Toyota RAV4 design changes, determined to take the throne
The best-selling crossover model in the US and many other markets has a new design, sharper style and more power than the previous generation.
In the US over the past 3 years, RAV4 has achieved sales of 300,000-400,000 vehicles per year, ranking among the best-selling vehicles in the market. However, the current generation (from 2012) has 11 equipment versions but lacks the attractive elements that other competitors possess. These changes aim to refresh, increase competitiveness and maintain the throne.
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| The best-selling crossover has a more angular, muscular appearance than the current generation. |
The bad news for rivals is that the fifth-generation RAV4 is an upgrade in many aspects. First is style. The crossover's exterior design is a big departure from the current generation.
The lines and details are sharper and more aggressive. Angular LED headlights, square fenders, new hexagonal grille. LED taillights and dual exhaust pipes. Finally, the rearview mirror is completely moved from the A-pillar to the door to increase visibility.
The biggest change lies under the metal "coat".RAV4 2019 uses new TNGA structure(Toyota New Global Architecture)Toyota. This means the RAV4 is no longer on the same compact platform as the Prius, C-HR or Corolla, but on the same setup as the longer-wheelbase Camry and Avalon.
The crossover's wheelbase has increased by 30 mm while its overall length is shorter than the current generation. Width and ground clearance are slightly higher. Two-tone exterior options with contrasting body and roof colors. In particular, the new structure gives the RAV4 the option of 19-inch wheels on the highest version.
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Toyota has replaced the 2.5-liter inline-4 engine with a Dynamic Force 2.5-liter I-4 with VVT-iE electronic fuel injection. On the Camry, this engine produces 203 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, so the power on the new generation RAV4 is expected to be similar. The 6-speed automatic transmission has also been replaced with a new 8-speed.
With hybrid versions, the gasoline engine is combined with an electric motor and an upgraded CVT transmission. This setup on the Camry hybrid produces 176 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque.
The TNGA’s lighter, stiffer structure is also designed to improve handling. The unibody has a 57% increase in rigidity. Toyota hasn’t yet released a specific weight figure for the crossover.
RAV4 is also the first TNGA-based vehicle to feature all-wheel drive, and the first Toyota to feature Dynamic Torque Vectoring with crankshaft disconnection.
This system is standard on Limited and Adventure AWD trims, and sends up to 50 percent of the power to the rear axle, as well as to each wheel that needs it the most. It also stops sending power to the rear axle when needed. Lower trims come with a standard all-wheel drive system, while hybrids get the upgraded AWD-i system.
In addition to Normal, Eco and Sport modes, the RAV4 has a Multi-Terrain option that increases traction on snow, mud, sand, rocks, etc. The crossover has hill-start assist technology as standard, and with the traction control system, Toyota also offers downhill assist technology.
Compared to the 11 equipment versions of the current generation, the new generation RAV4 has been reduced to 9 versions: 5 for gasoline engines and 4 for hybrid engines. In which, the "newcomer" is the new two-tone XSE Hybrid version with a sporty style.
The Adventure version is inspired by the Tacoma pickup truck for some details to attract off-road enthusiasts, such as more prominent spoiler and fog lights, larger roof rack, 19-inch wheels... In the cabin are orange stitching on black leather, wireless charging for smartphones, 5 USB ports.
A 7-inch infotainment screen is standard on the Entune 3.0 trim, along with optional upgrades like an 8-inch screen, satellite radio, and navigation. The RAV4 joins the new Avalon and Corolla hatchback in integrating Apple CarPlay.The new-generation crossover also has Alexa and Wi-Fi connectivity. Finally, there is a JBL sound system with 11 speakers.
For the first time on a Toyota sold in North America, there is a digital rearview mirror (Limited only). The driver can flip a switch to display the image from the camera on the rearview mirror with a wider field of view than usual.
The 2019 RAV4 also uses softer materials. The front seats are heated, with cooling optional. If you have more money, you can also choose a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.
Safety technology on the RAV4 is the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian warning at night and cyclist warning during the day. In addition, there is lane keeping assist and lane departure warning.
Other prominent technology includes providing traffic information, such as speed limits, on a screen in front of the driver.Another advantage of the new generation RAV4 is that the mechanical brake is replaced by an electronic handbrake, which is standard equipment on all versions.
The RAV4 was designed and built in Japan. The new generation is produced at two factories in Woodstock and Cambridge (Canada). If demand exceeds expectations, the car can be produced at the factory in Japan.
The Toyota RAV4 gasoline version will be available from late 2018, while the hybrid version will be available from early 2019. The selling price has not been disclosed yet, but is expected to increase slightly compared to the current suggested price of $25,500 in the US.
RAV4 was born in 1994, and is at the end of its 4th generation, starting in 2013. In Vietnam, Toyota RAV4 is not officially distributed but imported privately. The price of a 2017 RAV4 model with a 2.5 liter engine is about 2 billion VND.
