After appearing in leaked photos on the internet and in teasers, the sixth generation of the Toyota RAV4 was finally officially revealed by the Japanese brand this week. With a more futuristic look and hybrid engine, the new Toyota RAV4 anticipates some design elements from the next generation of the Corolla and will go on sale next year. Just like the current model, the new SUV should also be sold in Brazil.
On the outside, the look is an evolution of the RAV4 currently sold around the world. The front features elements reminiscent of the Prius, such as the “C”-shaped LED headlights. The lights are connected by a horizontal bar, and the front grille and bumper vary depending on the version. In the case of the Core variant, the design is more minimalist and features an air intake with a honeycomb effect in body color, like the Corolla Cross.
The sporty GR Sport version features piano black details and more aggressive lines, with larger air intakes. Finally, the Adventure configuration – which will be called Woodland in some markets – has a more robust look and an off-road feel. The side is very reminiscent of the previous RAV4, but there are new creases and even the shape of the third side window has changed. Another new feature were the new design wheels.
Despite maintaining the TNGA-K+ modular base, the new Toyota RAV4 changed considerably in appearance and received updates and structural reinforcements, which made the new model a new generation, and not a simple restyling. The measurements are similar to those of the old RAV4, with 2 cm more length (4.62 m) and the same wheelbase (2.69 m). The height (1.72 m) increased by 12 cm, while the trunk (749 liters) gained an extra 16 liters of capacity.
At the rear, the LED lights are new, and are closer to the rear glass. In the middle of them, there is the Toyota logo in black and the RAV4 logo in stylized typography. The trunk lid also houses the license plate. Inside, everything is new: the highlight is the new 12.3” instrument panel and the multimedia center measuring up to 12.9” in the central part.
The rest of the console adopts straighter lines and features more functions focused on multimedia, reducing the number of buttons. Depending on the version, the seat patterns and some finishing details change. Another change is gear shifting: the GR Sport and Core versions feature a selector button, while the Woodland configuration, with a more traditional feel, opts for a conventional lever.
In all cases, the transmission will possibly be an e-CVT automatic, as in the current SUV. Among the other new features, Toyota also highlighted that the new RAV4 will be the first car with the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 package, which will have new, more advanced safety features and semi-autonomous driving. However, the Japanese brand has not yet detailed what the new equipment will be.
Regarding the engine, all versions of the Toyota RAV4 sold globally will be electrified, something that has already been a reality for a few years in Brazil. The new model will have HEV (full hybrid type, like the Corolla) and PHEV (plug-in hybrid) versions. The first will have a 2.5 naturally aspirated gasoline engine, which can be associated with one or two electric engines.
Power ranges from 229 to 239 hp in the USA, while traction can be front or full four-wheel drive. In Japan, the new Toyota RAV4 will be tamer, with power between 183 hp and 191 hp. The most powerful versions feature two electric motors and all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid RAV4 has become more efficient, and now travels up to 100 km in 100% electric driving mode.
Power varies between 268 hp and 304 hp, also with front or all-wheel drive options. Now, it is also possible to recover up to 80% of the 22.68 kWh battery charge in just 30 minutes, when using fast chargers of up to 50 kW. Full charging with 11 kW units takes three hours to complete.
Toyota has not yet revealed the prices of the new RAV4, and has only said that the first deliveries of the new SUV will be made next year. As the SUV arrives imported to Brazil, the new generation of the Toyota RAV4 should be launched shortly after markets such as the USA, Japan and Europe, which have higher sales volumes.
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