2020 Toyota RAV4 | Design Manipulation

We review one of the most popular SUVs in the world, the Toyota RAV4. We discuss the good and bad and the story of who would buy this. We talk about the technical parts and design, along with why you would consider this among other products like the Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CRV, Mazda CX5 and Toyota Ford Escape.

Index:
00:00 - 00:45 Intro
00:45 - 5:00 Interior Impressions
5:00 - 8:08 In the Shop - Suspension etc.
8:08 - 13:24 Driving Impressions
13:24 Final Thoughts

[Michael_Dolences.]

Toyotas are usually pretty joyless to drive. Until you've had the same car for 10-15 years, spent minimal $ on maintenance and it drives like it can easily go another 10-15 years - that's where the joy begins.

[dolamyte]

A lot of these vehicles don't deserve this level of production and thought, which ironically is kinda why I subscribed.

[nicklamendola]

This is why I always enjoy your reviews, even for cars that aren't on my radar. You always factor in the intended audience when doing the review. Your conclusion that this is the most highly evolved and joyless automotive appliance is fitting. People buy this car with the left side of their brain because it ticks all the boxes and is reliable

[LanuzaFox]

The transmission “clunk” when you’re coming to a stop and suddenly accelerate is an issue Toyota has a TSB for. They reprogram the ECU I believe. Had it done to mine and it went away.

[JJ_Lawson_VFX]

I bought a 2022 XLE Premium gas version, and it certainly isn't a sports car or a heavy off-roader... but it is a hell of a confident car. I have no doubt that it will run for years, and I feel secure that it won't struggle in adverse conditions. Fuel economy is fan-tastic at 27-35 mpg. I have the AWD and I don't see a noticeable dip in the efficiency. Sure, the Hybrid blows the gas out of the water, but for an SUV, 27mpg city is insane if you've owned SUV's in the past.

The interior isn't luxury, but it's appealing, comfortable, and easy on the eyes. The sound system (non-JBL) is pretty bad, but replacing the front dashboard speakers easily gives a MASSIVE improvement. The design on the outside in my opinion is the best on the market for Crossovers, second only to Subaru. Toyota has found the perfect mix of sleek *almost* sporty with a more squared off, truck-inspired design. It's remarkably appealing, and stands out over many of the other bulbous crossover designs out there.

Ultimately though, where this car triumphs are the safety features. Toyota SafetySense being implemented at ALL trim levels in these things is incredible. I can't state enough just how nice these are to have.

The biggest thing I had to get used to (coming from a compact sedan) was the footprint. It's a small SUV, but it's still a big car. If you're not used to driving bigger vehicles, keep in mind the hood on the Rav. It's certainly larger than almost any other Toyota's non-SUV/pickup vehicles. Thankfully, this car has a stellar turn radius.

In my mind, if you're in the market for a Crossover and you don't want to break the bank, this is seriously the way to go.

[rubenbraekman]

One of the best looking SUV's out there

[xXNARCHXx]

Physical gear lever and physical knobs, sold

[jflow]

Coming from a Toyota family I've been hearing that engine/transmission since I was a kid.

[rawreykjavik]

I started watching this channel when it had less than 20k subscribers, then stayed with it till 100k, after that I made a break for a few months and came today to see it’s heading into 400k. congratulations!

[randomvideosnwhere]

Nice to see an actual review of the car for the intended use, not just car journalist "Cheap interior and slow" review like they say about 99% of cars.

[jmoney]

You’re turning into one of my favorite reviewers my guy. Getting realistically honest for cars that are in most of our price range. The super car reviews are nice and all, but I’m never spending $100k+ on a car, ever... This is more my speed and your honesty of the cars and lifting them up give me actual concerns that apply to me. Love me some Toyota/Lexus because how you described this car is correct. I know my Camry and Tacoma ARE turning the key today!! 😎

[grizzle]

I love this review. I agree mostly with you especially that engine----ugh!. I drove my rav from north Carolina to Washington state twice in 1 year. Great seats, great comfort, great infotainment, good visibility. I love my RAV4

[SamNguyen-muwh]

Finally the new RAV4...been waiting for this review more then an year.

[COYGunners]

If this video were a car, it’d definitely be a Bentley. Such an amazing quality as usual. It makes the RAV4 look way better than how it actually looks.

[livingroomtele]

Very good production quality and a great review. This has gotto be one of the best looking SUVs now in Production.

[mpersad]

I took delivery of the new RAV4 Hybrid in December 2019. I must say that this review is absolutely bang on, not just regarding the car itself but also people like me who might want to buy one. It is, as you say, an appliance, and that was what I was looking for. For the money, and it comes with a maxed out safety pack which is standard across the range, I think it is exceptional value. Build quality is the best of any car I have ever driven, mine was built in Japan. Great car, great review. Delighted to have found your channel!

[johngoe]

Not as a compliment but like a legitimate question: why dont you have more subs? Your videos are tremendously well produced and filled with reason and care, and eye to the public of a specific vehicle.

[davidb]

2:27 temp set to 69° and the national anthem of the USSR playing, nice

[galaga]

Your videos, your no-bullshit approach, and authenticity are top shelf, my friend. That's why I have told every person who is into cars in Australia to subscribe to the channel. Keep up the fantastic work!!

[tbreit]

RAV4: Aside from trans concern, it does nothing wrong, but is "soul-less". Truly a quality appliance, much like a well tuned Kohler toilet.