After Swedish magazine Teknikens Varld put the new Toyota RAV4 to a Moose Test in 2019 that saw the vehicle being rated “dangerous” despite earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, Toyota is allaying doubts on its prized model by giving it a simple fix.
The Moose Test is conducted to determine the capability of a car to avoid unexpected obstacles like moose in the road. A simulation is done through the use of cones in order to test the vehicle’s handling, suspension, and electronic stability control.
When the RAV4 underwent the Moose Test, it was discovered the SUV’s electronic stability control was not performing as it should. Moreover, the chassis reactions made it difficult to handle and caused the vehicle to sway violently. The Toyota model also only managed to reach 42 mph.
The results prompted Toyota to release a software update that will fix the problem with the utility vehicle’s electronic stability control.
According to the company, the software update improves the Vehicle Stability Control system of the RAV4 and allows for more braking.
To check the recent update, Teknikens Varld once again put the RAV4 to test where the vehicle was revealed to have exhibited smooth maneuvering. The “slightly bouncing behavior” noted in the previous test is also reportedly gone and the RAV4 successfully passed the test at 45 mph.
Based on the results shared by the magazine, the software update will be available by the second quarter of 2020, either in late April or May. But it looks like Toyota is not initiating a recall for RAV4 models that have already been delivered. The software update also won’t be applied during regular servicing, meaning customers will have to specifically request the update on their vehicles.
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