The fifth generation RAV4 was launched officially here with a mix of on and yes some off-road driving through the Manawatu and middle of the North Island at the beginning of April.
With close on 40,000 units sold since the launch of the then ground-breaking first-gen ‘crossover model back in 1995, Toyota claims that the RAV4 is New Zealand’s biggest-selling SUV by a long shot.
So, it’s fair to say that there is plenty riding on the on-going appeal of the new Gen 5 version, which with its larger overall footprint, sharper more angular styling and choice of hybrid drivetrains, represents the most revolutionary change in the popular model’s 24-year history.
Access all areas
For instance, in a first for Toyota New Zealand’s SUV line-up, a hybrid powertrain will be available across all three grades, GX, GXL and Limited, all in all-wheel drive. Two all-wheel drive petrol grades, GXL and Adventure, and three front-wheel drive petrol grades, GX, GXL and Limited complete the line-up.
The 2019 RAV4 comes in three powertrain options, including a 2.5-litre hybrid-electric petrol engine for the first time in a New Zealand-specified RAV4.
Primary power unit in the hybrid line-up is a new 131kW 2.5 Litre petrol engine mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT). Peak power increases to 163kW when combined with the hybrid system, one which produces a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4.8L/100km with CO2 emissions as low as 112g/km.
New ‘electric’ AWD system
The new RAV4 Hybrid models are the first Toyotas here to include an E-Four AWD system which uses a dedicated electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. The new system sends up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear axle and the differential can then send it in varying amounts to the individual wheels.
Operating independently from the hybrid system’s front electric motor and driving the rear wheels alone, E-Four smoothly switches the RAV4 Hybrid AWD to all-wheel-drive on slippery road surfaces and from stationary starts.
The new range-topping Adventure model justifies its nametag by featuring a Toyota first – a Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system.
All petrol all-wheel-drive models also offer a multi-terrain option if you head off-piste in one, with a Mud and Sand mode for beach driving or Rock & Dirt one for fire trials, etc.
Using the Multi-Information Display (MID), the driver can also view torque allocation and slip control, which will fluctuate depending on driving conditions.
Based on
The Gen 5 RAV4 is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform which, with its low centre of gravity and significantly increased body rigidity, contributes to superior handling and ride comfort.
Gen 5 RAV4 is wider with a higher ride height, and has a longer wheelbase – now 2,690mm – over the current model to liberate more cabin space, particularly in the back seat. Rear passengers get better access as well with a larger rear door opening angle.
Styling-wise the new model has an altogether sharper, more chiselled look with the emphasis up front on width and strength with extra volume added to the lower bumper section.
The new Adventure model in particular stands out thanks to its larger over-fenders, more aggressive bumper, grille design and fog light surrounds. Its 19-inch, five-spoke wheels with matte-black accents are exclusive to the Adventure model as is its Safari Green colour option.
Tow, tow, tow your boat
The significant extra traction provided by the E-Four system also provides considerable functional benefits for Kiwis who like to tow things; the RAV4 Hybrid AWD, for instance, has a (braked) towing capacity of 1,500kg– one of the highest yet achieved by a hybrid vehicle and identical to the 2.5L petrol models so there is no compromise in performance when choosing the hybrid.
All RAV4s also include Trailer Sway Control in their suite of electronic safety aids. These aids are offered across the entire eight-variant range as part of Toyota New Zealand’s Toyota Safety Sense initiative which includes all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking including pedestrian detection and daylight bicyclist detection, road sign assist, lane tracing assist and automatic high beam.
Other safety tech all RAV4s now come standard with includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing cameras, front and rear parking sensors, and seven airbags.
Inside job
Inside, the RAV4, the cabin has a premier look and feel thanks to more soft-touch surfaces than before, including the dashboard and door panels. All models come with Satellite Navigation with SUNA traffic channel as standard on an eight-inch touchscreen, while the Limited and Adventure models also have a seven-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) dashboard featuring an optional digital speedometer display. The GX and GXL models have a 4.2-inch colour MID.
Heated and ventilated front seats are available on the Adventure model.
Choice and how much?
Three urban-oriented front-wheel drive petrol variants, GX, GXL and Limited, all feature a newly-designed 127kW/203Nm 2.0 litre direct injection petrol engine coupled with a direct-shift CVT combination.
The new Dynamic Force 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, meanwhile, is paired with an eight-speed Automatic Transmission in the all-wheel-drive petrol GXL and Adventure models.
Toyota Drive-away pricing includes all on road costs; WOF, registration, a full tank of fuel, the Toyota Care Service Advantage package, floor mats, and the three years or 100,000 kms warranty.
