I have precisely the model you are interested in - 2.2D, auto. It is an ex demonstrator Icon and came with extras such as heated leather, sat nav, roof rails, tow bar and grey alloys. It now has a touch over 20k on the clock and nothing has gone wrong, I recollect the handbrake was tightened at the first service and the TPMS light flickered in the recent cold snap, a known issue apparently. Otherwise, as they say about Toyotas, boring!
The journalists suggest the Mazda CX-5 is the model to go for, the Rav gets around 3 out of 5 blobs so middle of the roadish. However if you read CX5 owners reports then these are rather more mixed. Many are happy but those who are not tend to be confirmed in their view. Diesel filling the sump on regeneration is a common issue together with some engine, tyre wear and brake problems. Dealers seem unable or reluctant to sort things so if you get a dodgy one it can be a problem. Journalists seem to pick various things with the Rav, most comment on the 1980s digital clock (big deal!) and comment about performance, handling, steering and so on. Nothing specific but it seems a rather general indifference.
Well, as somebody who has one, at first I thought it OK. However after 6 months and 10k miles all over Europe I am much happier. I have come to really like the car. I enjoy the comfort, space and luggage room as well as the toys like DAB radio and Bluetooth music. I don't know what journalists mean when they write about handling, steering etc. stuck in a traffic jam on the M25 or getting to the supermarket it is all pretty meaningless. I find it starts on the button, drives nicely, changes gear well both up and down, goes round corners as I expect and stops as it should. What's not to like?
I have had several Toyotas now and find them very reliable and economical. With the Rav I get about 39 mpg in the summer, a little less in the colder weather but it has never dropped below about 36mpg in mixed driving. A minor service is £199, major £239 every 10k. On a European trip with four adults and fully loaded we averaged 38mpg cruising the autoroutes at 75. I tend to think that with Toyotas they are not exceptional in any one area - performance, economy, looks etc but overall offer a very well rounded package. My local dealer is not just good but excellent. There is one thing though, I do find that on rough surfaces the tyre and road noise can be intrusive. Otherwise I intend to keep the car for the next 3 or maybe 4 years whilst it is still in warranty. No regrets on my part.
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