About the Toyota Rav4 Mk4
AI-generatedThe fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 (2013-2018) represented a significant departure from its predecessor, adopting a more aggressive, angular design language and moving to Toyota's New MC platform. This generation grew larger in every dimension, offering more interior space and boot capacity (547 litres) than before. The UK market received petrol and diesel engines, with the 2.0-litre D-4D diesel being particularly popular for its blend of economy and performance. A comprehensive facelift in 2016 brought updated styling, improved interior materials, and Toyota Safety Sense as standard across the range, including pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and automatic high beam. This generation firmly established the RAV4 as a genuine Qashqai rival rather than a niche offering. The interior quality took a step up from the Mk3, with better plastics and a more logical layout, though it still lagged behind premium German rivals. Four-wheel drive was standard on most models, with a capable system for light off-road use. The hybrid variant wasn't introduced to Europe until the next generation, so UK buyers had to choose between conventional petrol and diesel powertrains. Build quality remained typically Toyota-robust, contributing to strong residual values and owner satisfaction.
Known Issues
Known Issues
Mk4 (2013-2018)
2013-2018
- DPF issues on diesel models, particularly on cars used mainly for short journeys - regeneration problems can lead to expensive repairs
- Dual-mass flywheel failure on diesel models around 60,000-80,000 miles, causing juddering and noise when pulling away
- Rear diff bearing wear on AWD models producing whining noise, more common on high-mileage examples
- Infotainment system can be slow and unresponsive, particularly on pre-facelift models
- Fuel injector failures on 2.0 diesel engines, leading to rough running and loss of power
- Water pump failures on 2.0 petrol engines between 50,000-80,000 miles
- Reversing camera image quality deteriorates over time due to lens degradation
Running Costs
Running Costs
Annual Fuel
£1,600-£2,200
Insurance Group
15-22
Average Service
£350
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent reliability record with Toyota's proven engineering
- Spacious interior with generous rear legroom and large boot
- Standard four-wheel drive on most models provides genuine off-road capability
- Strong residual values make it a sensible long-term investment
- Post-2016 models come with comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense package
- Comfortable ride quality suits UK roads well
Cons
- Interior quality and design feels dated compared to European rivals
Best & Worst Years
Best & Worst Years
Best Years
- 2017 - Post-facelift model with Toyota Safety Sense standard, improved interior quality, updated styling, and most mechanical issues from early production resolved. Benefits from newer emissions technology while avoiding the higher VED rates introduced in April 2017.
- 2018 - Final year of Mk4 production represents the most refined version with all improvements implemented. Still benefits from pre-WLTP testing regime for VED purposes and includes all safety features, making it the best compromise of the generation.
Worst Years
- 2013 - First year of production saw some early teething problems including software glitches and build quality inconsistencies. Pre-facelift interior feels particularly dated by modern standards and lacks Toyota Safety Sense.
- 2014 - Diesel models from this year particularly affected by DPF and dual-mass flywheel issues as they reach higher mileages. Still has pre-facelift interior and lacks advanced safety features that became standard later.
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The Mk4 RAV4 was never offered with a hybrid powertrain in the UK, unlike its successor - you had to wait until 2019 for that option
This generation was built at Toyota's plant in Ontario, Canada for the UK market, rather than in Japan
The 2016 facelift brought Toyota Safety Sense as standard, making it one of the first mainstream SUVs to offer autonomous emergency braking across the entire range
Boot space increased by 77 litres over the Mk3, making it more practical than a Nissan Qashqai despite similar exterior dimensions
Gallery
Alternatives to Consider
Mazda CX-5
More engaging to drive with better interior quality, though slightly less reliable and smaller boot
Honda CR-V
Similar reliability credentials with more versatile interior space and available seven-seat option from 2015 onwards
Nissan X-Trail
Offers seven seats and competitive pricing, though not as reliable as the RAV4 long-term
Volkswagen Tiguan
More upmarket cabin and refined driving experience, but higher running costs and less reliable
Owner Tips
- 1If buying a diesel, insist on evidence of regular DPF regeneration and avoid examples used exclusively for short urban journeys
- 2Check service history meticulously - Toyota dealer servicing helps maintain residual values significantly
- 3Test the dual-mass flywheel on diesel models by pulling away slowly in first gear - any juddering or unusual noises indicate wear
- 4Post-2016 facelift models are worth the premium for Toyota Safety Sense and improved interior
- 5Listen for whining from the rear differential on AWD models, particularly during steady-speed cruising
- 6Use premium diesel fuel regularly to help keep injectors clean and reduce the risk of expensive failures
- 7The 2.0 petrol is more reliable long-term than the diesel if you can accept the higher fuel costs
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