Technical characteristics of RAV 4 in a new body, colors

Specifications

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The new fifth generation Toyota RAV4 with the index XA50 was released in 2018 at the New York Auto Show. Afterwards the model went on sale. The model has already reached the Russian market and local production has been organized. In comparison with the previous generation, the car has changed dramatically, becoming not only better, but also changing in image.

Toyota RAV4: review

When the first RAV4 appeared in Russia, it brought unexpected success to Toyota. In fact, the car already personified what would be called a crossover much later. It all started with a smart three-door model with bright plastic panels on the sides, all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, short overhangs and a two-liter 16-valve petrol engine producing 129 hp. With. In February 1995, Toyota added a five-door model with a longer wheelbase.

On a note!

In 2021, Japan produced the successful model in its fifth generation, and the previous modification turned into a roomy SUV.

Vehicle Features

At the presentation, the manufacturer stated that the Rav 4 is no longer just a city car. The car is designed for active people who love cross-country trips to nature.

Compared to the previous generation, the exterior of the crossover has undergone a number of changes. The design features a wide radiator grille, a massive front bumper, and angular wheel arches.

The appearance has become more sporty and aggressive, this impression is created thanks to black plastic inserts installed on the bottom of the body.

The interior is equipped with an Entune 3.0 multimedia system. It is controlled via the touch display on the central panel.

The car is five-seater, but due to the updated body the luggage compartment has increased. There are no seven-seat options on the Russian market, even for an additional fee.

A distinctive feature of the fourth Rav was also the increased ground clearance. It is 15 mm higher when compared to the previous generation. The new TNGA-K platform helped to realize this.

The security system has also been updated. It warns of the risk of hitting a pedestrian or colliding with another car. The new technology also recognizes road signs, controls lane departures and automatically switches between low and high beam headlights.

2020 Toyota RAV4: trim levels and prices

Toyota changed just a few things about the RAV4 in April. The Business Edition is only available for 4x2 vehicles – based on the Comfort version. It comes with a blind spot warning system with reverse assist, heated seats, Toyota Touch&Go Plus navigation system and digital radio.

The company is offering the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid only from April 2020. Option with a two-liter gasoline suction engine producing 175 hp. With. was excluded from the range due to lack of demand in many European countries. Buyers of the hybrid version in St. Petersburg, Moscow and other cities choose the 4x2 version in 50% of cases, which means savings of almost 300 thousand rubles.

The cheapest Toyota RAV-4 hybrid with front-wheel drive and 218 hp. With. now available at prices starting from RUB 2.96 million. Club model includes:

• digital interior mirror (Smart View Mirror);
• heated steering wheel;
• heated seats for driver and front passenger;
• 18-inch wheels;
• heated wipers and washer nozzles;
• headlight cleaning system;
• door sills;
• emergency system.

Additional features (metallic paint, Navi Touch&Go Plus, technology package, which costs almost 130 thousand rubles) will increase the price of the car to 3.8 million rubles. Advanced equipment may include:

• radio;
• wireless smartphone charging pad;
• smart key system;
• blind spot warning system;
• reverse assistant;
• electric tailgate;
• entrance lighting;
• built-in exterior mirror.

Fact!

Even in the Comfort version, roof rails, parking sensors front and rear, fog lights, rain sensors and a Toyota Touch multimedia audio system with a rear view camera are standard.

Dimensions:

• length - 4.60 m;
• wheelbase - 2.69 m;
• width - 1.85 m;
• height - 1.68 m;
• empty vehicle weight - 1650-1730 kg.

Even the base model features typical Toyota extensive standard equipment:

• dual-zone automatic air conditioning;
• automatic low beam;
• lane tracking;
• emergency braking system with cyclist and pedestrian recognition;
• 7 airbags, including knee airbags for the driver.

Toyota RAV 4 — Tiguan from the inside

We sit in the front

Volkswagen Tiguan

The current Volkswagen Tiguan has been in production since 2021 and should soon undergo a restyling. The fifth generation of the RAV4 entered the market in 2019, but there are no breakthrough solutions in the interior of the Japanese crossover. According to the criterion of “digitalization” of the front panel, Volkswagen is ahead: the German crossover has a virtual dashboard and a more modern and responsive multimedia system. Although both cars have an 8-inch touchscreen for the entertainment system, the Tiguan has a more advanced interface, better graphics and response. Perhaps the only advantage of the touch screen in the RAV4 is the ability to operate it with gloves.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota has softer and more comfortable leather seats. Volkswagen offers seats with a combined finish and developed lateral support. There are no serious complaints about the landing of any crossover: the perception depends on the individual preferences of the driver. Unlike the Tiguan, the RAV4 has navigation with voice control, an additional niche for an eyeglass case, decorative interior lighting, wireless charging for gadgets, electrically adjustable driver's seat and adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition.

