Good morning /Afternoon all,
I'm new to this forum and appreciate your help
I'm going to buy a 2012 RAV4 and I have the fallowing questions:
1. Is RAV4 a 4 Wheel Drive? I mean the ones that have a diff lock button. The system turns off if you drive above 30km/h. Is it suitable for sand / beach / proper 4WD?
2. What is the difference between the CV model and cruiser model?
3. How is the fuel consumption?
Thanks so much for your help.
Cheers
The 3rd generation RAV4 is *NOT* a rock crawler. It does *NOT* have a "true" 4WD system with locks on the front and rear differentials. It has a soft underbelly (you can do significant damage on the underside) and the 4WD system can overheat after not a lot of use and then shut itself down in order to prevent damage, effectively turning the RAV4 into a front wheel drive vehicle at that point.
The "lock" button electrically engages power to the rear wheels via what may be called a center differential. But the front and rear differentials cannot be locked like on a true 4x4 system.
Having said that, many have taken their 4WD RAV4s on the sand/beach and been fine. You may want to deflate the tires a bit when on the sand if you choose to go there.
The significant majority of members on this forum are from North America, but we do have some members from Australia who would likely know more about the different models available Down Under.
Most people find the fuel consumption to be very good or better, given what the overall package can do. That is in large part due to the part-time nature of the 4WD system, I think.
At least in North America the RAV4 is available in either Front or Four wheel drive. Many owners in the warmer climates opt for the non-4WD version.
There isn't an actual center differential as such but instead an electro coupler mounted on the front of the rear differential. It engages the rear drive whenever one starts off and keeps it engaged until the accelerometers determine it's not needed. Both differentials are open but the Skid control ECM uses the ABS system to slow any spinning wheels.
The "Lock" button does virtually nothing. I never have had a reason to use it. Example: While showing off my V6's prowess to a couple of friends I hit full throttle from stopped on a wet grass field. The car took off like a shot leaving just four slight smudge marks on the grass. You can do the same thing on dirt or sand with the same result. Very impressive traction with no Lock needed.
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