Add new comment

I have a 2019 RAV 4 hybrid. It is a great car in many respects and I really like it. However, it has a weakness in relation to its steering. It is hard to describe, but is best summarised by saying the car “lacks a sense of direction” and I find I can never fully relax my attention for fear of drifting off-course.

The problem is not really noticeable at speeds less than 60 kph on trips around town. It is far more evident at higher speeds particularly in windy conditions or on a bumpy road.

I find I have to be very careful not to over correct the steering and to hold the steering in a fixed position. Sometimes the car wants to drift left slightly and sometimes right. It feels like there is not enough castor angle designed into the steering.

I wonder if the car’s structure is stiff enough, or whether the steering ratio is set a little too high or whether it is a characteristic inherent in electric steering systems. I have experienced a similar feeling about a couple of friend’s Camrys when driving them, but I never experienced the problem with an older Corolla.

I hasten to add that there is no “slop” or dead-band in the steering, and my tyres are new and properly inflated.

i would rate this car ten out of ten were it not for this problem in its design.