Digital dashboard Toyota RAV 4

Volkswagen offers full LED optics, a rear view camera washer and a pre-heater with a timer - these are options that the RAV4 cannot be equipped with at any price. Our Toyota is superior to Volkswagen in terms of equipment, but the difference in price between the test cars is 286 thousand rubles, so a richer set of additional equipment is understandable. Comparing the interiors from the front, we did not find a clear favorite - equally divided.

Score 2:3

Comparison of rear interiors

Volkswagen Tiguan

Toyota RAV4

In terms of dimensions, the Toyota RAV4 is slightly larger than the Tiguan: the Japanese crossover is 114 millimeters longer and 16 millimeters wider. However, the difference in wheelbase is only 9 millimeters in favor of the RAV4. The second row in the RAV4 is spacious: legroom and headroom for passengers 180 centimeters tall behind an equally tall driver reaches 15 centimeters. Toyota offers adjustable backrest angle, a pair of USB sockets, electric heating for the rear sofa and a single halogen backlight.

Despite the fact that the Volkswagen is more compact than its competitor, the Tiguan has even more legroom and less headroom. Passengers can take advantage of fold-out tables from the front seats and a single USB outlet. But in the German crossover there is a separate climate control zone at the back, the seat moves longitudinally and is coolly transformed: you can transport skis or long items. There is no heated rear seat in the Tiguan, and the width of the space is less than in the RAV4; moreover, the high central tunnel is a hindrance - the Toyota is better suited for driving five people. For four passengers, both models are equally comfortable, equally.

Score 3:4

Specifications

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is built to meet the latest Euro 6d-ISC-FCM emissions standard. The battery type has been changed from nickel-metal hydride to lithium-ion - with the same characteristics and capacity, but with less weight.

The hybrid drive has a power of 222 hp. s., 2.5-liter gasoline engine - 178 liters. s., and the front electric motor – 88 kW. Torque of the internal combustion engine is 221 Nm in the range from 3600 to 5200 rpm. Thanks to this, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 180 km/h.

Power transmission is handled by a continuously variable transmission, and thanks to the increased power, the notorious howl at high power consumption can hardly be heard.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid consumes a comparatively high 7.1 liters per 100 km. When driving fast on motorways, consumption increases significantly - a well-known factor in Toyota hybrid drives. This feature is confirmed by reviews.

Price and options

Buyers can choose one of four available trim levels for the crossover with a gasoline engine: Standard, Comfort, Prestige and Prestige Safety.

The hybrid version is provided in the “Active” configuration, close to the gasoline “Standard” one.

The basic version of the car is equipped with:

• heated front seats;
• air conditioner;
• multimedia system;
• electric windows;
• adjustable mirrors;
• fog lights;
• wheel pressure control;
• hill assist system.

Price: 1,756,000 rub.

“Comfort” is additionally equipped with:

• light and rain sensors;
• heated steering wheel;
• engine start button;
• aluminum cast wheels;
• climate and cruise control;
• rear view camera.

Price: 1,980,000 rub.

“Prestige” complements the “Comfort” package:

• leather upholstered seats;
• all-wheel drive with rear-wheel torque distribution;
• electric adjustment of the lumbar support of the driver's seat.

Price: 2,290,000 rub.

“Prestige Safety” adds to the previous configuration:

• 4 cameras with panoramic view;
• Blind spot monitoring when reversing;
• Safety Sense active safety system.

Price: 2,661,000 rub.

The hybrid version of the car is not yet for sale in Russia; representatives of the brand decided to promote this modification on the European market, where its average price is 22,000 euros.

Driving behavior

Toyota has managed to redesign the RAV4 Hybrid to make it easy to drive. Body rigidity has been improved by 57%.

As a result, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid exhibits body roll when cornering. The matching of the spring and shock absorber is also very harmonious and has a great influence on the stress-free ride.

The RAV4 is more difficult to drive off-road. The main focus is on front-wheel drive. When required, adaptive all-wheel drive AWD-i sends up to 80 percent of torque to the rear axle via a 40 kW electric motor.

