Toyota RAV4 2018 Problems

These are quite different vehicles in terms of their physical size. While older generations of the RAV4 were known as compact SUVs, the current model is resolutely mid-sized. None of which is to say that the Yaris is cramped but it is a size-division smaller, so if you often carry people in the back seat or your family is growing, the RAV4 might be a bit more future-proof.

However, in driveline terms, the Yaris is the one that is truly future-proof thanks to its hybrid driveline. If most of your driving is around the city and suburbs, you might be surprised at just how efficient a modern hybrid can be. On the highway, there's less to be gained form the hybrid layout, so take that into account, too.

The other thing to consider is what happens a few years down the track at trade-in time. The RAV4 is question is already one generation older than the Yaris, and the hybrid Yaris is almost certain to be worth more as a second-hand proposition five years from now. Which means the latter will probably be the cheapest to own over that time in a wholistic sense.

Apple CarPlay is due to be released on the 2019 RAV4 later this year; it’s not available for the 2018 model.

So many things affect road noise, which makes it difficult to fix. There’s the road surface itself, the tyres, and the noise insulation in the vehicle. The Honda CR-V might well be quieter, but could still be noisy on the roads you drive on. If the road noise is the thing that is making you switch vehicles, then it might be worth talking to a tyre dealer about a tyre that might be quieter than the ones on your Kluger. If you want to go down that road, you could try a Mazda CX-5 or CX-7, a Kia Sorento or Sportage, Toyota RAV4.

Having ruled out an SUV your choices are fairly limited. If you were prepared to buy used you could buy a late model Falcon, but if you want to buy new you’re really limited to an SUV. Most SUVs have good performance, they’re certainly not sluggish, and they aren’t all bulky. Something like a Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, or a Subaru Forester should be able to comfortably handle your towing needs.

I assume you want to buy a new car, so I would suggest a Suzuki Grand Vitara. It too is small, but you sit up high, and it’s a good car.

Depending on what spec model RAV4 you have they were either sold with 235/55-18 tyres (on models with 18-inch wheels), or 225/65-17 (for models with 17-inch wheels). If you read the writing on the side of your tyres you should see similar numbers written there, which will tell you what size tyres the RAV4 has on it now. The first three numbers (225 or 235) refers to how wide the tyre is in millimetres, the second numbers (55 or 65) are how tall the profile of the tyre is, with the lower number referencing a thinner tyre sidewall. The final numbers (17 or 18) refer to the size of the wheel the tyre fits to.

Take it to the dealer, sit down, have a coffee, wait a couple of hours, then pay the bill and drive away. If you're not experienced with working on your own car you're best off taking your car to a qualified mechanic or dealership and paying them to do it, as it rarely works out significantly cheaper to change fluids yourself at home despite the risk of scaling yourself with hot oil or having the car fall off the jack and kill you.

The fifth-generation RAV4 model, coded XA50, has just been launched so it shouldn't have an update for a few years yet.

Turn the key while wiggling the steering from left to right.

The best for one person could be completely different for another person. Generally, the highest-specification model will be the best.

The RAV4 range offers 2WD or 4x4, diesel or petrol engines and a range of trim levels. For urban drivers doing short trips a 2WD petrol auto model would be the go, while long-distance tourers who might do a bit of sand or dirt driving would be better off with a diesel 4x4.

As for picking a trim level, that all comes down to budget.