All-new 2019 Toyota RAV4 revealed…both petrol and hybrid coming to Oz
The all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4 has been revealed at the New York Motor Show with Toyota Australia confirming we’ll get both petrol and hybrid powertrains.
THE ALL-NEW TOYOTA RAV4 isn’t expected to arrive in Australia until 2019, but the fifth-generation compact SUV will arrive on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform (TNGA) – the second SUV after the C-HR to ride on TNGA – that “results in a better driving position and improved dynamics due to its lower centre of gravity and greater torsional rigidity,” according to Toyota.
The new RAV4 is lower and wider with Toyota claiming it’ll offer increased rear legroom. It’ll also get a multi-link rear end which should improve ride and handling over the current vehicle. Chassis rigidity has been improved by a staggering 57%.
Like the C-HR, the new RAV4 will offer an on-demand all-wheel drive system that sends a dribble of torque to the rear axle when lock is applied to the steering and can send up to 50% to the rear axle as well as shuffling torque from left to the right.
The RAV4 will offer a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol as a standalone powertrain and mated to a hybrid set-up, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine will also be available. The 2.5L petrol will get an eight-speed automatic while the hybrid variant will get a CVT. The 2.0L will be available with either a manual or automatic transmission; Toyota Australia hasn’t confirmed whether this powertrain will come to Australia, but the 2.5 and 2.5 hybrid are goers.
In terms of safety, the new RAV4 comes standard with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, autonomous emergency braking, all-speed radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beam.
Toyota Australia’s vice-president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said, “The combination of Toyota’s latest hybrid system and an advanced new petrol engine will deliver impressive power output and exceptional energy efficiency,” Mr Hanley said.
“Toyota’s hybrid technology will perfectly complement the work of engineers who have dialled-up the fun-to-drive factor by advancing every aspect of RAV4’s performance, handling and ride comfort.
“Together with the robust exterior styling and sophisticated interior, the new RAV4 will offer even greater appeal to people with active lifestyles who want to explore the city, make a weekend trip to the country or head off the beaten track.”
The V6 RAV 4 went very well. It’s a shame it’s no longer available. Toyota should use the engine and drivetrain from the V6 RAV 4 to build a V6 Camry (preferably with a supercharger).
I agree with the better performance of the v6 engine compared to the 2.5lt. I think also that a lot of people who are toyota buyers are fuel micers.
Impressive design evolution.
It’ll guarantee dealerships servicing profit margins.
I’ll be interested in your review Isaac, when that happens. Any idea when in 2019 it arrives in Oz?
Not yet Scott. I’ll be interested to see what it’s like too. Cheers Isaac