At the same time, a button on the center console can be used to activate a mode that, if necessary, actively brakes the slip of the drive wheels on slippery surfaces. Unfortunately, there is no hill descent assist, so off-road driving, while possible, is not recommended.

Toyota RAV 4 - Tiguan: rise

Toyota RAV4

The new generation RAV4 is equipped with an unusual all-wheel drive system with two separate clutches on the rear axle. In theory, a scheme with independent rear wheel drives allows you to simulate a differential lock and save fuel when driving on asphalt.

The Tiguan with the Offroad package has its own trump card - the off-road mode selection puck. Connectable all-wheel drive is implemented through the usual rear axle coupling, all locks are electronic.

To test the off-road capabilities, a snow-covered hill was chosen, on which unfrozen sand lurked under the soft snow.

Toyota gave up quickly: the all-wheel drive system overheated in just six seconds when starting from a standstill under load. You won’t be able to skid for a long time on the new RAV4: electronics protect the transmission, offering the driver to choose an alternative route. Volkswagen was unable to climb the mountain in both the “Sand” and “Rocks” modes, but the electronic systems did not produce any errors. The German crossover intelligently distributes traction between the wheels and forgives long-term slipping.

Probably, if the Tiguan had been shod with the same studded Nokian tires as the RAV4, the Kaluga all-terrain vehicle could have climbed further.

In addition, the Tiguan's geometric cross-country ability is better than that of the RAV4 due to smaller overhangs, so the Volkswagen is preferable for off-road use.

Score 3:5

Interior

The interior of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is built strictly horizontally. The photo and actual inspection show that the materials are not of particularly high quality. Fabric seats for the car interior (cost about 136 thousand rubles) are very comfortable, but the levers for the backrest and height adjustment are made of the cheapest plastic. The door handles and wide armrests look very solid.

In the instruments on the left there is a display of the hybrid system, on the right there is an element with scales for the contents of the tank and the temperature of the engine coolant. There is a 7-inch display for the trip computer, which can also be used to display speed.

The center console of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid features an 8-inch multimedia display surrounded by a durable aluminum frame. All air conditioning functions are grouped below. They are complemented by small buttons for heating the windows and recirculating air. Just below are seat heating buttons and a shelf for charging a smartphone. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a lot of shelves:

• several large door pockets;
• large storage compartment between the seats;
• shelf for flat items above the glove compartment.

Narrow A-pillars and a hood that is flatter and sloped by 15 mm compared to its predecessor provide good visibility from the front. The low window line along with the large windows also provide good visibility to the sides, and the relatively large third side window provides better angled rearward visibility than many competitors. If you're having trouble maneuvering in reverse, a rearview camera, standard on all base models, can help.

On a note!

The current Toyota RAV4 hybrid is assembled on the new TNGA platform - Toyota New Global Architecture.

It increases the wheelbase to 2690 mm. The back seat is quite spacious.

The trunk also benefits from the longer wheelbase. Its volume has increased to 580 liters, and the length of the cargo floor has increased by 60 mm.

The width of the cargo compartment is 1 meter at its narrowest and 1.35 meters at its widest. Additional advantages are the load threshold, the height of which is only 75 cm, the maximum trailer load (with brake) is 2 tons. Noteworthy is the height-adjustable and reversible cargo compartment lid. Together with the rear door, which is suspended on 2 durable shock absorbers, it can be opened using a remote control,

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid can be called a real truck for a comfortable ride for five people. Only the cheap and scratch-sensitive plastic linings on the trunk walls spoil the overall impression and show that Toyota has saved money here.

New salon

Inside, a lot has changed for the better, except for the steering wheel. The 3-spoke steering wheel is the first thing the driver sees, but it has practically not been changed. This is the same steering wheel with many buttons, but comfortable.

The interior is upholstered in leather, the color of which is chosen by the buyer; in minimal configurations, the upholstery is fabric. The manufacturer has improved sound insulation and the quality of plastic; there are no squeaks now. Inside the new Toyota RAV4 2020-2021 there are 5 seats, front seats with light lateral support, attached high headrest and heating as standard. There is a simple sofa in the back.

Let's return to the driver's seat. Depending on the configuration, the style of the dashboard changes. The regular version has a classic analog instrument panel with a large display in the middle. The outermost sensors will remain at the top, and an informative large display will appear in the middle, simulating a speedometer.

The center console now features a 7-inch base and 8-inch Entune 3.0 touchscreen multimedia display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multimedia is coupled with a JBL audio system with 11 speakers and a power of 800 watts. Below is a separate climate control adjustment unit with a monitor and two huge adjustment dials. Next is the button to turn off the Toyota RAV4 stabilization system and the touch buttons for heated seats.

