By Otsile Kadiege

After countless renders and official teaser images, Toyota’s all-new sixth-generation RAV4 has officially been unveiled. The newcomer ushers in a robust exterior design and styling, a sporty new GR-Sport derivative, engines with new hybrid technology, new technologies and advanced safety features.

Robust exterior design and styling

Outside, the new RAV4 blends ruggedness with modernity while borrowing a few design cues from its stablemates like the Crown Sport. Exterior highlights include C-shaped LED headlights and daytime running lights, a Land Cruiser 300-like bonnet with sharp creases, LED fog lights, contrasting wheel arches which house a variety of alloy wheel designs, a contrasting roof and pillars in gloss black, sculpted doors with sharp body line creases, a tailgate integrated spoiler, slim LED taillights and prominent “RAV4” lettering on the tailgate.

RAV4 GR-Sport

For the very first time, Toyota is introducing a GR-Sport package for the RAV4 nameplate. This package includes model-specific exterior styling and mechanical updates like a Matrix Grille, front and rear spoilers and a new wheel design, GR Sport badges all-round, a wider tread (+20 mm), exclusively tuned suspension and electric power steering (EPS), and lightweight aluminum wheels.

Modern and functional interior

Inside, the new RAV4 keeps things simple and functional while adding a bit of new tech. Standout features include a large 12.9-inch touch display, a new infotainment system which also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display unit, USB-C ports at the front and rear, a small-sized sunroof, and an improved luggage capacity of 749L.

The RAV4 GR-S sets itself apart with leatherette/suede combination seats with red pipings, GR branded headrests and floor mats, suede knee pads and red contrasts all-round.

Latest Toyota Safety Sense features

The new RAV4 is equipped with the latest suite of Toyota’s Safety Sense features. These include Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, new and more advanced Lane Change Assist with steering assist, Adaptive Cruise Control,remote-controlled Advanced Park, and an improved Panoramic View Monitor to name a few

Hybrid Powertrains

The new RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Customers can opt for a RAV4 with either Toyota’s latest sixth-generation HEV or PHEV technology. Power outputs range from 226hp (169kW) for the front-wheel drive, 236hp (176kW) for the AWD and 320hp (239kW) for the PHEV.

The PHEV features a newly developed system with a larger battery capacity. It avails a claimed 150km of pure electric range. The RAV4 PHEV also has DC fast charging capabilities which the automaker claims it charges the battery to 80% of capacity in around 30 minutes when using a 50kW charger or more (maximum 125).

Availability 

Toyota South Africa Motors is yet to confirm local availability.