Built on Toyota’s TNGA platform allows for a lower centre of gravity and significantly increased body rigidity, which allows for superior handling, ride comfort, a spacious interior, class-leading load space (580 litres VDA with rear seats in place) and higher ground clearance. As well as providing more space and comfort, the cabin displays exceptional quality and finish throughout.
The new RAV4 remains unique in its class in offering customers a self-charging, hybrid powertrain. The new 2.5-litre petrol hybrid Dynamic Force engine, offering 215bhp in front-wheel drive form and 219bhp with all-wheel drive. At the same time, the all-wheel drive system has been comprehensively improved to achieve a “drive on any road” capability.
Power out-put is up from 195bhp/145kW for the fourth-generation front wheel drive model. Acceleration from rest to 62mph takes just 8.1 seconds (FWD model). Combined cycle fuel economy is from 48.70 to 50.44mpg (FWD model, using the more stringent WLTP data), with CO2 emissions from 101g/km (AWD Design and Dynamic models),
The strong SUV character and styling sets it apart from other models in its segment, combines with the new self-charging hybrid powertrain to give RAV4 the stand-out qualities required to attract customers in a highly competitive marketplace.
The low-set instrument panel has strong horizontal lines that flow into the door panels, emphasising the cabin’s generous width and giving the driver a clearer view of the road ahead. A larger, open centre console between the front seats is in keeping with a welcoming, functional SUV interior. Special attention was paid to providing plenty of useful and easily accessible storage for the driver and front passenger.
The TNGA platform also helps secure impressive cabin space, best-in-class load space and all-round comfort. With all seats in place, the cargo area has a capacity of 580 litres, 79 litres more than the previous generation RAV4 Hybrid. With the rear seats folded down, the new RAV4 can accommodate a 29-inch mountain bike without any wheels having to be removed.
The new RAV4 is also the first Toyota model to benefit from additional Toyota Safety Sense features that extend the use of advanced technologies to help prevent accidents and provide greater driver assistance, including systems that introduce a degree of automated driving functionality.
Features that are available as standard or as options, according to specification level, include a power-operated panoramic roof, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats and up to five USB ports around the cabin for the connection or charging of multiple devices.
The optional Panoramic View Monitor, provides the driver with a real-time 360-degree view of the area immediately around the vehicle, including a bird’s eye aspect from above. This is of value both off-road, to better negotiate tricky terrain, and when manoeuvring in confined spaces where hazards can lurk outside the driver’s line of sight. This feature is offered in conjunction with a JBL premium audio system. Tailor-made for the new RAV4, this provides concert sound quality through its nine-speaker architecture. It features JBL-signature horn tweeters, a powerful new subwoofer and an amplifier with Clari-Fi™ music restoration technology.
The new RAV4 is available in four equipment levels, Icon, Design, Dynamic and Excel, offering a wealth of comfort, convenience and technology features that meet the requirements and preferences of today’s SUV customers.
At the entry point to the range, the RAV4 Icon is available exclusively with front-wheel drive, from £30,485* on the road – discounts available for export.
The standard features include:
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Front fog lights
• Rear parking sensors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Dusk-sensing headlights
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Push-button start
• Roof rails
• Parabola LED headlights
• Rear privacy glass
• Electronic parking brake
• Power-adjustable heated door mirrors with auto-folding function
• Toyota Touch 2 with eight-inch multimedia touchscreen
• Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Seven-inch colour TFT driver’s multi-information display
• DAB
• Toyota Safety Sense 2
• eCall
• Rear-view camera .
The Design model (from £32,040 OTR -discounts available for export) can be specified with front or all-wheel drive and adds features including:-
• 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
• Smart Entry
• Power back door
• Front parking sensors
The Excel model (From £34,460* OTR – discounts available for export) extends the Design specification with: –
• Projector LED headlights • Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Power-adjustable heated door mirrors with auto-folding function and puddle lights
• Heated front seats
• Driver’s seat with power slide adjustment and lumbar support and memory function
• Full leather seat upholstery
• Heated steering wheel
• Headlight cleaners
• Windscreen wiper de-icer (front)
The options for the RAV4 Excel are a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system, packaged with a Panoramic View Monitor, and an opening panoramic roof (this choice replaces the spare wheel with a tyre repair kit).
Striking a more sporting appearance, the RAV4 Dynamic (From £35,250* OTR – discounts available for export) adopts (further to the Design specification):
• Black five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels
• Heated front sports seats
• Bi-tone metallic paint
• Black interior headlining
• Projector LED headlights
• Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Power door mirrors with auto-folding function and puddle lights
• Driver’s seat with power slide adjustment and lumbar support The same options are available as for the Excel grade
*Prices correct at date of publication