The all new sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 has just made its global premiere in Japan, and as part of the marque’s wider electrification push, it’ll only be available as an electrified model.
In case you’re unaware, the RAV4 stands for “Robust Accurate Vehicle, 4-wheel drive”. Staying true to its name, the all-new sixth-generation RAV4 is a C-segment SUV that Toyota says is built to be the do-everything car that is comfortable on every-day-travels and still go everywhere.
The new RAV4 is built on a reworked version of the Toyota New Generation Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform. It has received improvements throughout the chassis to bring better handling and ride comfort. Improvements have also been made to the hybrid powertrain for enhanced acceleration.
The new exterior design features the hammerhead headlight assembly that aligns it with newer Toyota offerings – although unlike most of the other models, it’s presented in a very utilitarian and rugged form in line with the RAV4’s MO. Toyota says the new RAV4’s design is based on three design elements – Life-Up, Utility, and Big Foot, the last of which essentially means larger wheels (more about that later).
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Inside, the general design of the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 looks much more upmarket than its predecessor. The interior layout is based on what Toyota calls “Island Architecture”, said to make navigating controls easier and minimise distractions for the driver. The inside also features a reversible centre console box that serves as an armrest as well as a tray when flipped over.
Interior appointments are as you’d expect in a modern SUV, including the 10.5-inch infotainment display (upgradeable to 12.9-inch), a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, wireless charging pad, as well as Apndroid Auto and AppleCarPlay upholstery. Optional upgrades include a head-up display, a nine speaker JBL Premium Audio system, and unique upholstery selections including microsuede.
As mentioned earlier, the new Toyota RAV4 will be available only with electrified powertrains. In the United States, those include a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and another hybrid (HEV) option. For the former, it’ll be equipped with Toyota’s sixth-generation PHEV system and will feature a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with two electric motors that produces a combined output of 320 hp.
A significantly bigger battery pack allows the car to now travel up to 150 km with electric power alone (up from the previous 95 km). Toyota says the new hybrid system now also has 12% higher motor output, which will improve overall off-road experiences. The PHEV system charges from 10-80% in 30 minutes via DC charging and supports V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) that can supply electricity to the household in a range of scenarios.
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The HEV system also features the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder, along with a smaller motor that makes a combined power output of 226 hp for the FWD variant, and 236 hp for the AWD variant. This fifth-generation hybrid system is said to have enhanced motor output thanks to improvements on the car’s transaxle, power control unit, and battery, among others.
The new Toyota RAV4 will be available in three different trims: Core, Adventure, and GR Sport, each with a different design particularly on the front fascia. The GR Sport is treated with a slew of additioanl upgrades which includes the Matrix Grille, front and rear spoiler, aluminium wheels designed for aerodynamics and stability, wider tread (+20 mm), and exclusively tuned suspension and electronic power steering.
Debuting on the new RAV4 is the Toyota Arene software platform developed by Woven by Toyota. This system features an improved voice assistant with improved speech recognition, as well as a customisable home screen on the infotainment display.
This new platform also makes the Toyota RAV4 the first to receive the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 4.0. Advanced driver assistance systems will be available to the RAV4 such as Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), Sudden Acceleration Suppression, and more.
Following its global debut, the all-new sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 will be making its market launch in Japan and the United States later this year. Toyota says the model will also be introduced in over 180 countries and regions globally. In Malaysia, the Toyota RAV4 was last on the market as the pre-facelift fifth-generation model, with two powertrains offered previously.
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