Surprisingly, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 compact SUV came with only one engine option: An underpowered but reliable inline four-cylinder capable of up to 31 mpg highway.
Key Points
- All 2015 Toyota RAV4 models feature a 176 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder coupled to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
- Sport mode on the 2015 RAV4 sharpens shift timing, throttle response, and steering feel, while dynamic torque control AWD enhances performance, handling, and safety.
- Auto critics across the web seem to agree, the 2015 RAV engine is underpowered, with one author commenting “those seeking a harder kick in the pants will want to investigate rivals…”
- While overall a rather dull experience, the 2.5-liter is a reliable powerplant that’s plenty worthy of powering the popular Toyota nameplate it rests in.
2015 RAV4’s 176-hp 2.5L Engine is Reliable but not Very Powerful, Easily Getting Lightweight Cars from Point A to B
Practicality meets performance with the 2015 Toyota RAV4’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder, thanks to engine tech like Dual-Overhead-Cam (DOHC) and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). The engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 rpm. With front-wheel drive, the RAV4 has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg in the city, and 31 mpg highway. With dynamic torque-control all-wheel drive, the EPA estimates are 22/29 mpg, on regular-grade gasoline.
Looking for a bit more power and performance? The 2015 RAV4 does offer Sport mode, which sharpens shift timing, throttle response, and steering feel at the push of a button. Downshifting will “blip” the throttle, as a driver in a stick-shift vehicle might do to maintain driving smoothness.
What’s more, on RAV4 models with dynamic torque-control AWD, Sport mode also alters torque distribution to enhance agility by reducing understeer. Additionally, the RAV4’s Eco mode optimizes powertrain operation to maximize fuel economy.
Highlander-shared Dynamic Torque Control AWD System Enhances 2.5L Engine’s Performance and Handling
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 shares a major bit of technology with its larger sibling, the Toyota Highlander. In fact, it was the RAV4 that debuted the sophisticated dynamic torque-control AWD system. By coordinating through a high-speed interactive management system with vehicle stability control and electric power steering systems, dynamic torque-control AWD enhances performance, handling, and safety.
The advanced AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential. Dynamic torque control uses input from various sensors to actively govern torque distribution to the rear wheels, as needed.
Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help reduce fuel consumption. The system automatically shifts to AWD when accelerating to help prevent front-wheel slippage, or when sensors detect wheel slippage.
When Sport mode is selected, torque transfer to the rear wheels starts from the moment the steering wheel is turned, to reduce the load on the front tires. If understeer develops, torque transfer to the rear wheels is automatically increased by up to 50%, further reducing front tire loading to provide enhanced lateral grip.
When tackling off-pavement driving or very slippery conditions, pushing an AWD Lock button fixes torque distribution at 50:50 at speeds up to about 25 mph to maximize grip. Above that, the system reverts to Auto mode.
Auto Critics Called the 2015 RAV4 Engine ‘Peppy and Refined,’ but Note it’s ‘a Bit Underpowered’
The Car Gurus auto site gave the 2015 Toyota RAV4 an 8/10 performance score, but that seems to mostly pertain to the vehicle’s transmission, handling, and off-road prowess.
Speaking about the engine, the site had this to say: “Tasked with moving my 3,585-pound XLE AWD test vehicle, the engine proved peppy and refined, but seemed a bit underpowered when using liberal applications of throttle from a standstill.”
Autobytel also took a 2015 RAV4 out for a spin. “The 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor was up to day-to-day tasks as well as highway motoring, but I must admit that there were times I wasn’t impressed with its passing power,” said Autobytel.
While the site does mention that most RAV4 shoppers will find the 2.5-liter sufficient, they ultimately conclude that “…those seeking a harder kick in the pants will want to investigate rivals like the Ford Escape’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo and the Jeep Cherokee’s available V6.”
2015 Toyota RAV4’s 2.5L May not be the Most Powerful Engine, but it is a Reliable, Capable, and Affordable Daily Driver
By only offering one engine choice for the 2015 RAV4, Toyota made some buying decisions very easy for consumers. They crafted a thrifty, reliable engine for the popular compact sport utility vehicle that produced great gas mileage. What the engine lacks in oomph, it makes up for with capability, reliability, and affordability, which is why the RAV4 has remained one of Toyota’s best-selling vehicles for over 25 years.
Photos: Toyota
