Toyota RAV4: maintenance for petrol, hybrid and all-wheel-drive versions

RAV4s in Kenya are mostly 2013 onwards, with 2.0 or 2.5 litre petrol engines, and from 2019 a hybrid. Some are front-wheel drive and some all-wheel drive. Check which you have; the care differs a little.

Regular service

• Engine oil and filter every 5,000–10,000 km depending on your driving, with the grade in the manual.
• Air and cabin filters every 20,000 km, sooner on dusty roads.
• Gearbox fluid: CVT and automatic models both need the correct Toyota fluid at the manual's interval.
• Brake fluid every 2 years.

All-wheel-drive models

• Keep all four tyres the same size and similar in wear.
• Have the rear differential and transfer oil checked at the manual's intervals.

Hybrid models

• Keep the hybrid battery cooling intake clear and its filter clean.
• Use a garage with a hybrid-capable scan tool.

Ground clearance isn't off-road ability

A RAV4 handles murram and rough roads well, but it isn't a Land Cruiser. Take deep potholes, rocks and water crossings slowly to protect the sump, suspension and bumpers.