Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-4D T180 5dr

4x4 system: OK for normal driving, but in 15-20 cm slush/snow the system connects the rear wheels in and out all the time. One notices very well that the system automatically shuts off and on, but this is an extreme situation, but very annoying.

When driving in steep hills covered with a thick ice layer and heavy turns/ starting, the traction controls system is counterproductive, and the car loses engine power and will not go forward since the system reduces the engine speed. I really miss the possibility to turn it OFF

All in all, it's a 4x4 system for the poor, it is recommended to buy a car with a more permanent 4x4 system, for instance Haldex 4, with a 70/30 distribution between the axles.

Headlight: Miserable, unless you have xenon. Do not buy without xenon, it has been tested in Germany and it has the poorest halogen lights on new cars in Europe. The only lightbulbs that give the car a good light is the Osram (Sylviana) Night Breaker, but they only last for 3 months. And in Norway they cost 365 NOK (approx: 60 USD) per bulb

Noise: the internal noise level is quite miserable. Toyota could and should have done a much better job. Open the covers over the rear wheel arches and add noise reduction mats, and you will remove the rain noise "by 80%. But there is still way too much noise.

Engine: Very comfortable and good engine, is very good car. During the summer vacation we typically drive between 4 and 5.000 kilometers with a 1.2 ton camping trailer, and the engine is great!

Driving comfort: OK, it is an SUV, and if you could remove the noise, it would have been good/very good.

Driving experience: Under normal conditions, a fun car to drive, but it isn't good enough in winter conditions during automatic 4x4; Toyota should had given user the choice to select a permanent distribution between the front and rear axle; the car would had been good with it.

Gear: Good gearbox, but missing a low gear as the first gear.

Overall: The car is fun, but there are a little hassles with 4x4 system, poor noise and poor lighting. I would not bought a RAV4 today, since there are many cars that are way better. And yes it is my fourth Toyota since 2000, but they I would have looked and tryed other cars before the RAV4.