Toyota Expands RAV4 Range with More Hybrids and New XSE Variant

Toyota has significantly upgraded its best-selling RAV4 medium SUV range, introducing the new mid-level XSE variant, expanding the availability of the hugely popular 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain and improving specification across the line-up.

The newly introduced XSE variant will slot into the range between the GXL and Cruiser grades when the updated range arrives in the first quarter of 2022, and be offered with both 2WD and AWD hybrid powertrains.

Hybrid power has also been added to the range-topping adventure-focussed Edge AWD variant, now providing customers with the option of the efficient hybrid powertrain across the entire RAV4 line-up.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new RAV4 updates ensure Toyota keeps delivering improvements that customers want.

"Customer demand for the RAV4 hybrid models has been most encouraging with the intelligent hybrid powertrain making up over 70 per cent of all RAV4 sales," Mr Hanley said.

"The wider availability of hybrid, along with the introduction of the sporty XSE and other specification upgrades demonstrate Toyota's commitment to deliver on what our customers demand, and continue to deliver ever better cars" he said.

The new mid-range XSE is distinguished from the rest of the RAV4 line-up thanks to its stylish black accents, applied to the front and rear bumper, grille, fog light garnish, fenders, exterior mirrors, door mouldings and two-tone roof.

The 18-inch alloy wheels are also finished in gloss black, with a new eye-catching twin-spoke design and fitted with 225/60R18 tyres.

Inside, the XSE builds on the specification of the GXL and adds a range of enhancements, continuing the darkened exterior theme with a black roof headliner and pillar garnish.

Seats are upholstered in 'Softex' premium material, with two-stage heating for the driver and front passenger and 10-way power adjustment including lumbar support for the driver.

Leather-accented door trims and unique mood lighting gives the interior of the XSE an added premium ambience.

A 7.0-inch multi information display in the instrument cluster is paired with the 8.0-inch display audio touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, smartphone compatibility and wireless charging1.

A power rear hatch rounds out the list of additional features on the XSE over the GXL.

Available in either front or all-wheel drive, the XSE is offered exclusively with the 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, producing a combined 160kW in 2WD guise.

Opting for AWD adds a second electric motor on the rear axle bringing combined output to 163kW, while also adding Trail mode function that alters the throttle, wheel braking and torque distribution to maximise traction in slippery conditions.

In addition to the new XSE variant, Toyota will offer the dual-electric motor 163kW hybrid powertrain, mated to a continuously variable transmission, in the top of the range AWD Edge version for the first time.

The hybrid powertrain joins the 2.5-litre petrol engine in the Edge that produces maximum outputs of 152kW at 6600rpm and 243Nm from 4000-5000rpm, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with on-demand 4x4 capability.

Edge variants also gain extra safety equipment with the addition of rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) and parking support brake (PKSB) that feature autonomous braking capability for static objects when moving forward or backward, or for cars crossing behind the vehicle when reversing3.

The updated RAV4 line-up sees a number of range-wide exterior changes with a new projector LED headlamp design for hybrid variants that now features three clear segments housing the high/low beams, the turning lights, and the combined daytime running, parking and clearance lights.

LED fog lamps have also been introduced across the range as standard.

Nine different exterior paint colours are available on the new range, with the new Mineral Blue metallic hue replacing Eclectic Blue in the line-up2.

XSE is available with four colours - Crystal Pearl, Silver Sky, Graphite and Mineral Blue - all paired with a black roof.

New alloy wheel designs have been introduced on all variants bar Cruiser petrol, with the 17-inch alloys on the GX now finished in light grey, and new design 18-inch wheels on GXL, XSE and Cruiser hybrid, and 19-inch alloys for Edge.

GXL wheels have changed to a five dual-spoke design with a dark silver finish, Cruiser now sports a similar gloss black design to XSE, and Edge grades incorporate a new design with matte grey finish.

Inside the cabin, GX grades gain DAB+ digital radio for the display audio system, rear seat-belt reminder and LED interior lights, replacing halogen lights.

On GXL and above, new illuminated door switches have been added, bringing extra convenience to the cabin.

Cruiser grades gain a digital rearview mirror, which uses the rear parking camera to provide a clearer and wider field of view while also reducing glare.

The digital rearview mirror can be activated and disabled via a lever at the bottom of the mirror.

Cruiser variants also add three-stage front seat heating and ventilation, with eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat.

In addition to the 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain that is available across the range, the RAV4 is available with a  2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine for 2WD GX, GXL and Cruiser versions.

The petrol engine generates a maximum 127kW of power at 6600rpm and peak torque of 203Nm from 4400-4900rpm, and is teamed to a continuously variable transmission.

All petrol grades now feature engine stop-start technology to maximise fuel efficiency.

The six-speed manual transmission offered on GX has been discontinued due to low customer demand.

The Toyota RAV4 is also covered by Toyota Service Advantage, which offers capped price servicing for 5 years or 75,000 kilometres (up to the first 5 services), with a price of $230 per service and a service interval of 12 months/15,000 kilometres4.