New Toyota RAV4 is here
Toyota’s all-new RAV4 has arrived in Australia, bringing new looks, new engines and their first hybrid SUV for the Australian market.
"With class leading safety features, distinctive and dynamic styling, a spacious and flexible premium interior, and agile driving characteristics, the all-new RAV4 delivers outstanding passenger car-like refinement, handling and ride comfort," said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley.
Familiar model grades of GX, GXL, Cruiser and Edge carry over and, like the previous generation RAV4, 2WD and AWD versions are available, too.
Two new petrol engines feature in the range and the big news is the addition of a petrol-electric hybrid system, but reflecting the industry move away from diesels, there’s no oiler in the new RAV4 lineup. Transmission choices are almost entirely CVT, bookended by a 6-speed manual and 8-speed auto.
"As the first hybrid RAV4 for Australia, it will help drive our ongoing push to offer customers proven technology that delivers strong performance, outstanding fuel consumption and low levels of CO2 emissions,” Hanley added.
List pricing for the new RAV4 has risen across the board (by more than $3,000 in some instances), now starting at $30,640 for the GX petrol 2WD manual and stretching up to $47,140 for the Edge petrol AWD auto.
New Power
The entry-level engine for the new RAV4 is an all-new version of the 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder that powered the previous generation. Compared to outputs of 107kW/187Nm and combined cycle economy of 7.0lt/100km, the new version, labelled ‘Dynamic Force’, delivers 127kW/203Nm and an impressive 6.5lt/100km from the same capacity.
On the GX, this engine is available with the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox with a rev-matching function or a CVT with launch gear mechanism. Step up to the GXL or Cruiser and the CVT is mandatory.
Hybrid RAV4s, available in GX, GXL and Cruiser grade, combine a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor generator that drives through the CVT. With combined maximum outputs of 160kW for 2WD variants and 163kW for AWD versions, the Hybrid is the most powerful drivetrain in the new RAV4 range. Naturally, the Hybrid is also the most fuel efficient, too, with listed economy of just 4.7lt/100km for 2WD and 4.8lt/100km for AWD versions.
AWD versions of the Hybrid feature an additional rear generator to power the rear axle. In ‘Trail’ mode, this combination can deliver up to 80 per cent of available torque to the rear wheels.
For those who prefer traditional power, the range-topping RAV4 Edge uses a ‘Dynamic Force’ 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – that’s essentially the hybrid engine without the electric motor – and a new 8-speed auto (replacing the previous 6-speed) for listed outputs of 152kW/243Nm; 20kW and 10Nm more than the previous 2.5 petrol engine.
Unlike the Hybrids, the Edge uses a mechanical AWD system that defaults to 100 per cent front wheel drive, but can send up to 50 per cent of drive to the rear axle. Being the premium model (and arguably the most off-road capable), the Edge adds Downhill assist control, dynamic torque vectoring on the rear axle and a Multi-Terrain Select function, in addition to the Drive Mode Select on other grades, that offers three driver-selectable off-road modes – mud & sand, rock & dirt, and snow – that adjust engine performance, braking and transmission response.
New Dimensions
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the new RAV4 is shorter and lower than the previous version, but wider, with a longer (by 30mm) wheelbase and increased track, too, by between 35mm and 55mm (depending on variant and 2WD/AWD). The longer wheelbase improves interior space, with more rear seat legroom, a claimed 65mm longer rear load space and cargo volume up to 580 litres with all seats occupied.
Ground clearance has been increased, too, to 195mm on petrol versions and 190mm on hybrids, while the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension have been re-tuned to suit the new chassis.
Styling features sharper angles, squared off wheelarch openings, a blunter front end and more aggressive look overall, especially in the lower fascia treatment at both ends. The Edge grade further enhances this, with its own front bumper and skidplate design, as well as bespoke foglight surrounds and wheelarch trim.
Depending on model grade, wheel sizes vary from 17- to 19-inch, with a space-saver spare standard. A full-size spare is only available as an option on the GX grade.
Inside, there’s a new-look dash, new steering wheel and standard 8.0-inch centre console touchscreen, with digital dash display on some model grades, while improved seats with new cushioning and better support are common across the board.
GX and GXL seats are trimmed in fabric, Cruiser adds leather accents, while the Edge uses a leather-look synthetic ‘Softex’ material. Heating/cooling and power adjustable seats are standard on Cruiser and Edge, with these two grades also getting a power tailgate.
More Tech and Safety
An advanced multimedia system is standard across all RAV4 model grades, as is Bluetooth connectivity, improved voice recognition, ToyotaLink apps and sat nav with live traffic updates. A wireless phone charger is standard on all bar the GX grade, with sound systems of six- or nine-speakers, depending on model grade.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility will be coming, but not until Q4. Once this does become available, Toyota says it will be retro-fitted to already purchased RAV4s free of charge.
Safety specs include seven airbags ABS, reversing camera, blind-spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, hill-start assist and two rear ISOFIX anchors. The Toyota Safety Sense suite of features, including active cruise control, pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert, road-sign assist and auto high beam is standard across all grades, with the GXL adding guiding lines to the reversing camera and the Cruiser updating this to a panoramic view.
The all-new Toyota RAV4 was being rolled out as JUST 4x4s went to press, so should be in dealerships nationwide by the time you read this issue. See your Toyota dealer for more details.
