4 SX6 and mentioned this forum to the sales agent.
He said he’d never heard of any problems with the car.
Obviously, the safest best is not to buy?
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April 9th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
…sorry made a typo…should read…
Obviously, the safest bet is not to buy?
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April 14th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Hello Guys
I bought my RAV4 SX6, 3 months ago. After 1700 km engine gas a distinct ticking sound (one per revolution) when cold. It is reduced after warming up. It sounds like a hydraulic lifter or something else. This problem is also indicated in several other forums, and Toyota have tested the car and the verdict was ” it is normal”. It was definitely not there when car was new, and fuel consumtion has also gone up slightly.
Anyone else has this problem, or is it just me?
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April 16th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Hi all,
have owned a RAV4 V6 ZR6 for 5 months now. Just hit the 10K. To date, apart from the ‘hesitation’ when planting the foot in taking advantage of the killer wasps, the car has performed well and have not noticed any rattles or other probs. I have used it in the city and travelled to coffs a couple times. Still cannot get comfortable in the leather seat (reminds me of an old bench seat in an EH I once owned) and it eats the juice when calling on those wasps. Hope to get the hesitation problem corrected at the 10K service.
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April 17th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
ok well that pretty much sums it up for me. there’s no way I’m going to buy a brand new Rav4 SX6 if the engine clicks and Nos can only ‘Hope to get the hesitation problem corrected at the 10K service.” and Toyota keeps saying that eveything is OK, even when I direct Toyota salesmen to this forum and they tell me that you all are a bunch of whingers.
Instead of a brand new Rav4 SX6 I will buy a 2nd hand car that has already proven itself. In my opinion there should be no ‘hoping’ to fix what to me sounds like a potentially very serious problem. When you push your foot, the car should go. I am a product designer and by the sound of things (and the lack of sound from Toyota) the vehicle clearly has a design flaw that cannot be ‘fixed’. The only logical thing for me to do is pick a different car to buy so thankyou Ehsan and Nos for the nail in the coffin for me and the Rav4 V6.
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April 24th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Too bad Darren - I guess its all a matter of what you seek. Even with problem indicated(I was assured by Toyota PR that it can be fixed at next service) the vehicle is exciting to drive - the acceleration when floored throws you back into the seat. Its good to know its there - a very quick SUV styled vehicle. I dont need an SUV however considered the RAV4 V6 as an alternative to the aurion allowing easier access in/out, more room for business clients/passengers plus it stands taller than all sedans. An SUV does not necessarily need to be aimed at the family man - a quick SUV for the single man wishing to use it for business and also for fishing/golfing trips with mates where a true FWD in most cases is an overkill.
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April 24th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Thanks for the reply Nos. The truth be told is that i WAS seeking a Toyota Rav4 V6. This is the first time I have been in the position to buy a new car and I am being naturally cautious about ruining the experience by buying a lemon. Both my girlfriend and I have had out hearts set on the rav4 V6 for some time because, as you say, the car seems to possess the ideal formula for both business/clients and for camping holiday trips with my girlfriend). I was on the verge of buying one 3 weeks ago and went as far as getting finance but then I came across this thread and this niggling doubt has crept in.
I WOULD buy one tomorrow if I could be sure that this ‘hesitation’ on acceleration wasn’t going to piss me off, de-value the car, or even worse, cause an accident. I am 31 years old with an impeccable driving record and I’d hate to be involved in accident that I felt was because of an electronic fault.
I mean, I drive a 1989 VN Commodore Berlina and when I push the pedal it goes.
I am itching to get into a new car, so Nos and anybody else out there - am I being unreasonably cautious or what?
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Im assuming you test drove the Rav V6 Darren… did you experience any of these problems? The thing you have to appreciate is these kind of blogs attract people who have had bad experiences, while the majority who may not have had problems dont see the need to search for a blog to vent their anger. That said there is a possbility you could have these problems, but thats the case with EVERY car.
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
ehsan I had a problem like yours in a Mazda v6 I once owned.
Noise is either a faulty lifter or piston slap. Goes away when engine is warm I assume.
