Toyota RAV4 Safety Rating
Safety is the ultimate factor to consider when buying a new vehicle. If you’re considering the RAV4, it’s best to learn about the Toyota RAV4 safety rating as it provides insight into the level of protection offered by this midsized SUV. This guide also explores this SUV’s active and passive safety features and technologies and how it fared in the industry-standard crash tests.
Toyota RAV4 Safety Features & Technology
The Toyota RAV4 SUV has active and passive safety features and technologies to enhance its safety rating. Its safety features are collectively known as the Star Safety System, which pairs with the Anti-lock Brake System to protect the vehicle and its occupants during a collision.
This safety system also includes standard safety features, such as Traction Control and Stability Control. These features recognize wheel slip so that it can automatically adjust its application of brake pressure and divert torque to regain vehicle traction. This safety feature is especially useful during harsh driving and road conditions, such as rain or snow. In addition, the RAV4 has an Electronic Brake-Force Distribution feature that adjusts the front and rear brake pressure. Finally, you can avoid potential collisions with the help of the Brake Assist in case of emergency braking needs.
The Toyota RAV4 safety feature list does not end there. It offers standard safety features, including the 8-airbag system, so passengers are protected no matter where the impact comes from. The Advanced Airbag System features two front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, and a driver knee airbag. The two front airbags can adjust their inflation capacity based on the force of impact, limiting the chances of driver injury due to the airbag inflation itself.
Driver-Assist Technologies on the Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 also boasts a hefty amount of driver-assist technologies to increase safety on the road and boost driver confidence. It starts with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 System, which is built around exterior-mounted sensors that measure your vehicle’s distance from other vehicles and its rate of approach.
The sensors in the RAV4 powers many of the driver-assist technologies, such as the Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Road Sign Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Toyota RAV4 Safety Rating
Two major organizations, known as the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), conduct evaluations on new vehicles. These are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
When the NHTSA performed crash tests on the Toyota RAV4, it earned a safety rating of five stars. The frontal crash test is rated four stars overall, but it did earn a five-star rating on the front passenger side and four stars on the front driver-side tests. As for the side crash test, the rating is five stars on all tests, including the side pole and side barrier rating. Its rollover crash test performance earned the RAV4 a four-star rating, with an estimated rollover risk rate of 15.90%.
Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 safety rating is excellent on the 2023 model, and it has been awarded the Top Safety Pick. In many previous model years, the Top Safety Pick recommendation has also been earned, which is a good sign that the RAV4 is one of the safest SUVs you can buy and drive. Here is an overview of the safety rating for the RAV4 based on the various crash tests performed by the IIHS:
• Small overlap front: Good
• Moderate overlap front (original test): Good
• Moderate overlap front (updated test): Marginal
• Side crash (original test): Good
• Side crash (updated test): Acceptable
• Headlights: Good
• Front crash prevention (pedestrian): Good
• Seat belt reminders: Good
• LATCH ease of use: Good
FAQs
Is Toyota RAV4 high maintenance?
The Toyota RAV4 is not a high-maintenance car. The annual average cost of repair and maintenance is below the industry average for compact SUVs and all vehicle models.
What are the disadvantages of RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 recall history shows the few issues this SUV has had across various model years. Some issues include a lagging transmission, electrical complications, steering wheel problems, fuel system issues, and more. Avoid the 2001-2003 RAV models, as these are the ones that experienced transmission problems.
Is the Toyota RAV4 a reliable car?
The JD power rating on the Toyota RAV4 regarding reliability and quality is 91/100 (the overall rating is 81/100). This rating is equivalent to the Best score, meaning that this compact SUV has excellent reliability and is less likely to encounter problems.
What is the expected life of a RAV4?
The average lifespan of a Toyota RAV4 is 200,000 to 250,000 miles (or equivalent to five to six years), depending on how well-maintained the vehicle is. A well-maintained vehicle is expected to last longer.
