Toyota RAV4 SUV 2006 - 2012 review - CarBuyer 

I'd rather have a bland interior than a fancy computer on wheels that needs a software upgrade every 12 months. Buy what is practical. You get a better vehicle most of the time

I’m a motor trader I bought this exact car to sell but in manual I love it so much I’ll be keeping it, best crossover I’ve driven.

I don't understand the hate for the swing-out door. If you have roof racks, you can step onto the rear bumper and load things easily onto the roof. Try to do that with an up-swinger.

I love watching old carbuyer videos

Had this car 2 yrs ago, a used 2011 rav4 2.2 d cat Sr auto model, the best rav4model ever made in my opinion, fully loaded with everything you need,loads for money, powerful,nippy and sporty,loads of torque, great off road, better looking than the newer generation ones. Loads of room,they hold their value well. I'm changing my Toyota GT 86 for a used 2012 rav4 2.2 dcat sr as i missed it and its just so good. Pick it up next week. I highly recommend it.

I actually like the rear door because i can stand in the back and load stuff on to the roof rack instead of trying to do it trough the passenger doors which is awkward if the object is big, in the back you can stand without having to try to balance or hang on as oppose to the passenger door . also if you have a long roof cargo box you can still open the rear door without having to place the box really far forward so the hatch doesn't hit the box.

Just love your reviews even though I live in the USA. Keep up the good work and thanks.

Just purchased a 2009 RAV4 V6 4WD Limited I absolutely love it. Living in Colorado I now feel so much safer driving in the snow. That baby's got some power when I need it on the highways.

I picked up an 03 Rav,couple of years ago,it has sailed through two MOTs,without even an advisory,easy for the DIY service,great ride,loads of room,picked up a new washing machine and tumbler dryer,from local supplier,both went in the back,all this and 4WD.

Still using 2012 rav4❤

My ten year old Rav 4 GX VVTI,has just walked through its MOT,without even an advisory,the garage owner stated that he had not seen an MOT without advisory,for several years.COOL or what!

This is Matt Watson and you're watching carwow 😁

My 2001 Nissan Micra has done this for two years running. It can't be that rare!

car buyer might help you decide what car to buy, but when the reviews are this good its hard not to like every car that's reviewed.

Sick video. Well done.

I just got this car yesterday as a surprise and so far, the exterior and interior is fabulous!

Great video

@MacGyver920 argh i should have downloaded it yesterday!!!! best review thus far!! please reupload the Audi Q3 review!

i have this car and i love it

I just bough one happy so far.

I want to buy a RAV4.

The guy in the asda ad at the start of this video talks just like the moon on The Mighty Boosh

best car reviwer of the world.... chers from Brazil

There are people complaining that the American/Canadian versions have the spare wheel, ugly front etc.. but don't forget that we have the 3.5l v6 good for 0-100km/h in just over 6 seconds. Also, get the limited trim and put a hood deflector on it with some OEM side steps and you have yourself a pretty elegant looking and powerful compact SUV.

That's the best looking Rav4 model yet.

I still drive this car today and hats off to you Mr. Watson. Despite your limited time with it your review was spot on. The ride is horrible. A lot of plastic bits did break. The road noise sucks. There's no way you could've known it would have one of the most problematic Toyota engines ever made. There are solutions to everything except the ride quality so it's a very solid enjoyable SUV despite that. The 4x4 system works well too. The current model does not appeal to me.

It looks so bold without the back spare tires cover! :P

When people say the CRV is better, what are you talking about, exactly? Fuel mileave? 0-60? ground clearance? Room? Because the RAV4 has great overall scores. I like the CRV too, but you need to be more specific in "What is better."

Got a 2012 model that's, once again, flown through the mot with no advisories. Winter is a breeze, as is minor off roading. Bought this to put me on in-between a merc gla and a bmw 128ti, loved the rav so much I cancelled the bmw. Awesome car!

Matt is now on CARWOW tooo right

I would like to hear about the driving dynamics for RAV4

I'm sure it isn,t.but the garage owner was impressed.as most of his MOT,s have advisory, this is the fourth time it has sailed through its MOT,perhaps a lot do,but not according to the very large garage, owner.I just posted to promote the Rav 4,as I think they are a great vehicle.

Had a 06 V6 Rav4...biggest issue was the coils...dont buy cheap $100 Chinese ones...get OEM or used ones and they last well much better. The oil line had a recall make sure done or your hose will break and you'll run out of oil on road. Otherwise sold mine with 222k miles with a small oil leak. No ac issues, transmission, cooling issues just one alternator at 160k miles. Good car

Who cares about hard plastic?

That's not a differential lock. The lock button just stops the rear axle from dis-engaging. Usually the car drives in front wheel drive & only engages the rear wheels when slip is detected.

I'm not sure if that is the equivalent of the USA "Sport" version, but if so, that would explain the stiff suspension and handling. Road noise is common on all models.

