First test drive of the new generation Toyota RAV4

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When moving from the fourth to the fifth generation, the RAV4 pulled two tricks with its appearance at once. Firstly, for the first time in its quarter-century history, design is clearly defined as masculine. Until now it was unisex at best. Secondly, an optical illusion is triggered for the eye. Chopped rough features suggest that the car has expanded greatly in size. Nothing happened! The length was cut by half a centimeter, the height was the same. And only the base has added 30 mm, for which the rear passengers will thank you.

But where the geometry has become better is under the bottom and bumpers. Depending on the size of the wheels (for the first time, wheels with a diameter of up to 19 inches are installed on the Rafik), the ground clearance is 195–200 mm. For the 2.0 engine, this is at the level of its predecessor, which had 197 mm. But the 2.5 unit previously left only 165 mm from the asphalt. Now it has the same clearance as a decent SUV. Pass!

With an advanced AWD scheme, the crossover is not afraid of diagonal hanging. True, you will have to pay at least 2.3 million rubles for such execution.

A rough measurement with a tape measure showed that the numbers were similar to honest ones. And in two days of testing, we still didn’t scratch the bottom. Although once, in an effort to take a shortcut, we drove into such a jungle using the navigator that, realizing the ambush of the situation, we had difficulty turning around.

Fifth Toyota RAV4 for the Russian Federation: new engines, two types of all-wheel drive. On the assembly line - in the fall

From October 1, the St. Petersburg Toyota plant will stop producing the RAV4 SUV, which is relevant for Russia. Let us remind you that our fourth generation crossover was registered in August 2021. Its place will be taken by the fifth generation RAV4, which debuted last spring - the model was presented in New York. By the way, the new cross has been sold in many markets for a long time.

During the generation change, the crossover moved from the New MC platform to the GA-K TNGA architecture, which increased body rigidity and lowered the center of gravity. The wheelbase has increased by 30 mm compared to its predecessor (up to 2,690 mm). At the same time, the cross is 5 mm shorter than its predecessor (the length of the new generation model is 4,600 mm), the rear overhang has become smaller, but the trunk volume is now 79 liters more than the previous RAV4 (from now on 626 liters).

The new generation crossover received a design in the style of the FT-AC (Future Toyota Adventure Concept), which was presented in Los Angeles in 2021. The exterior was designed to match the brand's large SUVs: the front part became more aggressive due to the new wide radiator grille, the profile - due to angular wheel arches and 19-inch wheels (by the way, they are available for the Russian version for the first time). A “sticking out” screen of the Entune 3.0 multimedia system with support for Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto appeared in the cabin.

In Russia, the fifth generation RAV4 will be offered with new four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engines of the Dynamic Force series with combined fuel injection and a VVT-iE gas distribution system on the intake valves. Their volume is 2.0 and 2.5 liters, output is 150 and 200 hp. respectively. The first engine is equipped with a CVT with mechanical first and reverse gears, the second with an eight-speed automatic transmission (its range of gear ratios is 7.8 versus 5.42 for the 6-automatic transmission of the fourth-generation cross). The car has two all-wheel drive options. The first is Dynamic Torque Control AWD - with a rear axle coupling (usually the torque between the front and rear wheels is distributed in a ratio of 100:0, but the electronics, depending on driving conditions, can redistribute traction up to a ratio of 50:50). The second scheme is Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD - with two separate all-wheel drive couplings on each of the rear wheels.

We offer the old Toyota RAV4 with 2.0 3ZR-FAE and 2.5 2AR-FE gasoline engines with 146 and 180 hp. respectively. The first is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT; the second - with 6 automatic transmission. The range also includes a 150-horsepower 2.2 2AD-FHV diesel engine, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Note that the new generation crossover will not have diesel engines, since the company decided to refuse to equip passenger cars with them. Also, apparently, the Russian version will not have hybrids. Although, for example, such a power plant is offered in Europe. It is based on a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, its output is 178 hp.

The equipment list of the new RAV4 includes: LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and road sign recognition, lane keeping systems and automatic switching of high beams to low beams, as well as the Multi-Terrain Select electronic system, which, depending on the surface, changes the settings of the traction control system. You can choose from three options: Normal (regular road), Mud and Sand (dirt and sand) and Rock and Dirt (rocks and soil).

Russian prices for the new generation Toyota RAV4 will be known on October 1. The manufacturer's recommended price for the predecessor starts at 1,616,000 rubles. Meanwhile, in 2021, this crossover remains one of the most popular SUVs in the Russian Federation. From January to July, 16,637 cars were sold, which is only 1.4% more than a year earlier.

I can, I can, I practice

If the crossover had been technically simpler, we would have turned back earlier, while the road was more decent and wider. But the RAV4 became related to its cool older brothers from the Land Cruiser clan and began to prance on the ground much more confidently.

The dashboard design is in harmony with the exterior. There are no serious ergonomic miscalculations. The seat is truly comfortable only in the top two trim levels, where lumbar support adjustment appears.

The key block to the left of the steering wheel is located in the blind spot, although it has functions that you use while driving.

The microclimate and audio system control knobs, as well as the inner surface of the door handles, are finished with a rubberized material that is pleasant to the touch. Toyota has already abandoned separate digital clocks; all that remains is to part with the seat heating buttons from the 1990s.

