Is the Toyota RAV4 good for families?
Is the Toyota RAV4 good for families?
By Ané Theron
The era of boring Toyotas is over, and cars like the C-HR and new Corolla Hatch are testament to this. The striking new RAV4 looks fantastic and is a dream to drive, but is it safe and practical enough for your family?
The fifth-generation RAV4 made its South African debut recently. It's the first RAV4 to benefit from the new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which comes with an array of benefits. The RAV4-specific GA-K platform is more rigid and has a lower centre of gravity for better handling and ride comfort. It also allows for a more roomy cabin and a larger boot. Toyota says that the new platform also enables the RAV4 to be safer, and there's plenty of semi-autonomous tech on offer in the top-tier models.
Practicality
The new platform has also enhanced all-round visibility for the driver and the passengers. The driver's seat is more adjustable than before, and the rear passengers now have wider seats to plant their buttocks on, as well as more space for their legs and feet. The doors can be opened wider, which makes getting in and out easier too.
The larger boot can swallow a generous 580 litres, which is almost 80 litres more than the previous RAV4. Toyota says you don't even have to remove the wheels if you want to load your mountain bike into the back. And if you managed to get wet or dirty on that bike ride, the boot has a two-level deck board to keep those muddy threads separate.
The cabin also has enough storage binnacles and cupholders for all family members.
Safety
We at AutoTrader agree that spending a little more on a car with traction or stability control is absolutely worth it, with ABS brakes being the absolute minimum safety requirement.
The RAV4 is properly equipped with safety features. Every model in the lineup gets 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle stability control, Hill Assist Control, and Trailer Sway Control.
The more expensive VX models come with the above-mentioned semi-autonomous tech namely Toyota Safety Sense, which comprise adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering control, blind-spot monitoring and a pre-crash system.
Verdict
The RAV4 passes the family-friendliness test with flying colours, being roomy and comfortable inside as well as functional, and fun.
Local launch report
Want to know more about the RAV4 engines, gearboxes, driving comfort, off-road capability and performance? You can read Farzana Chaumoo's driving impression of the new Toyota RAV4 here.
Models & pricing
- RAV4 2.0 GX MT 2WD – R 416 400
- RAV4 2.0 GX CVT 2WD – R 427 600
- RAV4 2.0 GX-R CVT AWD – R508 100
- RAV4 2.0 VX CVT 2WD – R505 400
- RAV4 2.5 VX 8AT AWD – R577 900
Recommended reviews for previous models
If you'd like to learn more about the previous-generation RAV4, look no further than these insightful reviews.