In my family we have the CR-V and the RAV4, both automatic and 4WD and 2010. And I take the CR-V anyday. It's way more comfortable, fun to drive, the interior is by far better made. The RAV4 is a little bigger in the back seat, but the CR-V has a larger boot and the sound of the Honda 2.4L gas engine is better. Greetings from Panama!

nice observation, but only of consequence to roof rack ppl and i think in metro areas the concern for opening in tight parking situations is more paramount...but you do raise an interesting point

I love Matts white tennis shoes. :)

that door is inspired from the previous model where the spare tire was on the hatch door, thus it was impossible to lift up, actually i think this model has a version with the spare tire.

I Toyotaly agree!

I have a 2011 Rav4 and I like the rear door. I'm short so it suits me well not having to jump up to close it. Only gripes r the noise when driving and the cheap interior. Oh and it could have better suspension.

When the review of the new model ?

I have a 2001 4 cylinder Rav4L with 4wd and 65,000 miles. I need to know if i can go on the drive on beaches here in Delaware. Any ideas?

That is "runflat" version,not the Uk one 😎

@carbuyer Hyundai Volester review please :)

Why there isn´t a video of the new Koleos?

the 2006-present Toyota RAV4 is assembled in Tahara, Aichi, Japan Obu, Aichi, Japan Woodstock, Ontario, Canada (from November 2008) Tianjin, China

I"m going to get one of these....07 to 12 (06 had a few issues).. these are BEST-- and V-6 which I want-- the new ones dont have enough power to get out of their own way..

This guy also reviews cars in auto express right?

I wish we could get this one here in the states. :(

This is the UK version 2.2 diesel no spare wheel , tyre repair kit supplied

I love this car, it's so beautiful and reliable very comfortable on road trip and more. some people seems to make big deal about tha hashed the way it open. It's a RAV4 it's supposed to open that way. All RAV hashed open that way even tha bus RV .Great car I will recommend it.

It's a shame they didn't carry on with this model for a few more years.

What Year is this specific one ?

This car gets too much hate for no reason

Love carbuy

The back door explains the weird thumbnail picture. I thought it was in the middle of one clip changing to another. It kinda looks like another car driving intro the hedge or something.

What happend to the Audi Q3?

Matt, review Opel Antara too please

how come the front on this one is different

Can you please do a review on TOYOTA VANGUARD? I will be grateful!!

Hi plz tell me, who is better …Rav4 or Crv ?

Where is the spare tire ? Our american version got them attach verticaly outside the rear hacth - door .

I drive a 2004 Chevy Suburban z71 and I read-ended a Rav4 yesterday going between 3 and 5 mph. I didn't even step on the gas, just simply lifted my foot off the brake and I smashed out the rear window of the Rav4, caved in the back door, and knocked off the rear bumper thing. My truck had zero damage. If I was doing 30 mph I would have killed the people on the Rav4. If by posting this I can prevent one person from buying this death-trap then I can sleep better at night.

whats year is the toyota rav4

Please do a review on the NEW JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE !

done in a really really nice way(pogramme+car)

Here in the U.S. the long wheelbase model is the only body style offered along with optional 3rd row seats. I wished Toyota would offer the standard length model since the 3rd row is pretty much useless and I prefer the more compact size.

This looks way different than the North American one!

In Japan, this SUV is called Toyota Vanguard!

I love it

Thank you

Can someone help me? Is toyota vanguard 2009 is a rav4 version?

Can i connect my Smartphone with the car to listen music?

whats a rang rover and a jeep got to do with a audi q3??

What model and year is this specific one that they are reviewing?

looks like you didn't forget your props this time

Nice car

Don't want to be reversing into tight parking spots in parking garages with that door on the back, other than that.. it's DECENT. CX-5 or Skoda Yeti would be a better buy imo.

0:49 - 0:59 yes its very practical when carrying large loads. Lol. :')

Another classic Toyota..giving customers only what they need.

@catalin357 LC 90 is quite old...or you mean LC 150? Yes, I'm with you!

Interesting how you can't hear your Brummie accent as much in these older videos

Where's the wheel on the back

i like the toyota rav4

الله يرزقنا

Isuzu Axiom?

Wait a minute, where is the spare tire?

the uk version is better looking than the american one. the grill for instance is better looking

How much are you selli g this vehicle

It's Matt Watson 🤯. Soooo young

They can't be talking about looks either! LOL The new CR-V is very nice though. Well the 2007-2011 model. And it's designed in such a way where I think it will age well.

way is that european version is better looking?

ooh i like it

No idea why Toyota didn't make a regular hatch an option...

80's cubbyhole montage!

My dad had 2 but ones battery died 2 times so I would not recommend a 2000- 2006 model I would recommend 2006-2012, don't feel like driving over 70 or 80.

RELIABILITY of course. That is a dumb question.

Matt when he wasn't matt