First Drive: Stark RAVing mad for Toyota’s updated crossover!

By Farzana Chaumoo

Toyota’s compact crossover reappears on the scene as a fifth-generation model with aggressive new styling!

 

The Drive & Performance

We drove both engines at the launch. The first model was the RAV4 2.0 GX-R CVT AWD which is powered by a 2.0-litre engine with a Shiftmatic CVT transmission. This engine puts out a maximum power output of 127 kW @ 6600 rpm and peak torque of 203 Nm between 4400 and 4800 rpm, while also offering a fuel consumption of between 6.5 - 6.8  l/100km and C02 emissions as low as 147 g/km. Though our drive wasn’t long our fuel consumption sat on average of around 7.5 l/100km.

The second model we drove was the flagship RAV4 2.5 VX 8AT AWD powered by a 2.5-litre engine which is exclusively paired with an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift gearbox. This engine puts out 152 kW of power at 6600 rpm, and peak torque of 243 Nm between 4000 and 5000 rpm, while offering fuel consumption of 7.3l/100km and C02 emissions as low as 166 g/km. we found our test model averaging around 8.5l/100km.

The RAV4 engines are neither stimulating nor inadequate, however, it provides enough oomph to keep up with the pace of traffic. Engine, road and wind noise penetrates into the cabin a little bit but nothing a good conversation or the radio can’t hide.

On the off-road parts of the launch, my co-driver and myself found that the 2.0-litre was more pleasant and had a more stable and solid feel on gravel, which we sampled in the Rock/Dirt mode.

The RAV4 doesn’t have the sharpest steering, aggressive handling character or the agility of some rivals but it seems to be pretty comfortable on roads not made of asphalt. We didn’t do 4x4ing of any sort with the RAV4 as there’s no real off-road gear, aside from the torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, however, we were exploring gravel in a private game reserve by which this crossover doesn’t exhibit much bad behaviour. 

 

Colour and Trim 

The new RAV4 is available in a multitude of exterior and interior colours. GX and VX models are offered in nine exterior colour choices including the exciting Urban Khaki, Cinnabar Red and Caribbean Blue hues. GX-R variants are available in five complimentary colours of which are very striking up close.

GX models are fitted with black fabric interior trim, whilst the GX-R is available in both Black and Orchid Brown Art-leather. The VX derivatives offer buyers a choice between Black and Ivory leather interior.

 

Space and Comfort

When redesigning the new RAV4, Toyota’s engineers considered ways to improve all-round visibility. Through Toyota's contemporary TNGA platform, the bonnet now sits 15mm lower, the front pillars were made slimmer, the beltline was lowered and the rearward view from the driver’s seat was improved. Along with a new TNGA chassis, the RAV4 now has a more engaging driving position.

Front passengers have a generous seat adjustment range on seats that are wide and supportive, and precise positioning of the pedals and armrest will ensure the driver finds his/her ideal position easily.

Rear passenger comfort has been improved by an increased seat width, more spacious rear footwells and an increased opening-angle of the rear doors.

By means of a fully flat floor and a length extended by 60mm to secure best-in-class capacity, loading space in the boot has been increased to offer 580 litres (79 litres more than in the previous RAV4). Rear seats are have been made very flexible and when the rear seats are folded down, the new RAV4 can accommodate a 29-inch mountain bike without any wheels having to be removed.

There is a height-adjustable, two-level deck board that can be reversed when dirty items need to be carried. The rear seats have a 60:40 split-folding function and there are storage nets on each side of the boot. Clever details include a hand grip on the tailgate that can serve as a hanger and a power-operated tailgate with hands-free function.

 

Safety

Toyota is building some of the safest new cars. The RAV4 is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (introduced on the VX model) which comprises of a comprehensive safety suite of systems. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assistance, blind-spot monitor and Pre-Crash System (PCS). The Adaptive Cruise Control and LDA (Lane Departure Alert) systems lend a level of autonomous driving to the VX models by not only offering steering assist but also radar-controlled braking in conjunction with acceleration functions.

There are no crash test ratings from any big names out yet for the 2019 RAV4, however, the 2018 model was rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US (an org that evaluates safety). In addition, an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also rated the RAV4 five stars overall.

Of course, there’s also a full suite of airbags fitted to all RAV4 models that include knee and curtain types. These are accompanied by electronic driver aids in the form of ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Trailer Sway Control.

 

Price

RAV4 2.0 GX MT 2WD       R416,400                                                                                    

RAV4 2.0 GX CVT 2WD     R 427,600                                                                        

RAV4 2.0 GX-R CVT AWD         R508,100                                                                     

RAV4 2.0 VX CVT 2WD     R505,400

RAV4 2.5 VX 8AT AWD    R577,900                                                                             

All models carry a 6-services/90 000km service plan with 12-month/15 000 km intervals.

A 3-year/100 000 km Warranty is also provided.