All-New RAV4 Raises the bar for SUV Style and Substance

The all-new Toyota RAV4 has raised the bar for SUV performance, safety, technology, style and refinement.

Just as the first-generation RAV4 was a breakthrough when it was launched in 1994, the fifth-generation model is a revolutionary vehicle delivering a raft of innovations including being the first Toyota hybrid SUV for the Australian market.

With the option of 2WD, or mechanical or electric AWD systems, and a choice of two new petrol engines or the powerful and efficient Toyota Hybrid System, the new RAV4 continues to drive Toyota's spirit of adventure.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley said the stylish new RAV4 took the SUV essence to a new level.

"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," Mr Hanley said.

"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.

"Toyota has consistently offered its groundbreaking hybrid powertrains in a variety of models since it was first introduced to Australia in the Prius 18 years ago and this latest generation technology is ideally suited to the new RAV4.

"At the same time, the RAV4's all-new powertrains and off-tarmac capability and performance, provided by innovative mechanical and electric all-wheel drive systems, make it the ideal SUV whether your journey takes you across town or out of the city for an active weekend away," he said.

The new RAV4 is available in a choice of 11 variants across four grades with three powertrains - two petrol and the petrol-electric Toyota Hybrid System - and the option of front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The lineup kicks off with 2WD petrol variants available in GX, mid-range GXL and top-of the-line Cruiser grades.

These are all powered by a new 127kW/203Nm 2.0-litre, direct injection, four-cylinder engine that drives through an innovative continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a launch gear mechanism. 

GX variants are also offered with the option of an intelligent six-speed manual gearbox with a rev-matching function.

The new RAV4 further extends the availability of the powerful and efficient hybrid system within the broader Toyota range with six RAV4 hybrid variants offered in 2WD and AWD versions across the GX, GXL and Cruiser grades.

The hybrid system combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor generator that drives through a CVT, providing the most powerful drivetrain in the range with combined maximum outputs of 160kW for 2WD variants and 163kW for AWD versions. 

It is also the most efficient with a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres/100km2 for 2WD variants and 4.8 litres/100km2 for AWD versions.

RAV4 hybrid electric AWD variants gain an additional rear motor generator to provide power to the rear axle for the innovative electric AWD system. Complete with a Trail mode, it enables up to 80 per cent of the total drive torque to be delivered through the rear wheels.

Topping the new RAV4 range is the adventure-focussed Edge AWD variant powered by a new 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine that drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Edge variant uses a mechanical AWD system that is able to deliver a front/rear torque split of between 100 per cent to the front wheels and an even 50:50 split across front and rear wheels. 

A dynamic torque vectoring system can also independently control the amount of drive torque delivered to the left or right rear wheels depending on the road surface conditions. 

The AWD system in the Edge grade also features a multi-terrain select system that offers different modes for mud & sand, rock & dirt and snow environments.

Complementing its off-tarmac capability is a more rugged style with unique front and side body enhancements and interior treatments and trim.

All new RAV4 variants provide a much sharper, bolder and stronger visual appeal with dynamic styling and 17-inch,18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels that give the vehicles a solid and planted presence on the road.

Underpinning the slightly shorter, lower and wider body is the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that features a 30mm longer wheelbase and wider track, that has been extended by between 25mm and 55mm.

This, together with a revised front MacPherson strut and new multilink rear suspension, gives the new RAV4 substantially improved driving dynamics and superb ride comfort, both on and off the tarmac.

A high level of refinement is evident in the larger cabin with premium materials and a stylish and functional design.

All-new comfortable and supportive seats are finished in cloth, leather-accented or imitation leather "Softex" material, depending on the grade.

For comfort and convenience, all variants except the entry-level GX petrol 2WD feature dual-zone climate control and keyless smart start.

The advanced multimedia system with steering wheel controls incorporates full Bluetooth®3 connectivity, AM/FM/DAB+4 radio, satellite navigation5 and voice recognition with all information displayed on a large 8-inch touchscreen.

The rear load space has been extended by 65mm offering an increase in luggage capacity of up to a class-leading 580 litres compared with the previous model and features a clever two-level reversible floor for added functionality (not available with full-size spare wheel option).

The new RAV4 offers class-leading safety with the standard Toyota Safety Sense suite of features, including active cruise control, pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert, road-sign assist (speed sign only) and auto high beam.

Seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, reversing camera, and ABS with vehicle stability control and active cornering assist, further add to the new RAV4's impressive safety credentials.