Why doesn't the RAV4 come with a spare wheel?

I posted a message on the Toyota blog relating to the about to be launched new 2013 Toyota RAV4. In it I said:

“I change my car on a 3 year cycle. In 2007 I bought my first RAV4 paying extra for a model with a spare wheel. In 2010 the model range had reduced to four, none with a spare wheel or runflat tyres. Reluctantly I opted for my current 2.2XTR AWD with a tyre repair kit. Unfortunately I did experience a puncture for which the tyre repair kit was totally inadequate, resulting in a long roadside wait whilst a new tyre was sourced. When visiting Canada in 2011, I called into a Toyota dealership to enquire about the spare wheel situation over there. They confirmed that every RAV4 in the range came with a spare wheel and added that they wouldn’t be able to sell any if they didn’t. From pictures on the internet of the new 2013 RAV4 there are shots of a spare wheel stored under the boot floor. So I then asked: “Can Toyota please stop pussy footing about and confirm that UK RAV-4s will be available with a spare wheel. If not I, along with a number of friends, will be opting for the KIA Sportage, which comes with a full size alloy spare throughout the range.”"

Asked on 30 March 2013 by TD, via email

Answered by Honest John

Toyota’s response to this was that it had kept its eye on the social networks and is introducing a space-saver spare as a free optional extra from July. But when I drove the new RAV4 in February it looked to me that there was probably room for a full-sized spare under the load deck floor. Do not attempt to save a few quid in annual tax by opting for the 2WD RAV4. That doesn’t work. It needs 4WD.

Tags: changing tyres spare wheel 4wd

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Toyota RAV4 (2006 - 2013)

Bigger and now 5-door only. More luxurious but not as practical as previous RAV-4. Car-like road manners. Petrol and diesel automatics. Facelifted 2010.