This noise will only get worse over time to the point where it is noisy all the time.
I would persist and get the dealer should replace the faulty part(s) under warranty.
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Lifters are usually replaced as a set(24 in this case).
If u have to do this at a later date to stop the noise this will cost several thousand dollars just for the parts.
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April 25th, 2008 at 10:46 am
good points TS. and yes i did test drive. but i will test drive again and if i am satisfied then there is a good chance i will buy
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April 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I will post a message on this web-site within a couple of weeks updating the result of the Toyota service in addressing the ‘hesitation’ problem I have been experiencing - FYI, On another forum, a RAV4 V6 owner (since Oct) has blasted Toyota concerning a couple of problems one being a whining sound coming from the transmission which they cannot seem to solve - I have not experienced this - maybe an isolated problem?
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April 28th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Do you all realise that the flasher, premium and larger Mazda CX7 is around the same coin?
Cheers
F-0
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April 28th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Nos: Great, I look forward to your post.
Fugal-One: Are you suggesting in a round about way that I may expect to purchase similar problems with the CX7?
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June 6th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I’m no mechanic but maybe the delay could be caused by the fly by wire excelerator .. ? My Nissan Navara was the same very dangerous trying to negotiate a round about. Add turbo lag with a fly by wire and its very interesting to drive
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June 19th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Hi all,
Am I right in assuming that this acceleration problem is only with the RAV4 V6??
I recently bought an 8month old 2007 Cruiser Auto and despite being told by people that they are guttless, I have had nothing but good response when I accelerate, even uphill, which I do regularly.
Darren, I am looking forward to hearing if you bought one or not. And I think Frugal-One meant that the CX7 costs the same……
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June 20th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
As an update: I had the hesitation problem attended to by Toyota. They claimed at the time there is NO such ‘known’ problem (even though the problem had been confirmed to me by their Customer Relations Manager some months back) however on my test drive with the mechanic it wasn’t evident nor has it re-appeared a week or so since the service. So according to them now, I must have dreamt the whole thing up.
Obviously they have done something which has cleared the problem - Apart from being a ‘dreamer’, I am now one happy RAV4 ZR6 owner and enjoying the driving
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July 11th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Hi All, we have been contacted by our Toyota service centre to say there is a fix for the hesitation problem. Our Rav is booked in for the upload mid next week. Will post an update.
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July 11th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Charles, indeed interesting that toyota confirmed this as known problem to you. After the service, pls advise if you perceive that they may have reduced the acceleration or torque to get around the problem - changing a computer chip or similar?. I say this because since my service, the intermittent hesitation problem has disappeared however at the same time, it does not take off the way it did when I floor it, like before. I doubt very much now that it could reach the stated 7.4 secs for 0-100km/h.
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July 16th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Hi all, I have late 2007 Rav4 SX6 and its fantastic.
It has no problems and goes extremely well, with very reasonable fuel ecomomy. I have not experienced any hesitation my SX6, its super responsive.
This is a far better car than the VE Calais it replaced…
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July 18th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Nos, we have had the mod done to our Rav4, 4 cylinder version, so far the car is responding well and a pleasure to drive once again.
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September 1st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
in case anybody is interested, i just couldn’t bring myself to buy the 08 SX6 even though I was offered a very sweet deal. i bought a 2006 subaru outback 3.0 6cyl premium for 30k and i couldn’t be happier.
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September 11th, 2008 at 12:15 am
“0-100km/h in a very respectable 7.4 seconds” unless your after a drag race why is it important for a car to reach that speed in a short amount of time and why can’t they have the spec’s in a common lingo that every one can understand.
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October 5th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
does it have good fuel efficiency????
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October 7th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Posted the following figures on another web-site a few months ago -
“Just some updated fuel usage figures I calculated on my RAV ZR6 -
91RON:
1. Stop/start city driving: 13.4 litres/100km
2. Motorway: 9.6 litres/100km
95RON:
1. Stop/start city driving: 12.5 litres/100km
2. Motorway: 8.7 litres/100km
I do drive it hard - so I am quite happy with these figures and will continue to use 95RON since the vehicle appears to drive smoother.”
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