The first presentation of the Toyota Rav 4 took place in an updated form in 2015 as a model optimal for release in 2016-2017, and possibly 2021.
The reason was that her appearance was much more intriguing than most car owners considered her. The Toyota RAV4 2018 immediately managed to gain quite a lot of popularity for its rather characteristic aggressive look, but at the same time, it could not be considered a copy of any car.
When creating it, the manufacturer used a collection of various kinds of design solutions that were borrowed from a large number of models made in different body types - from a hatchback to a Prado SUV.
New in 2021
The new Adventure trim features higher ground clearance, 18-inch wheels, and a 120-watt power outlet, plus an optional Cold Weather package that adds heated power front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a device that keeps the windshield wipers from freezing. The Tow Prep package allows the RAV4 to tow up to 1,315 kg with front-wheel drive and 1,587 kg with all-wheel drive.
How we tested the Toyota RAV4 2018
Driving impressions
While rivals gradually get bigger and more powerful, the RAV4 remains true to its roots. There is a spacious interior with plenty of cargo space and many different options to suit every taste. The modern Mazda CX-5 offers better handling and a more modern interior, while Toyota's creation wins back with a softer, more comfortable ride and better power reserves. It's true that the crossover's 2.5-liter engine isn't as powerful as some of its competitors, but the acceleration and fuel economy levels are on par with the Jeep Compass, Subaru Forester and Chevrolet Equinox. When it comes to true savings, there aren't many vehicles that can beat the RAV4 Hybrid's 5.0L/100km rating.
Specifications
Thanks to composite materials, the new Rav weighs less. Its total weight is now 1690 kg. The remaining parameters of Toyota correspond to the highest category. The new Rav 4 has the following body dimensions in cm:
- length – 457;
- width – 184;
- height – 167.
The ground clearance width is 20 cm and the wheelbase is 270 cm. The Rav4 suspension in the new body was made in a standard form using MacPherson struts and springs.
In the new body, the Rav 4 acquired the following technical characteristics:
- Capable of accelerating to 100 km in 11 seconds, using only 7.6 liters of fuel.
- Reaches a maximum speed of 180 km/h.
- It has a luggage compartment of 577 liters.
The new Rav is equipped with:
- two-liter gasoline engine with 146 hp;
- 2.5-liter engine with a power of 180 hp;
- diesel 2.2-liter engine with 150 hp.
The power units are installed together with a 6-position manual transmission, a continuously variable transmission, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new Rav can have front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
A hybrid engine with a power of 190 horsepower has already been installed on the new version of the Japanese Toyota Rav 4. The Japanese rush along the roads in this dynamic and agile SUV. The model in Russia will be available only with a gasoline unit.
Best Features
The new Adventure trim offers better off-road capabilities, higher ground clearance, available front seats, and a heated steering wheel with ice-melting device for windshield wipers. With this equipment, the RAV4 performs well in winter.
Toyota's focus on safety is evident in the RAV4 with the addition of Safety Sense-P. Thus, each model is equipped with: a collision mitigation system, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.
Read also
How we tested the Toyota RAV4 2017
Details about the Toyota RAV4
Interior
With high-quality plastics and soft-touch surfaces, the Toyota RAV4 offers a comfortable and inviting interior. The base LE model boasts contrasting colors for a premium feel. Meanwhile, the artificial carbon fiber trim on the door sills and gear shifter did not cause much excitement. Interestingly, leather upholstery is not available at all, but a material called SofTex imitates it quite well. The driver's seat is comfortable and offers plenty of support, especially in Limited and Platinum models. Rear passengers have plenty of room and the driver has plenty of cargo space.
Exterior
Overall, most people will like the look of the compact RAV4, especially with its sharp lines and positive aggressiveness. Owners of older versions will immediately notice the lack of a spare tire in the rear of the car. Although the spare tire has been around since the crossover's inception, Toyota made a smart move by eliminating it, allowing for doors that swing upwards. Loading large things is no longer a problem. Limited and Platinum models come standard with the amplifier available on the XLE model.
Basic equipment
The entry-level LE model comes with Entune with a 6.1-inch display, Bluetooth, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system and USB inputs. XLE models add a power sunroof, upgraded Entune with HD and satellite radio, dual-zone climate control and better front seats. With the SE model, the driver gets: a sports suspension, paddle shifters, SofTex seats, two-tone paint and cross-traffic alert. Limited models feature a power liftgate, SofTex upholstery, an Entune Premium audio system with navigation and apps, push-button ignition and other interesting features. The hybrid model is offered in XLE, SE and Limited trim levels.
Optional equipment
All-wheel drive is available on all RAV4 models and standard on the Hybrid. The general list of applications includes: a navigation system with Toyota's Entune telematics, which has voice recognition and numerous useful applications, a high-quality JBL audio system with 11 speakers, a parking system with a camera that will allow the driver to see everything from a bird's eye view. The XLE model can be equipped with a power liftgate. The Platinum package adds body-colored side moldings, a heated steering wheel, a JBL audio system, a smart key, and a hands-free trunk release.
New life for a famous car
Since 2013, the Toyota automaker began producing ultra-modern fourth and fifth generation RAV4 crossovers in Japan, Europe and the USA.
4th generation (2013-2018)
The smallest batch of the fourth generation XA40 (only three trim levels) went to the USA. In the ASA42 and ASA44 bodies, the designers “invested” the most voluminous trunk in all the years of production of the RAV4 - 1087 liters. On the contrary, five trim levels came to Europe on several types of gasoline and diesel power plants with a volume of 2.0 and 2.2 liters (ZSA40 and ALA44), with a moderate capacity of 547 liters.
Huge luggage compartment 4th generation
A review of RAV4 deliveries of those years to Russia shows that they were just as voluminous. Two types of luggage racks (506 and 577 liters) were mounted on cars with the new bodies ZSA42 and ZSA44, ASA44 and ALA49. A slightly smaller trunk (547 liters) was given to cars entering the Japanese market.
A distinctive feature of top-spec cars (Elegance and Prestige) is the electric tailgate.
The Toyota concern began producing the most modern fifth-generation RAV4 cars in March 2021 (XA50). For now they are available only to Japanese buyers, and are available in right-hand drive (front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, hybrid version). The luggage compartment volume on AA52 and AA54 bodies is 542 liters. It is noteworthy that in comparison with first-generation cars, the width of the car (and, accordingly, the transverse size of the trunk) has grown quite significantly - from 1695 mm to 1815 mm.
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