One of the things we often overlook is the suspension system of our car. We always take it for granted that the vehicle is technically okay and everything is working fine. But the truth is that, in the long run, the crucial structural parts such as the struts will eventually start to wear off.
This is due to several reasons, but if that is the case with your Rav4, make sure you take action immediately. You will not only save money in the long run by doing so, but you will also protect yourself from any unexpected collisions. Defective parts can be the cause of a vehicle losing control.
Hence, I have compiled the best struts for the Toyota Rav4. Please make sure to read to the end so you can better choose the most suitable replacement for your beloved car.
Let’s get started.
| Image Preview | Product Name | Quick Links |
|---|---|---|
  | KYB 339032 Excel-G Gas Strut (Top Choice) | Check Price On Amazon |
  | Monroe Shocks & Struts 172275 Quick-Strut (Runner-Up) | Check Price On Amazon |
  | Detroit Axle - Front Complete Strut Assembly + Rear Shocks Absorber + Front Rear Sway Bar Links Replacement (Best Price) | Check Price On Amazon |
Best Struts for Toyota Rav4
1. KYB 339032 Excel-G Gas Strut
As the world’s leading supplier of shocks and struts, KYB is also the #1 recommended OE replacement for all Asian SUVs. Simply put, this is the main reason why I place KYB 339032 Excel-G Gas at the top of this list of the best struts for the Toyota Rav4.
This model features a twin-tube gas-pressurized build, one for working fluid and the other for fluid storage. Also, this unit is responsible to meet or exceed your driving comfort and quality. Additionally, all users should experience better handling qualities in practically every driving situation thanks to the struts’ two multi-stage valves.
When it comes to low-quality struts, leaks are a common issue, causing significant discomfort and eventually necessitating a replacement. Not with KYB. Their experienced engineering team utilizes extruded tubing, which offers a solid seal and consistent performance in the working cylinder where the piston is functioning.
Have you ever felt like you were heavily swaying during sharper turns? If that answer is yes, that is a surefire sign of deteriorating struts. However, this Excel-G strut is compatible only with models from 2006 to 2012. If your lovely SUV is within this range, you should definitely consider the benefits that a brand like KYB can offer. That way, you can make your turns way more reactive again, and eliminate the dangerous effects of oversteer and understeer once and for all!
Big props to the KYB Corporation for giving almost all of the world an exclusive opportunity to make use of their long-lasting and budget-friendly units.
2. Monroe Shocks & Struts 172275 Quick-Strut
Following the second unit on this list of the best struts for Toyota Rav4 is the Monroe’s Quick-Strut 172275 model. Being so-called a Quick-Strut actually means that all parts are factory pre-assembled for your convenience. Lately, this has been a much more preferred option than the brands that actually make you assemble all the components by yourself.
As a brand that has been on the market for a very long time, it is safe to say that you can only expect quality and durability. On the other hand, this unit has a superior tube and mechanical welding design that makes it strong.
Forget the irregularities such as excessive swaying, vehicle sag, and vibrations, if you happen to purchase this particular Monroe product. You will feel a difference in the ability to steer better in different driving conditions.
Also, the Monroe Quick-Strut unit meets the manufacturer’s OE performance standards, so you can rest assured that your purchase will be worthwhile. In these times of crisis, the last thing I want is to recommend rubbish parts that will fail after a couple of months of usage.
Last but not least, this strut assembly comes with a limited lifetime warranty in case anything goes wrong with your components.
3. Detroit Axle – Front Complete Strut Assembly + Rear Shocks + Front Rear Sway Bar Links Replacement – 8pc Set
There are a lot of aftermarket parts companies out there but, Detroit Axle is one of the best because it focuses on quality and customer service. This has led them to be one of the best strut brands on the market for more than 30 years.
The first thing that I immediately noticed is that Detroit Axle provides a ten-year warranty on all of its products! Isn’t that awesome?
Next, you can see that I included a whole suspension kit this time. In fact, the main reason I think you will make use of it is simply that your suspension is put under everyday mechanical and physical stress.
However, the price for this complete suspension kit is pretty darn cheap. Once again, I fulfill my promise to give you various price-range recommendations, so everyone finds a suitable option for their needs.
