Toyota officially launched the new sixth-generation RAV4 in Plano, Texas today. It still rides on the TNGA-K modular platform, but both inside and out got a full makeover. Powertrain options stick with the classic gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid setups to cover different market needs worldwide. Word is, it'll hit North America first before rolling out elsewhere.
Looking back at history, the first generation RAV4 was born in 1994. Its full name is Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive. It is one of the earliest models in the world to integrate the passenger car platform with the functionality of SUV. It can be said to be the pioneer of urban SUVs.
RAV4 is undoubtedly the "pillar" of Toyota. From the first generation to the latest sixth generation, every generation of RAV4 has almost dominated the sales list of the same level. Since 2017, it has become the world's best-selling SUV model many times, and even ranked among the top three in global passenger car sales for many consecutive years, writing a "legendary story" for Toyota.
Back to the topic, this major facelift of RAV4 adopts Toyota's latest family design vocabulary, which is in line with bZ4X and the new generation of Camry; in terms of body size, its length, width and height are 4595mm, 1854mm, and 1702mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 2690mm.
From the front, the C-shaped headlights are highly recognizable, and the light groups are connected by horizontal decorative strips, creating a stronger visual hierarchy. In addition, the front of the new car is surrounded by a mesh frameless grille, and the lower surround is supplemented by ventilation openings, making the front face look quite powerful.
From the side, its overall outline continues the tough tone before the facelift, and the details such as wheel arches, door handles and rearview mirrors remain the same. The rear triangular window has been redesigned to optimize the field of vision for rear passengers. At the rear, the taillight shape has been redesigned, and a large number of vertical bar elements have been added to the lamp cavity to echo the rear surround. At the same time, the word "RAV4" is marked in the center to prove its identity.
It is worth mentioning that this generation of RAV4 also offers two additional different appearances. One is the more sporty GR Sport version, which uses a large-size mesh grille, combined with aerodynamic openings on both sides and smoked front and rear lights, exterior mirrors and spoiler design, presenting a strong GR family sports atmosphere.
The body size of the RAV4 GR Sport version is different from the regular version. Its length, width and height are 4618mm, 1880mm and 1687mm respectively. In addition, it is also equipped with a set of 20-inch wheels and has a more sporty suspension tuning to improve handling performance.
In addition, the new RAV4 also launched the Woodland version for users who love the outdoors. The new car is equipped with a large hexagonal air intake grille, with LED lights integrated inside the grille to enhance the night lighting effect, and comes standard with a roof rack and all-terrain tires, highlighting its strong outdoor attributes. The length, width and height of this version are 4618mm, 1880mm and 1722mm.
Inside the car, the new RAV4 naturally adopts a new design style, and the central control area is equipped with a 12.9-inch touch screen host and a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel. At the same time, it also has Toyota's latest in-car system built in, and supports chassis perspective imaging, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In terms of intelligent driving, the new car also introduces the Toyota Arene software architecture for the first time to further enhance the intelligent foundation of the entire vehicle. Under this, it is equipped with an upgraded version of the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 system, which, together with stronger perception hardware, can achieve full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic lane changing with turn signals and many other mainstream auxiliary functions.
In terms of power, the power configuration of the gasoline version is expected to remain unchanged, while the hybrid version will be equipped with Toyota's own fifth-generation hybrid system, consisting of a 2.5L gasoline engine and an electric motor. The front-wheel drive model has a total output of 226 horsepower, while the four-wheel drive version can output 236 horsepower.
The plug-in hybrid's crankin' out a fat 320 ponies now, slingin' a 22.7kWh li-ion brick. WLTP-certified silent mode? Straight bussin' 100 clicks - enough juice for your workweek slog or weekend smash runs. This eco-beast's battery game ghosts gas stations harder than a modded Supra dodges smog checks. Pro tip: That EV range slaps harder than cold air intakes in July traffic.