Bolder, better built and ready to take its segment by storm, the new Toyota RAV4 first has to see off an unconventional new rival...

It’s hard to believe it was a quarter of a century ago when Toyota unveiled its funky midsize SUV to an automotive market then dominated by sedans and hatchbacks. In that time, many would justifiably claim the RAV4 was one of the founding fathers of the segment that’s since eclipsed all others, and the arrival of a new model would be met with great anticipation.

However, now in its fourth generation, the RAV4 enters a motoring sphere in which it no longer has the fold to itself.

Rivals from America, South Korea and, in the case of the Renault Koleos, France, have crowded the segment, making the fight for success all the harder. With all-new underpinnings, purposefully chunky looks and a huge legacy on its shoulders, the latest RAV4 looks to have what it takes to once again cause a stir in the midsize-SUV segment. But, when it comes across an unconventional rival in the guise of the latest Koleos, the result isn’t quite as clean-cut as you’d expect.

The players

From its fun-sized first-generation model, through to the sophisticated second and third generations, the RAV4 has proved a playful and utterly charming member of Toyota’s SUV stable. Things went aesthetically awry with the otherwise competent previous car but the latest iteration has shrugged off that clumsy blobbiness in favour of a more chiselled two-box frame; an appealing “Prado lite” approach, if you will.

Underpinned by a model-specific version of Toyota’s versatile New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the RAV4’s wheelbase has grown by 30 mm, while its trimmed overhangs and broader tracks mean it’s actually a hair shorter and wider than its forebear.

Although it wears the Renault rhombus on its striking nose and that rakish bodywork is perched atop a tweaked version of the Mégane’s CMF-C/D platform (which also underpins the now-unavailable Kadjar), the Koleos follows in its predecessor’s footsteps, being based on Nissan’s robust and reliable X-Trail.

The game

In a similar vein to our 2019 SUV Shootout, the two contenders were piloted across a variety of motoring environments, including the notoriously sinuous Franschhoek Pass, both sweeping and arrow-straight sections of the N2 and a gravel road or two thrown in for good measure. This broad spread of road conditions would highlight their respective strengths and weed out any weaknesses.

On the road

Like the X-Trail, the Koleos is an accomplished, if not sparkling, performer on tarred surfaces. Were you not aware of its Japanese bones, you may conclude before setting off it possesses the pleasing suppleness of chassis that’s a hallmark of many Renault products.

The RAV4’s new platform has shifted its centre of gravity downwards and improved torsional rigidity by a claimed 57%, making it feel a bit sharper-witted when presented with sudden changes in direction and dynamic attitude.

When it comes to ride quality, there’s little to separate the two. We’ve had nothing but good experiences with Toyota’s TNGA-based products, commenting on their ability to strike a neat balance between handling and ride comfort. It’s the same story here, with the Toyota’s double-wishbone tail not serving up quite the same degree of shock absorption as the Renault’s multilink rear arrangement but proving the more versatile of the two.

The RAV4’s electrically assisted power steering doesn’t have the Koleos’ weight and chunkiness but there’s an ace up its sleeve, lending it a dynamic edge over its rival: a torque-vectoring system utilising twin couplings on the rear axle has been incorporated into its suite of AWD features. By distributing torque laterally between the rear wheels, this system counters the understeer often inherent to AWD vehicles, including the Koleos. This was particularly evident on the tighter sections of Franschhoek Pass, where brisk cornering manoeuvres saw the Renault’s nose washing wide while the Toyota’s front-end drew cleaner into the bend.

On the dirt

With little to separate them in the ground-clearance department, their dynamic composure and respective AWD systems would be the deciders off the beaten track. The Koleos mounts the X-Trail’s torque-apportioning system, with presets of 2WD, automatic (where the ESP decides the fore/aft torque split) and lock that distributes drive 50:50 front and rear.

It’s a similar story in the RAV4, where an intelligent, ESP-overseen system is capable of shifting and locking torque, but also serves “mud and sand” and “rock and dirt” modes tailoring steering assistance, as well as brake and throttle modulation, to best suit the predetermined conditions.

