Summarize

Toyota has released its all-new fifth-generation RAV4 in South Africa. First launched in 1994, RAV4 celebrates a quarter century of defining the fun SUV niche in an expressive, angular exterior design with improved Torque Vectoring AWD functionality, new Dynamic Force engines in a three-grade line-up packed with Toyota Safety Sense tech.

Riding on far stiffer Toyota New Global Architecture with a lower centre of gravity through an all-wheel drive system comprehensively improved to achieve  'drive-on-any-road' capability, RAV4’s dynamic new design boasts assertive and angular features with a bold bumper, grille, LED headlights and tail lights creating a broad, athletic build that tapers towards the back to provide an all-round muscular appearance and a cabin characterised by high sensory quality throughout.

Wheelbase increases by 30mm but 35mm combined reduced front and rear overhangs, mean the new one has a 5mm shorter overall length and sits 10mm lower, yet is 10mm wider with better all-round visibility with a more engaging driving position, without detracting from the commanding view of the road - a defining SUV quality.

New RAV4 offers a choice of two four-cylinder petrol engines — a 127kW 203Nm 2-litre good for 6.5l/100km and 147g/km CO2 and 152kW 243Nm 2.5-litre that sips 7.3l/100km at 16 g/km. These Dynamic Force engines boast intelligent variable valve timing for improved performance and a more responsive and fuel-efficient drive. They turn the choice of a 6-speed manual or a 10-step Shiftmatic CVT in the 2-litre, or an 8-speed automatic transmission in the 2.5-litre.

Latest all-wheel drive technology sees the arrival of Toyota’s first dynamic torque vectoring with Rear Driveline Disconnect to manage torque distribution between the rear wheels for stable performance and accurate response to driver inputs when cornering, both in dry and slippery conditions. AWD Integrated Management meanwhile automatically adjusts different vehicle systems – steering assist, brake and throttle control, shift pattern and drive torque distribution - to ‘Mud & Sand’ and ‘Rock & Dirt’ drive modes. 

RAV4 now comes in three-grade strategy – GX, GX-R and the ‘edgier’ new VX. GX gets 17-inch alloys, roof rails, LED headlights, button start, a seven-inch infotainment, Cruise Control, Reverse Camera and rear Park Distance Control. The dirt-baised GX-R gets 18-inch alloys, an unique grille, prominent skidplate and chunky black over-fenders and adds power leather seats with lumbar and heating, leather steering wheel and trim, smart entry, auto-dimming mirror, auto wipers, wireless charging and climate control.

The Flagship VX gets cool 19-inch alloys, Auto High Beam, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, memory seats, a power tailgate, Panoramic View Monitor plus front PDC; a TFT multi-info display and a large LCD speedometer display with MID readouts, cruise-control functionality and safety feature status.

RAV4 is equipped with a full suite of driver, passenger, knee and curtain Airbags on all models; ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Assist Control and Trailer Sway Control all catered. VX adds Toyota Safety Sense with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Control, Blind-Spot Monitor and Pre-Crash System for an impressive level of autonomous driving via steering assist and radar-controlled braking and acceleration functions.       

GX models are fitted with black fabric interior trim, while the GX-R is available in both Black and Orchid Brown Art-leather. VX derivatives offer buyers a choice between Black and Ivory leather interior. All models carry a 6-services/90 000 km service plan with 12-month/15 000km intervals and a 3-year/100 000km Warranty.

2.0 GX MT 2WD – R 416 400

2.0 GX CVT 2WD – R 427 600

2.0 GX-R CVT AWD – R508 100

2.0 VX CVT 2WD – R505 400

2.5 VX 8AT AWD – R577 900