Topic: 2015 Toyota RAV4 Also Gets 50th Anniversary Treatment

[Autos_Editor]

Special edition model joins 50th Anniversary Toyota Corolla

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[redman]

I like the 50th colour updates but can't get my head around the styling of the Rav4 especially the rear. The protruding lights and bulbous 2/3 bottom of the rear hatch results in a small retracted rear glass with a minimized view that just make me cringe. I like the previous styling minus the rear hanging spare and the omitted V6 but prefer the newer rear lift as opposed to the side opening of the previous model. The Rav4 needs more than just colours it needs a makeover.

[Ex-airbalancer]

I like the 50th colour updates but can't get my head around the styling of the Rav4 especially the rear. The protruding lights and bulbous 2/3 bottom of the rear hatch results in a small retracted rear glass with a minimized view that just make me cringe. I like the previous styling and the omitted V6 but prefer the newer rear lift as opposed to the side opening of the previous model. The Rav4 needs more than just colours it needs a makeover.

I like the new style a lot, the interior is 1000% better

[EV Dan]

I don't like the new exterior, but that's subjective. What it really needs is a Camry's hybrid drivetrain and maybe less fake fiberglass inside.

[drive67]

The old design with the full size spare tire on the rear door was nice but the interior was cheap. The rear fold down seats were garbage but was better value than the Matrix.
They have a turbo diesel with fuel economy of 5.6L combined with manual and automatic transmissions available all around the world except North America.





"All grades of RAV4 are available with a 2.2L diesel engine with intercooled turbocharger. 


Diesel Engine Power

RAV4's diesel engine generates a respectable amount of power (110KW at 3600 RPM) and heaps of torque (340 Nm between 2000 and 2800 RPM) so you have plenty of muscle for towing, carrying heavy loads and dealing with challenging terrain.

It also offers excellent fuel efficiency and environmental performance. Automatic models deliver 6.5L/100km[G1] (combined) while manual models deliver a very frugal 5.6L/100km[G1] (combined). "

[johngenx]

I don't mind the exterior - glad they dropped the external spare and gave it a proper hatch.  I really like the interior and believe it's a huge leap from the previous model.  Pricing is super competitive, something Toyota wasn't always on top of.

[Noto]

I disagree with all styling thoughts here.  I really dislike the new interior and exterior.  While I begged my father to get a Rav4 Sport V6 back in 2007 (no complaints that he got an RX400h instead ), I wouldn't recommend this Rav4 to anyone based on styling, overly harsh suspension, and lack of a decent power option for those that use the highways more often than city driving.

These special anniversary ones are garbage, too.  Some extra stitching?  I can't tell the difference, yet they command a price premium.  They won't hold resale value any better because they're "special"...not without something actually special built in.  This is poor marketing.

[johngenx]

  This is poor marketing brilliant business strategy.

More money for little additional cost?  Good business, but poor value for customers.

[Noto]

  This is poor marketing brilliant business strategy.

More money for little additional cost?  Good business, but poor value for customers.

Fair enough.  Still, I would expect something else that'd make the car awesome/more valuable for it to be desirable

[2JDM]

I personally think the Rav4 exterior looks cheap and unfinished (especially for the higher trim levels). The CR-V, Rogue and Forester look much better.

[OliverD]

So they're basically charging about $1000 for an appearance package. Doesn't seem terrible to me.

[blotter]

I really dislike the new style.  I loved our old RAV V6 (2009)
The new design looks like someone gave it a lower fat lip.
I know Toyota is really trying hard to get out of the "boring" design reputation but they're trying too hard.

While I wasn't big on having a spare on the back, having a full size spare was great.
It saved us on two different trips!!!!  Nothing better than getting a flat in the middle of nowhere, loaded and nowhere near home and easily pulling a full size off the back.  (no unloading all your gear to take out a donut!)

[redman]

Interesting how the new Jeep Cherokee (not referring to G.C.) grew on me but the new Rav4 never did.

[tooscoops]

yeah, you would think the less polarizing style would slowly win people over... but i agree.

i find this... well... fine. that's about it. a bit too pointy in the nose.

as for the package, i actually think it's kind of nice.... lets not forget that for that grand, not only is it different from many others on the road... but the actual options; nice big wheels, the leather wrapped things that you touch every time you drive...

... taking some of what i just typed back... it is listed in the article that is has black leather with accent stitching... that was the kicker to me... makes it worth way more in my mind... but according to other write ups and the pictures, it's cloth.

[rrocket]

Fair enough.  Still, I would expect something else that'd make the car awesome/more valuable for it to be desirable

FFS...it's a CUV.  How awesome/valuable could it possibly be?  Sheesh...

[Noto]

It’s Time To Celebrate
The RAV4 50th Anniversary Special Edition is another great reason to celebrate 50 years of Toyota in Canada. Based on the AWD XLE, this RAV4 also boasts exclusive wheels, interior accents, and standard navigation system. The fun starts the moment you get behind the wheel.
Rav4 XLE AWD
        Standard Package   $30,540
   Navigation Package   $31,340
   50th Anniversary Special Edition   $32,400

Soo, you're paying $1,060 for red stitching and 'exclusive wheels'.

[johngenx]

I think on the Porsche option list somewhere is $3000 for "special Porsche cabin air" that only people that paid for the package get to breathe.

Maybe Toyota is not charging enough for the special wheels!!  (and stitching)

[OliverD]

It’s Time To Celebrate
The RAV4 50th Anniversary Special Edition is another great reason to celebrate 50 years of Toyota in Canada. Based on the AWD XLE, this RAV4 also boasts exclusive wheels, interior accents, and standard navigation system. The fun starts the moment you get behind the wheel.
Rav4 XLE AWD
        Standard Package   $30,540
   Navigation Package   $31,340
   50th Anniversary Special Edition   $32,400

Soo, you're paying $1,060 for red stitching and 'exclusive wheels'.

The wheels are also larger, and you also get a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

[MarkStevenson]

I disagree with all styling thoughts here.  I really dislike the new interior and exterior.  While I begged my father to get a Rav4 Sport V6 back in 2007 (no complaints that he got an RX400h instead ), I wouldn't recommend this Rav4 to anyone based on styling, overly harsh suspension, and lack of a decent power option for those that use the highways more often than city driving.

This is my biggest complaint. It's beyond 'stiffly sprung'. You feel like you're driving on a suspension made by Fred Flintstone.

[Noto]

It’s Time To Celebrate
The RAV4 50th Anniversary Special Edition is another great reason to celebrate 50 years of Toyota in Canada. Based on the AWD XLE, this RAV4 also boasts exclusive wheels, interior accents, and standard navigation system. The fun starts the moment you get behind the wheel.
Rav4 XLE AWD
        Standard Package   $30,540
   Navigation Package   $31,340
   50th Anniversary Special Edition   $32,400

Soo, you're paying $1,060 for red stitching and 'exclusive wheels'.

The wheels are also larger, and you also get a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Larger wheels = more expensive tires.  That's never a positive for me.