Both cars’ sturdy underpinnings and simple AWD systems will allow them to venture further off-road than most owners will likely go but that lateral torque-vectoring system lends an additional layer of safety when travelling over loose surfaces at speed.

Both powertrains under strain

Despite both vehicles playing host to naturally aspirated 2,5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engines coupled with automatic transmissions and electronically governed AWD systems, their respective on-road manners are markedly different.

Under the Renault’s bonnet, the long-serving Alliance QR25 powerplant is good for 126 kW at a heady 6 000 r/min and 233 N.m from 4 000 r/min. Compared with the 152 kW/243 N.m unit in the RAV4, it’s sprightly off the line but quickly starts struggling on lengthy uphills, where its CVT doesn’t help matters. Perhaps it’s a case of mapping or the engine’s modest outputs but, in every scenario where throttle inputs moved away from being anything but gradual, the transmission would hang doggedly on to one of its lower virtual ratios, sending the rev needle soaring into the red before finally dropping back to a more civilised speed. Consequently, mechanical refinement took a serious knock, with a gruff engine note accompanying many manoeuvres at speed.

The Toyota, with its stronger outputs and torque-converter ‘box, should’ve had its rival’s number but a couple of obstacles stood in the way of smooth going. The A25A-series engine runs on the Atkinson cycle, which favours thermal efficiency. While it did allow the Toyota to reach 100 km/h from standstill in less than 10 seconds and best the Renault for in-gear acceleration, to slip beneath our 8,76 L/100 km fuel-index figure – not to mention its 8,0 L/100 km showing on our fuel run beating the Renault’s 8,3 – it did so at the expense of low-to-mid-end grunt.

A number of the testers were flummoxed by the Toyota’s transmission; its prodigious slip and consequent tendency to hunt for the right gear made it feel disconcertingly similar to a CVT.

In the cabins

The competition has been close to this point but, when it comes to their respective cabins, it’s the Toyota that pulls away from its rival. Although solid enough in terms of its perceived quality, the Renault’s plastics and trim fit can’t quite match those of the Toyota. Dense plastics and a simple, tiered layout with chunky switchgear for such frequently used ancillaries as the climate-control system represent a quantum leap over its forebear. We’re not fans of the RAV4’s odd brown trim used to line various cubbies, though.

There’s no denying the Renault’s interior is a stylish affair, its TFT speedo/rev counter combination looking less of an afterthought than the Toyota’s, but the placement of many secondary controls within its sizeable touchscreen infotainment system meets with mixed success. It may be function-rich (with plenty of navigation and media options) but its laggy processor irks and the need to mine the interface to access the automatic climate control settings is fiddly.

Both cars impress with their practical packaging: the Renault’s 724 mm of rear legroom and the Toyota’s 408-litre boot are immensely generous, the latter being more accessible owing to a lower 691 mm loading height versus the Renault’s 755 mm.

CAPE TOWN – When last did you see a Koleos on the road? Since the local introduction of the French midsize SUV just over a year ago, I’ve seen fewer than five examples on local tarmac (lockdown notwithstanding). It’s not a bad car by any means, so what is it about the Koleos that just doesn’t capture the attention of South African consumers? Well, when the range-topping Dynamique 4x4 rolled into the CAR garage, I decided to spend some time with this Gallic rarity in an attempt to find out why local buyers aren’t flocking to Renault dealers in droves.

Let’s take a look at what’s new on the facelifted model. Well, aside from a number of exterior and interior tweaks, not much really. Under the bonnet is the same naturally aspirated 2,5-litre four-cylinder, which produces an unchanged 126 kW and 233 N.m of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels, unless four-wheel drive is selected.

Visually, the refreshed Koleos benefits from a more prominent grille design, a revised bumper design and restyled foglamps. At the rear, the changes have been kept to a minimum; aside from an update to the rear bumper and third brake lamp, things are pretty much the same. Finally, newly designed 18-inch alloys finish off the stylish SUV.

It’s not the looks that are putting consumers off, then. In fact, on a recent drive out to Franschhoek, a passer-by commented favourably on the unique and classy design. Perhaps it’s the interior then? Well no, not really. It may not feel quite as solid as a Volkswagen Tiguan or Mazda CX-5, but the Koleos features a very pleasant cabin. The upper part of the facia is trimmed in soft-touch materials, while the door cards are a mix of leather, high-quality plastics and some less desirable plastic.

