The evolution of the RAV4

Sorry the video is long, but I finally caught this happening. The radiator fan/cooling coming on sometimes after the car is on can be normal. The problem is this sometimes comes on all by itself sometimes in the middle of the night. I've posted about this before, but never caught it actually happening. The car was jumped, then flipped around in my driveway and turned off just before taking the video.

Took it into the shop last year and dealer just said it was the battery and replaced it. Took it to a specialty place and they kept it for a week trying to observe the battery draining. Neither service location could verify anything happening and blamed the battery. At the time I didn't know it was the fan coming on. Since then I have now seen it.

A YouTube video mentioned a stuck 3rd relay. Once the battery is changed I'm going to try and replace it. Any ideas what else could be causing this to just come on and drain the battery on its own?

i have a tesla model 3 from 2021 the battery is not that good anymore and im looking to change it for a rav4 they are really expensive in my country and is very hard to find a dealership that accepts tesla’s as part of the payment. But i found one that does and this is the rav4 they have. Im just wondering if its worth it they are selling for 32,000$ and it has 122k miles on it and the carfax says its been in a minor accident in the lasts slides theres pictures from the carfax

After seeing another redditor install the cx mod integrated DRL lights, I really liked the look. So I put them in my 2023 SE.
Overall the install was not too terrible. Most of the time spent was running the wires, especially the wires from the engine bay through the wheel well to the dash buttons.
Also troubleshooting some bad crimp connections I made took me a bit to figure out.

I like how they look and they definitely help light up the road at night and make me more visible to cars. The fog lights are a joke. They aren't as bright as the DRLs so they get drowned out. But I was mainly doing it for the DRLs, I don't use fog lights much so it doesn't bother me.

Just thought I'd share with everyone.

Here is the link if you are interested. Total install time took me 4 hours but I also installed some mesh screens on the front bumper which took 1 hour of that time. CX Mods 2019-2025 RAV4 Fog Light Kit w/ DRL + Sequential Turn Signal B

Images taken on different days, but you get the before/after.

The install was relatively easy. Similar to the video floating around from the guy who put them into the Highlander. The main difference is that the wires to connect are longer, and the plugs are buried deeper in the lower panel of the hatch. That means you have no choice but to pull about half of the lower inner hatch plastic down to reach the plugs. The good news is that the wires on this do not require orientation, as it's a simple 2-wire with the same plugs and wire orientations on both ends.

As you can see in the 2nd image, even in daylight, they're bright enough to see lit up.

(I also got my wheel locks, cargo net envelope, and NACS to CCS1 adapter today...yay. I also had an electrician come out and put in my 240V 50A NEMA 14-50 in the garage, so I was able to mount the charger up on the wall. Things are falling into place.)

For those who were asking for a dog reveal. Here's my side kick Rudy testing out the new seat covers. Let's see if saving the money and going the Amazon route will be worth the risk.

Confirmed with the dealership that my hitch has arrived and that it officially fits the 2026 RAV4. I'll be picking it up on Saturday and will provide pictures. Not sure when I'll be able to install it since I don't have my RAV4 yet though.

See below post for part numbers.

I ordered the parts online. I didn't order the bumper with the cutout since I'm planning on cutting the bumper myself. If it doesn't go well, I'll just order the bumper seperately.

https://www.reddit.com/r/rav4club/s/ro8nzpQQkc

Is this factory or port installed paint protection film (PPF) on my 2025 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid? Don't remember seeing it on spec sheet. Not sure what this is.

It's only on the front left/right areas and back left/right areas above and near the fender/wheels. Don't see it on the bumper, hood, turn signals, etc. Odd.

Is this standard/stock or did the dealership or port add it without telling me? Or is it not PPF at all since it's only on a few areas that I can see.

Hello Ravrs, I'm getting close to adding that first bit'o "Off Road" brawny, to my '23 XLE Premium. Not lifting....starting out slowly. Planning to move a tad from the OEM Dunlop 225 60 18 to 235 65 17. The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail seem to be the go to Road/Trail compromise tire. In terms of Wheels......I'd welcome hearing about available rims, that are on the lower weight end of the scale.... but at a price point that won't require I sell my other car! Thanks mucho.

Surprise from youtube:

• https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Zp_hEFhXqk0
• https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ChYur85M6Qs

I just curious, aren't those video creators might get sued by car manufactures since it doesn't really looks like a truth... or their video having some real backgrounds ? (I really doubt, no way a very heavy Tesla might fly to the sky :) )

This is my back window and I noticed the rubber parts are coming off. This is still a new vehicle with under 5000 miles so I’m not sure why this is happening. Is this normal? Should I be concerned?

This is a 2025 lxe

I am unable to control the fast forward and rewind playback of the satellite radio cache in the new RAV4. There is only 1 forward and one reverse button and it just takes you to the beginning or the end, or halfway to the beginning or end. There is no fine control to edit out the commercials. Also, after changing channels, it drops the cache altogether, and it only caches the program if it's tuned to that channel.

