Ratings: Toyota RAV4 2.5 in Malaysia - Class-leading features come at a cost

Following our earlier review of the Toyota RAV4 2.5, it's now time to put it through the scrutiny of WapCar's Ratings. Let's take a look at how the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V competitor fares in these instrumented tests.

Please note that all photos, tests, and measurements were taken before MCO.

Toyota RAV4 2.5: Driving Performance - 36/50, Relaxed and gentle

For what it is, the RAV4 is a decent performer with its 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated mill. Combined with the smooth-shifting 8-speed torque converter automatic (not a CVT), the sprightly Dynamic Force engine can propel the SUV to complete the century sprint in 9 seconds.

The brakes are progressive and respond quite well, needing just 39.6 meters to stop the 1,620 kg SUV from 100 km/h. Adding on to the driving merits is its Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform and double wishbone rear suspension, which lends the RAV4 compliant handling.

That said, the RAV4 isn't exactly a corner carver; the weighted, not-overly-sensitive steering lends a relaxed character to its drive.

Toyota RAV4 2.5: Ride Comfort - 37/50, Great for cruising

Just as we said in our review, benefits in the chassis and suspension translate to more than just a nice drive as the RAV4 brings comfort to the forefront.

Moderate damping - combined with soft, supportive seats - results in a calm demeanour, beating competitors like the CX-5, Subaru Forester, and even the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace in this department.

Engine and tyre noises are well-suppressed at all speeds, but road noise is rather audible. Cabin noise is generally quieter than the CR-V, but noisier than the rest of the C-segment SUV crop.

Toyota RAV4: Quality and Features – 41/50, TSS 2.0, many toys, well-built

Being a fully-imported car (CBU Japan), most prospective buyers will have a higher level of scrutiny of the build quality.

In this regard, we say the RAV4 will step up to the challenge quite well as it scores full points for paint finish and quality. Panel gap consistency could be slightly tighter, but it's well within average scores.

The geometric interior is anything but lively, with the all-black colour scheme only broken up by silver accents.

That said, there are a few nice touches, like rubber grips on the door handles and air-cond control knobs, which themselves have a very tactile feel to them.

The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which bundles in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support claws back more points, and the 6-speaker audio setup - with its crisp, clear sounds - further augments the in-car comforts.

There's also the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0) ADAS suite, which includes all-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Pre-Collision System (PCS), and also Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with steering assist, just to name a few.

Toyota RAV4: Interior space – 28.5/50, Spacious, but lacks practical touches

For an otherwise refined interior, the RAV4's cabin is rather lacking in practical storage spaces.

There's only one seat back pocket, the door bins are small, and the front overhead console only houses one pair of sunglasses.

About people space however, it doesn't leave one wanting. The wide cabin sits five comfortably, and a 170 cm tall adult can fit in about 2 tennis balls of legroom and headroom in the second row.

Toyota RAV4: Fuel consumption – 13.5/20, Relatively efficient

After travelling 75.6 km with part city and part highway driving, the RAV4 used up 6.738 litres of fuel, clocking an average fuel consumption of 8.9 l/100km. The car's fuel consumption meter reports 8.06 l/100 km which is only slightly under reported.

These figures mean it bests the CX-5 2.5 turbo (9.1 l/100 km), and puts the RAV4 on equal footing with the CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD.

Toyota RAV4 2.5: Purchase and cost - 17.5/30, Pricy, costly maintenance

For what it packs, costs are the detractor to the rest of the package. The Toyota RAV4 is offered in the sole 2.5 variant in Malaysia, with prices starting from RM 215,665 (OTR without insurance and 50% SST discount).

At this price, it's dearer than the turbocharged Mazda CX-5 2.5G 4WD High (RM 175k) and Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD (RM 163k), and VW Tiguan Allspace R-Line (RM 204k) but remember - the Toyota is fully imported, while the rivals named above are locally-assembled (CKD).

Maintenance cost is not the cheapest too, totalling RM 5,156 in the first five years/100k km. Warranty is the standard 5-year/unlimited mileage coverage.

Toyota RAV4: Conclusion – 173/250 pts overall

Scoring well in most aspects - particularly in ride comfort and driving performance - the RAV4 is one for those looking for a feature-packed family SUV.

Strengths lie in its calm demeanour, punchy engine, and certainly in its TSS 2.0 ADAS suite.

Nonetheless, pricing proves to be its Achilles heel, as it's significantly costlier than most of its Japanese or even German rivals, without being overwhelmingly practical.

However, if you are in the market for a C-segment SUV with a suitable budget, it's worth taking the Toyota RAV4 into consideration.

Full Ratings list: https://www.wapcar.my/car-ranking

Also read: Review: 2020 Toyota RAV4 2.5 – The perfect car for humble rich people