The graphics and performance of the multimedia were the biggest disappointment. They do not correspond to the price and year on the calendar. The image from all-round cameras is below any criticism.

Price and start date

Price tags for the 5th generation remained at the same level. It’s difficult to talk about affordability, but given the technical and on-board filling, seasoned with Japanese quality, the price of 1.68 million rubles for the basic package is quite justified. The price tag of the top version should not exceed two million.

In Russia, Toyota RAV4 is expected to be assembled on a production line near St. Petersburg. True, due to some technical issues related to the re-equipment of production, the new product will arrive at dealerships only by the beginning of next year.

Photos of the new Toyota RAV4:

Captive of illusions

Both power units are also new. The motors are from the Dynamic Force family, designed exactly for the TNGA “trolley”. The two-liter, although fresh in fact, does not indulge in numbers: 149 forces typical for the segment. Fairly lucky, but sad.

The assisting variator uses a gear first gear. The Japanese used a trick, entrusting it with a sharp increase in speed and pushing on the roads - those exercises that take too much health from the variator. And at higher speeds the belt comes into play. There are now as many as ten virtual transmissions in the range. The result is quieter operation of the power plant (lower speeds, all other things being equal) and an increased service life. I appreciated the first with my own ears and confirm, but I won’t talk about the second for now: time will tell.

The trunk volume under the curtain is a decent 580 liters. The floor is double-sided: if you need to transport dirty things, you can turn it over with the rubber side up.

The 2.5 engine was pumped up to 199 hp. Overseas, he gives out even more, but in our case, the Japanese took into account Russian tax legislation, for which special thanks to them. I admit, I expected more from this unit. Not a single spark in character! The claimed 8.5 s when accelerating to hundreds is hard to believe.

You can't blame the gearbox. The eight-speed transmission does not get confused in the gears and responds to driver requests almost instantly. So if horsepower is all about emotion for you, the RAV4 is not for you. Take a better look at the Mazda CX-5, Tiguan or Kodiaq. A powerful Rafik for those who value traditional Toyota values in a slightly more nimble package.

LED low and high beams, rear lights with LED sections - all this is already included in the initial configuration. In more expensive versions, fog lights (halogen and absolutely useless) and automatic high beam on/off (works well) appear. There are no cornering lights, which is absurd for that kind of money.

Toyota RAV 4 5th generation: review

First, you should figure out what changes are in the latest version, especially since there are a lot of them and they affected literally all elements. The most significant aspects are the following:

Completely redesigned and thought out to the smallest detail, the appearance corresponds to modern trends.
The updated hybrid batteries have become 11% lighter, and energy losses in them during transmission have been reduced by 25%.
The machine is built on a fundamentally new TNGA platform, which is an order of magnitude stronger than the previous one and more balanced. The center of gravity has become lower.
Due to proper weight distribution and changes in the location of the fuel tank, the car began to behave much more stable.
The luggage compartment has increased by 79 liters. Now its volume is a respectable 580 liters.
Rear passengers are more comfortable due to the fact that the distance between the rows of seats has been increased by 40 mm.
The vehicle's width and wheelbase have increased, which affects both interior comfort and driving stability.
The driver's seat is much more comfortable, even on a long journey the driver feels great.

By the way!
Many car owners claim that cars made in Japan are an order of magnitude better in quality than Russian-assembled options. Whether it is worth buying domestic cars is up to the driver to decide.

Prices and configurations in Russia

There are several types of equipment on sale, and the cost varies accordingly. The data to date is as follows:

The simplest “Standard” package with a two-liter engine producing 149 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive will cost RUB 1,961,500. The basic package includes alloy wheels with a diameter of 17 inches, LED optics front and rear, 7 airbags. There is also a light sensor, an ERA-GLONASS system, heated front seats and steering wheel, a media system with a 7-inch screen, 6 audio speakers, power windows on all doors and all the necessary security systems (ESP, ABS, etc.).
In the “Comfort” configuration with a two-liter engine with a capacity of 149 hp. With. and front-wheel drive instead of a manual transmission, a variator is installed, the cost will be 2,205,500 rubles. The price of the modification with all-wheel drive is RUB 2,311,500. In addition to all the above functions and equipment, there will be an electric trunk and climate control instead of standard air conditioning. The pro model is also equipped with parking sensors, a rear view camera and a rain sensor by default. There are fog lights, a passive cruise control system, and starting is done with a button (that is, a key card is used instead of a standard key).
The “Prestige” version is equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that produces 199 hp. With. An 8-speed automatic transmission is used, and the price for this configuration with all-wheel drive starts from RUB 2,718,500. In addition to improved dynamics, we can note the electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function; they are trimmed with high-quality leather. In addition to the uphill start assist system, which is found in all modifications, there is also downhill assist, which is important when driving on rough terrain.
The top version of “Prestige Safety” has the highest possible configuration and costs from RUB 2,977,500. This configuration is equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 199 hp. With. and an eight-speed automatic. In addition to everything mentioned above, there is a standard navigation system, as well as adaptive cruise control. The default modification is equipped with alloy wheels with a diameter of 19 inches. There is also a heated windshield, heated rear passenger seats and many other useful little things that increase traffic safety.

Important!
There are other configuration options that represent different combinations of the main types.