Quick Review: Toyota RAV4 (2016) turns 21

It is difficult to believe it is already 21 years since the original Toyota RAV4 – the innovative recreational vehicle that pioneered the sport utility sector – made its South African debut.

Recently the fourth generation of this ground-breaking model received minor exterior refinements, evident in the reshaped, decluttered front end (now with LED headlights) of our flagship VX test model. The rear was sharpened with a reshaped tailgate and bumper, new lights with LEDs and no visible reverse lights. A shark-fin antenna, underbody valance and new alloy wheels complete the changes.

Inside ambient lighting and better materials improve the sensory quality, and the gear shift area and cup holders have been changed. A multi-info display, coordinated with the Toyota Touch 2 system including Bluetooth; a rearview camera; vehicle info, trip data, climate control profile, door locking and lighting settings, iPod and MP3 player connections and audio options, now dominates the VX’s instrument binnacle. Front sonar with warning buzzer, back monitor with guidelines, auto headlamp levelling plus a host of active safety systems are also standard.

The VX is still powered by Toyota’s super-smooth, laid-back 2.5-litre VVT-i petrol unit. Rated for 132kW it doesn’t feel that powerful and it takes the VX a leisurely 10 secs to reach 100 km/h. Mated with a six-speed auto ’box it is unobtrusive and efficient, but one has to wonder how the 175kW 2.0-litre turbo in the Lexus NX200t (built on the same platform) will change the RAV4’s dynamics…

The cabin is quiet and rattle-free, and on-road the VX’s ride quality, while stiff, is well balanced and compliant. Off-road it’s also adept, enhanced by an interactive system coordinating the Dynamic Torque Control AWD, VSC and power steering. However, the placement of the traction control button next to the digital clock is baffling.

At R466 100 the Toyota RAV4 VX faces strong competition from rivals like the Ford Kuga (R472 900), VW Tiguan (R460 000), Kia Sportage (R441 995) and Mazda CX-5 (R474 400), while the new Hyundai Tucson is waiting in the wings. Still, it’s a competent, capable vehicle and with its proven reliability and resale value will stay a favourite in this segment. By Ferdi de Vos

This review was first published in AutoNews Get it on shelf or on digital.