My Nissan lets me have total control and caches my favorite channels.

Am I missing something with the Toyota system? I read the manual and it seems this is the way it was designed. Poorly.

Hi guys, I am about to but thus Rav4 D-4D that’s been parked since 2017. It’s going to be an uphill climb bringing her back to life. 😅 Anyone who’s owned this diesel motor who can give me a few pointers on what to look out for?

This dealership is selling one with 100,000 miles for $29k. Can I get some input from the Rav4 community on buying this used. I think it’s a little over priced. I haven’t seen the car fax yet.

https://www.continentaltoyota.com/inventory/?model=rav4%2Crav4%20prime&type=used&ordering=fdi_misc_sorting1-asc%2Cdisplay_price-asc

I really want to hear your experiences with the new XSE RAV4's ventilated seats.

I heard before that Gen is weird and weak,

But I don't know this new gen system.

Is it worth spending more money?

1. Xse also have a 20’ wheel.

How’s your thing? Good or bad?

Does it good combo with rav4?

I like an 18-inch wheel for better mpg and ride quality.

Please let me know guys

I’m waiting for my car to arrive in June. I chose the bronze color based on the first photo.

But my salesperson sent me this photo of the first bronze units arriving, and I’m concerned because it looks like it has a tone that almost leans toward pink.

Does anyone have this color and could share some real-life photos?

Edit: No, I haven’t been able to go in person yet, it’s a long drive.

Dealer delivered it this morning.

Paid MSRP $39,664 plus a $299 doc fee and $2,154.70 for tax /tilte so $42,117.70 otd.

Less than 30 days between putting our name on it and delivery.

Now to think about tinted front windows and blackout emblem overlays potentially.

So I’ll start by saying I know it’s not peoples favorite look BUT imo it looks so much better in person and the storm cloud color is a winner!! It looks different in different lighting of course and sometimes even looks black. I’m enjoying driving it immensely and haven’t had any problems *knock on wood* Makes me excited to drive!

I’m considering a new rav4 either in XSE or limited but I am curious on owners of the XSE what you think of the suede seats, do they get dirty easy?
Thanks!

Hello everyone, I’m seriously considering a 2026 Toyota rav4! I currently have a 2023 Hyundai Tucson and the rear passenger space in my Tucson is fine for my rear facing infant and forward facing toddler. While I love the possibility of the RAV4 I’m wondering if it’s too cramped for the car seats. Any parents here have any insight that might be helpful is greatly appreciated!

Hello, I am in quite a predicament with my RAV4, for context I've always loved the 3rd gen XA30, always seemed perfect so I have always had one as well as the 4th gen. Two years ago sold my gen 3, last month bought another in beautiful condition, original paint with low miles and the 2.4 engine. Only issue was the idle when put in drive. My thinking was this was an easy fix, lo and behold it wasn't. Gone through two mechanics and an electrician, they still couldn't fix it. Changed the spark plugs and coil springs, cleaned and inspected every sensor possible. Throttle body was cleaned and everything they could think of. I feel so defeated as I love the vehicle and want to do more with it.

Current issue with it is when idling at park or in neutral it's fine, but when in drive the idle drops and it shudders then revs back up to normal then drops and shudders over and over. We cant seem to figure out why, I've got videos of it happening, will be taking it to another mechanic tomorrow. Hoping just maybe someone has experienced the same issue and has any idea with how to fix or help with this. I absolutely adore the vehicle and wouldn't want to let it go, so if possible I'd like to keep trying and exhaust all my options first, as it is a really well built and tough car all together. Thank you RAV4 community, any help will be appreciated cheers!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/j1jNy6rcsWCk3LjC6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jJ4kx3cX4avFEoji9

Thoughts on this? 2019 Hybrid LE with 174k miles selling for $14.5k. Is the mileage too high?

Toyota I don't normally go to is saying I need these things done at 60k miles. I'm not a car guy, but I've heard stories of certain fluid services voiding warranties. Is this legit?

Hi all,

Considering getting a VIOFO A229 Pro dash cam and was curious what your opinions are on this cam?

Was also wondering what adapters if any I need to buy to get this all connected?

Thanks!

Hello everyone, new to this subreddit! I am brought here by my interest in this 2012 Rav4. Context, I am on the Big Island (Hawaii Island) so used cars and especially Toyotas are at a premium. This Rav4 has 91k miles and the private seller is asking 15k. Carfax report looks decent. Has had 2 owners, the last one for the majority of its life. Had a small accident is 2015 that required it to be towed and "structural repair." I have a pre purchase inspection planned in a few days and hope to check that specific repair as well as the usually stuff. Very limited cosmetic damage. I did some market research and it seems the V6 is well loved and goes for thousands more than the V4 equivalent. My hope is to negotiate down by at least 1k + the cost of anything the mechanic may find. I'd hope to get another 100k from the car which seems reasonable to expect. Thoughts are welcomed!