The electrically adjustable leather seats are comfortable and offer plenty of support. It’s well equipped, too. Keyless entry, an electrically operated tailgate and a comprehensive infotainment system (which includes satellite navigation and a reverse camera) all form part of the package. The only thing missing is a sunroof. The infotainment display is large and intuitive; like those of modern Volvos, the vertically positioned 8,7-inch screen controls the majority of features, including the climate control. While physical dials and buttons are preferred, the system in the Renault is one of the less distracting out there. 

Rear legroom is impressive. When we road-tested the pre-facelift model in 2019, we measured a roomy 724 mm of space for rear passengers to stretch out in. That’s not far off the 739 mm the second row of the notably bigger BMW X7 offers passengers. The boot is equally impressive. With the seats up, the Koleos provides a sizeable 344 litres of packing space; with the rear seats folded flat, it matches the 1 368 litres of utility space the larger Mercedes-Benz GLE offers.

Okay, it seems to be shaping up pretty well so far, I thought. So maybe it’s the driving experience that people just aren’t warming to. Certainly, the Koleos isn’t going to enthral you with its hot-hatch-aping driving dynamics. It isn’t a sporty vehicle, with the CX-5 and Sportage offering a more entertaining drive in this segment. No, the Koleos takes a more relaxed approach to covering distance. The ride – albeit bothered by sudden bumps and sharp ridges – is smooth on the long road, adding to the refined and relaxed aura. Equally excellent is the roadholding. While body roll is present through corners, the Koleos gives the driver a great sense of security, thanks to communicative steering and plenty of grip from the 225/60 R18 tyres fitted front and rear.

It's certainly not the first car you'd pick to explore the Sahara, but on an impromptu detour off the tarmac, the Koleos certainly surprised me. Pop the Renault into four-wheel drive and it does reasonably well. Despite the gravel surface and steep incline, the Koleos took everything in its stride, including the potholes and uneven surfaces. Of course, every vehicle has its limits and when the path got a bit too steep, I turned around and headed back down. Still, the Koleos proved itself capable of more than its soft-roader image might suggest.

The 2,5-litre petrol engine can sound a bit gruff at times, especially when you need to overtake and the CVT sends the revs racing to the redline. Speaking of which, the CVT doesn’t really make itself known in town driving or stop-and-go traffic. Still, it can (and does) frustrate, particularly when you require an extra bit of grunt. Then again, this is a criticism that can be levelled at pretty much any CVT-equipped vehicle. 

After a brief stint driving around urban areas, the trip computer indicated the Koleos was consuming 8,90 L/100 km. On the long road, that figure dropped to a more palatable 7,90 L/100 km. As a reference, the pre-facelift model managed 8,30 L/100 km on our 100 km fuel run.

It is rather puzzling that the Koleos doesn’t enjoy the success a number of its rivals do. It’s a practical, well-equipped and good-looking family SUV that doesn’t do much wrong. Perhaps the lack of a diesel powertrain is putting the traditional buyer off the idea of a Koleos. But at R529 900, there is no denying the excellent value on offer. The French contender is R100 000 cheaper than a similarly equipped RAV4 2,5 VX, and R30 000 cheaper than a Tiguan 1,4 TSI Comfortline. If I were in the market for a midsize SUV I’d certainly consider the value-driven Koleos. Better still is the two-wheel-drive derivative, priced at R489 900.  

CAPE TOWN – When last did you see a Koleos on the road? Since the local introduction of the French midsize SUV just over a year ago, I’ve seen fewer than five examples on local tarmac (lockdown notwithstanding). It’s not a bad car by any means, so what is it about the Koleos that just doesn’t capture the attention of South African consumers? Well, when the range-topping Dynamique 4x4 rolled into the CAR garage, I decided to spend some time with this Gallic rarity in an attempt to find out why local buyers aren’t flocking to Renault dealers in droves.

Let’s take a look at what’s new on the facelifted model. Well, aside from a number of exterior and interior tweaks, not much really. Under the bonnet is the same naturally aspirated 2,5-litre four-cylinder, which produces an unchanged 126 kW and 233 N.m of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels, unless four-wheel drive is selected.