With millions of units sold every month, there is no doubt that this suspension kit will restore your ride height and overall suspension performance. In particular, the vibrations, excessive sway, sagging, and bouncing problems can be eliminated with a simple replacement.
With almost any other product I mention in my buying guides, installation is pretty straightforward, you can do it in your home garage.
4. SENSEN 108390-FS-SS Front Complete Strut Assembly
Another viable option is worth mentioning in this list of the best struts for the Toyota Rav4. I present you the Sensen 108390-FS-SS struts compatible with 1996-2000 car models.
The key to every strut assembly is actually the strut. Sensen comes with this so-called Speedy Strut with premium materials manufactured by the company itself. This brand focuses on making high-quality shocks and struts, that’s another reason to try some of their products at least once in your car-driving career.
They include a powder-coated finish, robotic welding for premium quality and longevity, a piston rod made of carbon steel with a chrome-hardened finish, Japanese NOK seals, nickel-plated hardware, and much more.
Therefore, if you happen to put your trust in Sensen’s hands, you will immediately notice a higher ground clearance. As well as the joy to be capable of driving on roads that are not level, without damaging or scraping the surface. All that by restoring your factory ride height, which these struts guarantee will do.
On top of that, they include a limited lifetime warranty.
I personally have read the comment sections on plenty of their products on Amazon. I must say that predominantly positive feedback prevails.
Also, I would highly suggest you check out my in-depth Sensen review so you can have a much clearer picture of the brand itself.
5. UNITY AUTOMOTIVE 11246 Front Right Complete Strut Assembly
Unity Automotive has a 50-year history of manufacturing the highest quality strut assemblies for the aftermarket in their ISO 9000, QS9000, and TS16949 certified facilities.
The main goal of their professional team is to make their customers happy with exceptional customer service and products.
Unity Automotive engineers have spent countless hours perfecting their shock valving technology and strategies, which yield the best ride performance available in the marketplace today.
Specially designed to function as a direct replacement for your worn-out or damaged strut. The products are ready to install and provide an affordable solution bringing back the OE feel, not to mention peace of mind.
The Unity Complete Strut also offers a complete restoration of your vehicle’s suspension and handling ability.
It includes a premium coil spring that is precision-engineered and tested at the factory, along with a twin-tube internal design that absorbs shock even in rough road conditions. Also, to mention that all struts are nitrogen gas-charged to ensure constant performance output and at the same time prevent foaming.
Having said that, I think Unity is a worthy rival and one of the best struts for the Toyota Rav4.
6. MOSTPLUS 171454 171453 Front Complete Strut
The last item on this list is no one other than the MOSTPLUS complete strut assembly, compatible with all the models from 2005 to 2005.
As a renowned brand, they claim that their main goal is to improve your ride comfort and quality as much as possible. Also, MOSTPLUS is continuously enhancing the services in line with the vision to protect the security of car service to better fulfill the customer needs and expectations.
In case your suspension bottoms out, this strut features a jounce bumper to avoid any damage. Hence, I think this is a neat bonus for all those who enjoy the benefits of this brilliant product.
Furthermore, it includes a quality upper spring seat, which prevents any stubborn noise and inconvenience. Also, let’s not forget the lower spring isolators, which are here to prevent metal-to-metal brushing.
This unit can be installed very quickly. Thus, MOSTPLUS cuts your replacement period from almost four hours to only one hour. Let alone to say that this strut assembly might be practical for all home DIY’ers just to save on those hefty mechanical expenses.
Lastly, to ensure no debris or dirt is entering the oily piston rod surface, which might easily trigger corrosion, a durable strut boot is used. In fact, this addition prevents any contaminants from leading to premature failure.
This unit is last on my list of the best struts for the Toyota Rav4. However, I do not believe it is the worst in value.
Conclusion
I hope you found the best struts for the Toyota Rav4 helpful. My main goal is to make all my articles as educational as possible, so you can get value from them. I also want to stress how big of a deal it is to maintain your suspension. If not, you will face negative consequences.
Thank you for reading. I am always excited when I receive feedback from my readers, so please feel free to leave a comment below.
About Post Author
