For the past decade or so, the mid-size SUV segment has been dominated by Honda and Mazda with their CR-V and CX-5. Then you have the Nissan X-Trail, the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage, the Subaru Forester, Peugeot 3008 and yet nothing from Toyota; until now.
While they’ve completely honoured and upheld their “All About the Drive” mantra, with a new engine, new gearbox and new TNGA chassis, Toyota might have taken it too literally. While it’s practical and functional, both inside and out, the 5th generation RAV4 just falls short on the “wow factor”.
The all-new Toyota RAV4 is built on the same TNGA-K platform as the Toyota Camry that promises better visibility, agility, and stability via a lower center of gravity, significantly more rigid chassis, and a rear trailing wishbone suspension for better stability.
The sole variant of the RAV4 on sale now is powered by a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine with 207 hp and 243 Nm, paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Noteworthy features include a hands-free powered tailgate, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 3D Panoramic view monitor, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver assistance system, a blind-spot monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Take note that the 2.0-litre variant of the Toyota RAV4 is no longer on sale. Following the Sales Tax Exemption, for the latest price list of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, click here.