The tunnel in the depths has a cigarette lighter, USB and AUX ports. Next you can see a stylish, massive gear lever, next to which there are buttons for selecting driving modes:

• Eco;
• Normal;
• Sport;
• Snow;
• Mud&Sand;
• Rock % Dirt.

Next are niches for small items and an armrest. The trunk is large - 580 liters, and for practicality the rear bench folds in a 60:40 ratio, increasing the compartment to 1189 liters. There is a system for opening with a wave of the foot.

Exterior

Compared to the rather boring and interchangeable design of the third and fourth generations, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has acquired a new status and character.

The stylish design caters to the tastes of clients from all over the world, but at the same time it looks quite independent and authentic.

The wraparound C-pillar, which extends to the rear door handle, or the light edge, visible from the base of the A-pillar above the front fender almost to the headlight, give a sculptural shape to the body.

The front part is vertical. The rods on which the fog lights are located are set back significantly. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid does without false elements, which are very popular among some European brands.

The wheel arches are angular rather than round, black areas on the underside and underrun guards plus the ground clearance increased by 15 mm finally convince us that this is an SUV.

18-inch alloy wheels with 225/60 R18 tires (basic version - 17 inches) make the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, created in Japan, ideal for Russian roads.

Is the body rigidity normal?

With the change of generations, the body rigidity of the Toyota RAV4 increased by 57%. Tiguan had no problems with the power structure. On both models, the trunks closed even when the car was hanging - equally.

When hanging the wheels, the fifth door closes easily in both cars; no body distortions were detected.

Final score 5:6 in favor of Tiguan

conclusions

The minimal victory of the Volkswagen Tiguan over the new generation Toyota RAV4 came as a surprise, especially considering the prices of the Japanese crossover. Toyota can offer customers a new design, a spacious interior and a more balanced chassis compared to its predecessor. However, in a head-to-head comparison with the Tiguan, there are few clear advantages: silence in the cabin, a spacious trunk and a comfortable suspension.

It’s too early to judge whether the new generation of RAV4 will retain its signature reliability, liquidity on the secondary market and popularity among car thieves. However, in the class of compact non-premium crossovers, Toyota's offer is one of the most expensive; the price difference with the Tiguan is 200-400 thousand rubles.

Manufacturers' pricing policy:

Volkswagen-Tiguan-Toyota-RAV4: how much?

Prices for a Toyota RAV4 with front-wheel drive, 6-speed manual transmission and a 2.0-liter 149-horsepower naturally aspirated engine start at 1 million 805 thousand rubles. Versions with a CVT and all-wheel drive will cost at least 2 million 135 thousand rubles. For a more powerful 2.5-liter engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, you need to pay an additional 197 thousand rubles, but the configurations are packaged. A test car with the maximum list of options, a 2.5-liter engine, two clutches in the rear axle drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission will cost 2 million 713 thousand rubles. The basic Volkswagen Tiguan with a 125-horsepower 1.4 turbo engine, 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive costs 1 million 619 thousand rubles. The all-wheel drive version with the Offroad package, a 150-horsepower turbo engine and the same gearbox will cost 1 million 929 thousand rubles, the overpayment for a 6-speed “robot” will be 140 thousand rubles. For 2 million 269 thousand rubles you can get a crossover with a 150-horsepower turbodiesel or 180-horsepower gasoline engine, a 7-speed “robot” and an Offroad package. The top version of the Tiguan with a 220-horsepower gasoline engine and maximum equipment will cost 2 million 739 thousand rubles, and with the maximum set of options the price will exceed 3.2 million rubles. A test car with the Offroad package, a gasoline 180-horsepower turbo engine, a 7-speed robot, the Innovation package, 18-inch alloy wheels and a pre-heater will cost 2 million 427 thousand rubles.

Video test Toyota RAV 4 - Volkswagen Tiguan I repeat below, technical specifications at the end of the article

Reviews

I noticed some disadvantages in the car. In particular, plastic scratches easily. The headlights were also not particularly impressive - they shine dimly.

Fedor, Kolomna

Handling is good, but a little clunky in corners. In my opinion, it eats a lot of fuel.

Stanislav, St. Petersburg

The fifth generation Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid is more impressive than any of its predecessors and boasts more usable space and extensive equipment. The SUV provides a relaxing driving experience thanks to low noise levels, harmonious chassis coordination and good all-round visibility.