Rav4 reborn

Toyota’s RAV4 is about to see a major refresh for 2019 and will introduce new tech.

“With SUVS increasingly becoming more popular it’s the perfect time to have a selfcharging electric hybrid SUV in our line-up,” said Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Product and New Vehicle Sales.

“The new selection of powertrains will provide customers with more performance, and dramatically improved efficiency with a hybrid power-plant for the first time.

“The 2019 RAV4 hybrid is truly a no compromise hybrid system with the same towing capabilities as the petrol variants,” said Mr Lala.

A special-edition All Wheel Drive variant, the Adventure grade, will headline the range. It will have a more rugged exterior appearance with larger wheel arch flares, a more aggressive grille, fog light surrounds and unique wheels.

With a bolder and tougher look the RAV4 will have a greater presence on and off road, complemented by a more sophisticated interior with increased legroom.

Its TNGA platform will provide a better driving position, improved chassis dynamics from a lower centre of gravity and 57 percent greater torsional rigidity over the current model.

A new, 2.5 litre, four-cylinder engine features in both petrol and hybrid models, to provide more responsive performance and greater fuel efficiency. There is also a new 2.0 litre petrol engine and CVT transmission combination.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox is used with the 2.5 litre petrol engine and an electronic continuously variable transmission with the hybrid powertrain.

The 2019 RAV4 has a 30 mm longer wheelbase – now 2690 mm – over the current model to liberate more cabin space, particularly in the back seat. Its overall length has been reduced by 5 mm to 4600 mm to reduce front and rear overhangs and provide greater off-road driving ability.

A new all-wheel drive system will send up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear axle and the differential can then send it in varying amounts to the individual wheels.

Multi-link rear suspension and wider front and rear tracks contribute to the improved handling and road holding, ride comfort and reduced cabin noise.

The Toyota Safety Sense package will include a pre-crash system with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection, all speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beam.

The new Rav4 is expected in the second quarter of this year.