I intend to buy a Toyota RAV4 - is the CVT gearbox reliable? Should I buy the petrol or diesel? | Ask Honest John

I intend to buy a Toyota RAV4 - is the CVT gearbox reliable? Should I buy the petrol or diesel?

Can you advise on the new Toyota RAV4 transmission please? I am currently torn between the petrol and diesel models with automatic transmission. I think I remember you lavishing praise on the S CVT gearbox; does it still receive such praise? Fuel figures between the two engines with the auto box are very similar, but prices are separated by £2000 and there are no worries about DPFs in the petrol version.

Asked on 22 June 2010 by cornishbumpkin

Answered by Honest John

As long as you never intend towing, go for the 2.0 Valvematic with the S CVT. If you ever intend towing, you need the diesel with the torque converter auto.

Tags: automatics fuel economy towing dpf cvt

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