All the stops have been pulled for the world debut of the all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4. The vehicle that created the small sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment made its fifth-generation debut at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, 28 March 2018.
The new RAV4 remains true to its impressive heritage as the original pioneer of the recreational SUV segment, making significant advances in powertrain technologies, dynamic performance, intelligent safety provisions and all-round quality.
Designers focused on the key words “adventure” and “refined” to produce a bolder and tougher presence with a lower, wider exterior profile and more sophisticated and premium interior with increased rear legroom.
The adoption of a Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform results in a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks for stable, confident driving while shorter overhangs enhance new RAV4’s ability to overcome rugged terrain. The 2019 RAV4 is the second SUV to adopt a TNGA platform, joining the C-HR that was launched last year.
A new multi-link rear suspension and chassis rigidity that has been improved by 57 per cent contribute to improved handling, minimum interior cabin noise and excellent ride comfort.
A new 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder engine features in both petrol and hybrid models to meet the demand of providing a highly responsive, yet fuel efficient driving experience.
An eight-speed direct-shift automatic transmission is mated to the petrol version while hybrid variants are equipped with a continuously variable transmission.
A new all-wheel-drive system can send 50 per cent of engine torque to the rear wheels and distribute it to the left or right rear wheel for improved handling.
The all-new 2.0-litre petrol engine will be designed specifically for the new TNGA architecture and will also be available with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
Toyota SA says: RAV4 will be the first hybrid SUV in the company’s local model line-up. The combination of Toyota’s latest hybrid system and an advanced new petrol engine will deliver impressive power output and exceptional energy efficiency.
Toyota’s hybrid technology will perfectly complement the work of engineers who have dialed-up the fun-to-drive factor by advancing every aspect of RAV4’s performance, handling and ride comfort.
Together with the robust exterior styling and sophisticated interior, the new RAV4 will offer even greater appeal to people with active lifestyles who want to explore the city or make a weekend trip to off road to the inlands and SA’s beautiful sceneries.
RAV4 leads the compact SUV segment in South Africa with average monthly sales in excess of 500 units.
The New York reveal also included a RAV4 Adventure model inspired by Toyota’s off-road vehicle heritage. It features a more rugged exterior with an aggressive grille, fog light surrounds, large over-fenders and unique wheel design.
In the US, the new RAV4 comes with a raft of new active-safety technologies that enhance protection, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, autonomous emergency braking, cruise control, automatic high beam to name a few.
PRELIMINARY EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
| 2019 RAV4 | CHANGE | |
| LENGTH (mm) | 4600 | -5 |
| WIDTH (mm) | 1855 | +10 |
| HEIGHT (mm) | 1700 | -10 |
| WHEELBASE (mm) | 2690 | +30 |