Visually, the refreshed Koleos benefits from a more prominent grille design, a revised bumper design and restyled foglamps. At the rear, the changes have been kept to a minimum; aside from an update to the rear bumper and third brake lamp, things are pretty much the same. Finally, newly designed 18-inch alloys finish off the stylish SUV.

It’s not the looks that are putting consumers off, then. In fact, on a recent drive out to Franschhoek, a passer-by commented favourably on the unique and classy design. Perhaps it’s the interior then? Well no, not really. It may not feel quite as solid as a Volkswagen Tiguan or Mazda CX-5, but the Koleos features a very pleasant cabin. The upper part of the facia is trimmed in soft-touch materials, while the door cards are a mix of leather, high-quality plastics and some less desirable plastic.

The electrically adjustable leather seats are comfortable and offer plenty of support. It’s well equipped, too. Keyless entry, an electrically operated tailgate and a comprehensive infotainment system (which includes satellite navigation and a reverse camera) all form part of the package. The only thing missing is a sunroof. The infotainment display is large and intuitive; like those of modern Volvos, the vertically positioned 8,7-inch screen controls the majority of features, including the climate control. While physical dials and buttons are preferred, the system in the Renault is one of the less distracting out there. 

Rear legroom is impressive. When we road-tested the pre-facelift model in 2019, we measured a roomy 724 mm of space for rear passengers to stretch out in. That’s not far off the 739 mm the second row of the notably bigger BMW X7 offers passengers. The boot is equally impressive. With the seats up, the Koleos provides a sizeable 344 litres of packing space; with the rear seats folded flat, it matches the 1 368 litres of utility space the larger Mercedes-Benz GLE offers.

Okay, it seems to be shaping up pretty well so far, I thought. So maybe it’s the driving experience that people just aren’t warming to. Certainly, the Koleos isn’t going to enthral you with its hot-hatch-aping driving dynamics. It isn’t a sporty vehicle, with the CX-5 and Sportage offering a more entertaining drive in this segment. No, the Koleos takes a more relaxed approach to covering distance. The ride – albeit bothered by sudden bumps and sharp ridges – is smooth on the long road, adding to the refined and relaxed aura. Equally excellent is the roadholding. While body roll is present through corners, the Koleos gives the driver a great sense of security, thanks to communicative steering and plenty of grip from the 225/60 R18 tyres fitted front and rear.

It's certainly not the first car you'd pick to explore the Sahara, but on an impromptu detour off the tarmac, the Koleos certainly surprised me. Pop the Renault into four-wheel drive and it does reasonably well. Despite the gravel surface and steep incline, the Koleos took everything in its stride, including the potholes and uneven surfaces. Of course, every vehicle has its limits and when the path got a bit too steep, I turned around and headed back down. Still, the Koleos proved itself capable of more than its soft-roader image might suggest.

The 2,5-litre petrol engine can sound a bit gruff at times, especially when you need to overtake and the CVT sends the revs racing to the redline. Speaking of which, the CVT doesn’t really make itself known in town driving or stop-and-go traffic. Still, it can (and does) frustrate, particularly when you require an extra bit of grunt. Then again, this is a criticism that can be levelled at pretty much any CVT-equipped vehicle. 

After a brief stint driving around urban areas, the trip computer indicated the Koleos was consuming 8,90 L/100 km. On the long road, that figure dropped to a more palatable 7,90 L/100 km. As a reference, the pre-facelift model managed 8,30 L/100 km on our 100 km fuel run.

It is rather puzzling that the Koleos doesn’t enjoy the success a number of its rivals do. It’s a practical, well-equipped and good-looking family SUV that doesn’t do much wrong. Perhaps the lack of a diesel powertrain is putting the traditional buyer off the idea of a Koleos. But at R529 900, there is no denying the excellent value on offer. The French contender is R100 000 cheaper than a similarly equipped RAV4 2,5 VX, and R30 000 cheaper than a Tiguan 1,4 TSI Comfortline. If I were in the market for a midsize SUV I’d certainly consider the value-driven Koleos. Better still is the two-wheel-drive derivative, priced at R489 900.