The Toyota RAV4 was the car that started the compact 4WD craze, so the latest version to hit New Zealand is an important event, says Damien O’Carroll
The Toyota RAV4 has come a long way since its inception as a small crossover SUV based on the Corolla platform. Its success has been undeniable and unsurprising, as the market for such vehicles exploded globally, but particularly here in New Zealand. As with all things in the automotive world, the RAV4 has grown considerably since its first generation and now, 19 years since it first appeared, we have a new, bigger RAV4. Picking up on Toyota’s new generation of “family” styling cues, the RAV4 now has more visually in common with a Corolla than it ever has before. It also shares an engine and transmission, with the 2WD models getting the same 107kW/187Nm 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and continuously variable transmission as found in the Corolla. Two other engines are available in the RAV4 line up: a 132kW/233Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, and a 110kW/340Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel. Both engines are only available with a six-speed automatic transmission, with Toyota NZ having decided to drop the manual option altogether with the new generation car. The range kicks off with the GX that comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, seven airbags (including a driver’s knee bag), LED daytime running lights, cruise control, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a rear tonneau cover and luggage net. The 2WD 2-litre petrol CVT GX starts the range at $39,990, while the 4WD 2.5-litre auto ups this to $47,290. The diesel tops the GX range at $49,290. The GXL comes next, and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, push-button start, dual zone air conditioning, rain sensing wipers, fog lights, rear privacy glass, and a leather steering wheel and gear knob. The GXL starts at $44,490 for the 2-litre 2WD petrol CVT. The 2.5-litre 4WD lands at $51,490, while the diesel costs $53,490. The Limited model tops the range, and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, a blind spot monitoring system, auto-levelling HID headlights, headlight washers, partial (artificial) leather seats, power adjustable, heated driver and front passenger seats and a tilt and slide moon roof. The Limited is only available in 4WD. The 2.5-litre petrol costs $60,790, while the diesel is a hefty $62,790. Inside, the new RAV4 is impressively roomy, well-designed, and nicely put together. The driving position is pleasantly commanding, without being too high, and there is an large amount of adjustability in the seats, particularly in height. The dash is heavily stylised, with a distinct “cockpit” arrangement to the driving position. While the majority of the controls are well laid out and sensibly placed, there are a few ergonomic howlers, such as the odd, almost hidden, placement of the hill descent control button. On the road, the RAV4 feels well-planted and confident on the tarmac. It has a secure, assured feel, while remaining impressively responsive to steering input. Body roll is present, but surprisingly minimal. You are left with no doubt whatsoever that the RAV4 is predominantly a FWD vehicle, but the 4WD system is progressive and nicely calibrated. A small off-road excursion at the launch coincided with the first serious rain in quite some time, so proved two things: the RAV4’s hill descent system is effective, if very abrupt, and that road tyres and clay do not mix, even with 4WD. This aside, the RAV4 was as capable off-road as the vast majority of its owners will ever require of it, especially given it has a maximum ground clearance of only 187mm (for the 2WD and diesel variants). Oddly the 2.5 4WD only has 167mm. At first glance, Toyota seems to have hit on another winner with the new RAV4. It is impressively refined on the road, capable enough for most off it, and it looks good, has more interior space and improved fuel economy.
The idea of a $60k plus RAV4 may cause a sharp intake of breath, but then not many have paid list price for a Toyota before, so why start now?
