[BobVila]

Sadly the new RAV4s have no pickup.

So you are that guy that burns rubber in their Toyota from every red light.

Sounds like you'd fit in more with the Honda crowd. The 2017 CRV will have dual exhaust on an inline 4 banger. With chrome exhaust tips. That's fast. :laugh

 

[jinglebells]

Yup,
No Turbos or CVT for me, that's why I just bought a low mileage 2012/V6.
I am wondering though, if CVT 's can haul trailers, and would they actually make a trailer package for that type of tranny.
Ott.

Yes .turbo increases rpms unnesecarily abd generate morestress and heat . The engine is adequate as is unless you are a pedsl to the metal driver. CVT was not factor for me. I understand it is a chain not belt drivenCVT that may be mire reliable??

 

[TomKatt]

New member, might as well jump in the pool bringing back a years old thread lol...

I'm in the process of picking up a 2018 LE this week and Toyota's "tried & true" 2.5L and conventional automatic are the 2 primary purchasing reasons. We've always been a Honda/Toyota family and switched back and forth over the years depending on our wants and needs. I've never had a major issue with either brand, and we tend to drive them into the ground. Bought an '04 Corolla new and drove it 12 years, at which point I inherited my wife's '09 CRV. To me, the Hondas tend to be a bit more "upscale", especially regarding the interior, while the Toyotas tend to be more basic but perhaps a bit more solid (less to go wrong).

Anyhoot, while CVT's may be "mature" now, some manufacturers like Nissan apparently still haven't figured that out... My dad has had the unfortunate experience to blow 2 CVT's in 2 different Rogues. I suspect Honda's design is more reliable, but when shopping for a late model used vehicle that still puts me looking at the 1st gen designs and I'm not a big fan of being the guy who sets the long-term baseline. Likewise for direct-injection and the turbo - I'm sure Honda did their homework, but it seems common sense that pushing a small engine to it's limits to get fuel economy costs some reliability in the long run. And don't even get me started on that "stop/start" business!

I'm not buying this vehicle for racing, I just need basic, reliable transportation with minimum fuss. I know I'm getting that with the '18 Rav4. The jury is still out on how those CVT's and turbos will be 200,000 miles from now...

I understand it is a chain not belt drivenCVT that may be mire reliable??

It is a metal "chain" link belt, the links look like metal sharks teeth... And it also looks like a slot machine when they crack open the blown up cvt's on Youtube with all those parts falling out... Moral of story - just because it's a chain doesn't mean it can't break.

 

[BobVila]

RAV4 transmission defect recall score:

eCVT: 0
Traditional: 1

 

[TomKatt]

RAV4 transmission defect recall score:

eCVT: 0
Traditional: 1

I'm just getting back into the Toyota world, so my knowledge isn't as thorough as many here, but..

1. How long has Toyota been making CVT's vs traditional models?
2. I think the recall you are referring to is for the new 8 speed unit in the 2019 models? Another reason to avoid 1st gen technology in general if possible. And another reason I chose the 2018.
3. Perhaps not a Rav4 issue, but Toyota IS recalling CVT's used in 2019 Corollas...

There is no perfect vehicle... All you can do is try to go with the odds...

 

[BobVila]

1. How long has Toyota been making CVT's vs traditional models?

Decades.

2. I think the recall you are referring to is for the new 8 speed unit in the 2019 models? Another reason to avoid 1st gen technology in general if possible. And another reason I chose the 2018.

Never heard of a transmission recall in 2019 models. I was referring to the 2013-2015 torque converter recall.

3. Perhaps not a Rav4 issue, but Toyota IS recalling CVT's used in 2019 Corollas...

That Corolla doesn't have a planetary gear eCVT that every Toyota hybrid has. Completely different things.

 

[TomKatt]

Never heard of a transmission recall in 2019 models. I was referring to the 2013-2015 torque converter recall.

My bad - that is apparently a class action lawsuit, Toyota has not issued a recall.

 

[Christehper]

I chose the RAV4 simply because of yes the automatic transmission and Toyota, and I purchased my Honda CR-V 2014, because I had known at the time the 2015 was coming out with a CVT and a new engine which I thought reliability would become an issue, fortunately for my RAV4 no issues after 24k miles and my CR-V currently at 67k no issues either.

 

[TomKatt]

I chose the RAV4 simply because of yes the automatic transmission and Toyota, and I purchased my Honda CR-V 2014, because I had known at the time the 2015 was coming out with a CVT and a new engine which I thought reliability would become an issue, fortunately for my RAV4 no issues after 24k miles and my CR-V currently at 67k no issues either.

I think you made a good choice - the early Honda Earth Dreams engines introduced in 2015 experienced that oil dilution problem... I think their CVT's have been ok, but they're just now coming into their prime years, so time will tell. I recently retired an 09 CRV and Honda was falling over to get me into a new(er) model... I looked at that tiny 1.5 turbo engine with the CVT and thought boy, they're pushing that little thing to the limits... And here I am with my 18 Rav4

Never a fan of the first year of major tech shifts...

 

[RoLleRKoaSTeR]

Yes.

When it comes to everyday driving I prefer a CVT, especially with city driving. I'm not concerned about reliability with a CVT as I'm sure it's just as reliable as a 6-speed automatic. They are proven to be more efficient and more versatile than a traditional automatic. But I just like the feel of a traditional automatic when driving spiritedly, as I do with my cars. The car is more predictable in response and power. That being said, I won't be sad when Toyota drops a CVT in the RAV4 because I'll probably have a hybrid or alt fuel vehicle by then.

I definitely don't want to see a turbo under the hood and as long as the RAV4 stays naturally aspirated, I'll buy it. Let's face it: gasoline engines are as efficient as we can make them. The best way to improve fuel efficiency at this point (except hybrids) is to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics, but that's ungodly more expensive than slapping forced induction on the engine for 2-3 extra MPG. All that does is add another layer of complexity to the engine, adding expense to maintenance and service costs just so we can save a $1 at each fill up (it's really so manufacturers can comply with EPA fuel efficiency standards). No thank you. KISS (keep it simple stupid).

There are some in the C-HR and Corolla forums that disagree with this - The CVT is utter GARBAGE.

I only have 24500 miles on my 2018 (weekend driver) C-HR. I am starting to get nervous.

Transmission Noise

Anyone else experiencing a loud whining noise coming from transmission. It's especially bad while slowing down

www.toyotachrforum.com

Got to treat that CVT with kid gloves :
1 It has to "warm up"
2 No fast shift from Reverse to Drive without coming to a complete stop first
3 No fast take offs, especially if the tranny is cold - see 1

I do have to admit that the CVT in the C-HR feels more peppier than the RAV4 - especially in Sport mode (I have a switch that I installed in the C-HR for mine - no steering wheel menu to FARK around with) - 😁

 

[1000MPH]

Yes. 4 cylinder, No DI, no turbo, no CVT, easy to DIY maintenance, actual spare tire. And base models were available.

 

[Uncle Rico]

Yes. 4 cylinder, No DI, no turbo, no CVT, easy to DIY maintenance, actual spare tire. And base models were available.

100% agree. Plus I love buying in the last years of a model run.

 

[Mikey D.]

Bought mine because I leased one in '09 (Japan made 4 cyl) and it was great. My '15 is also from Japan. No CVT and no turbos - don't want or need them in my vehicles.