Moved from a 1997 QX4 to Rav4, the vehicles are as different in every aspect as could be. The QX4 was driven for 15 + years and totaled, the Rav4 will never see this life span. But the Rav 4 Sport SAP is in my opinion a good firm ride with great handling manners.
The run flats are OK but I will not put them on another car, theRav4 came with summer and winter run flats.
The Rav4 is easier for me to enter and exit, it is utilitarian in interior build. The building of this Toyota is cheap in the fasteners used. I feel the fasteners will break when trying to be undone.
The 4 wheel drive does not compare with the Inifiniti 4WD in design, robustness and maintenance ability to work on it.
The use of RAV4 spark plugs with separate coils leads to greater maintenance, the engine V6 is powerful but way over done as to HP for a 500 lb lighter car.
The doors and especially the hinges in the Rav4 are cheap. It appears to me that the Rav4 is a cheaply built car when compared to a 15 year old QX4.
That said, the RAV4 Sport handles well in snow and ice and in windy weather. The 4 WD system operates well and is not noticeable. The brakes are adequate and transmission up and down shifting is well defined. It will take a bit of practice to handle the throttle when you first start to drive the REav4 but when you are used to it the car will behave under your feet.
As far as towing anything, a class III limitation was be observed. The rear camera I find is not needed, window location is good, but every Toyota I see has window problems with the plastic between the glass discolouring and checking.
The leather seats look cheap but are comfortable, the non leather steering wheel is fine.
The roof mounted sun (moon) roof is OK.
Steering is precise and turning is sharp and accurate, but the ride is stiff, even with 4 adults in the car. The rear seat ability to slide for and aft is a nice adjustment.
If after 15 years my QX4 was rated 8 out of 10, the Rav4 is a 7 out of 10. The good things also include a 27.5 MPG pure city and 31 MPG pure highway. If I ever get to drive just highway for a long time the MPG will be better. The Rav4 V6 is a great city car and this includes the rear door even if it opens the wrong way.
Why did I buy a Rav 4...my daughter owns a 2101 Limited and is pleased, my son li law sells Toyota and gave me a family discount, plus after destroying my QX4 time was of the essence and the Sport was just brought in from Toyota head office, as a used car the price seemed right.
