Today, the most popular crossover of the Aichi brand worldwide, the Toyota RAV4 has just made known, with the opening of the doors of the New York Motor Show, a new generation. And it's really new: at its base we find the TNGA, or Toyota New Global Architecture, debuted in the last Prius, and ready to receive its latest generation of engines.
The use of TNGA allowed the new RAV4 to increase the wheelbase by three centimeters, compared to the model still on the market, while at the same time losing in total length, even if only half a centimeter. A slight increase in width and decrease in height should ensure better overall proportions, and with the new style, a more imposing and even masculine image.
Moreover, when it comes to colors, a reference for the novelty of the customer, being able to opt for a two-color paint job. Solution, by the way, which is a fad among SUVs and crossovers.
Three AWD systems… plus one i-Hybrid AWD
As for offroad skills, they should also improve, thanks to shorter front and rear spans, plus a new all-wheel drive system capable of not only diverting up to 50% of power to the rear wheels, but splitting torque between the wheels. on the left and right side. Since this system, one of three available (we don't know if it's just for the American market…), it also allows the rear axle to be turned off completely, as a way of ensuring greater efficiency.
Also planned for the hybrid version is a specific traction system, called AWD i-Hybrid , which guarantees up to 30% more torque for the rear axle (compared to the current one), in which a rear electric motor is coupled.
Two engines advertised
In the field of engines, two units are planned, both gasoline. One with 2.0 liters, which will not be sold in Portugal, and another with 2.5 liters. The American version of the new Toyota RAV4 will feature this four-cylinder with greater capacity, but this unit will also serve as the basis for the hybrid variant, with the Japanese brand guaranteeing greater efficiency compared to its predecessor. This without revealing power or autonomy, the transmission continues to be in charge of a CVT.
More minimalist interior but also fuller
Moving to the interior of the cabin, the new Toyota RAV4 bets on a more minimalist look, with the 7” touchscreen highlighted, part of the new Toyota Entune 3.0 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa.
Other features are present, such as a new interior mirror that displays the images captured by the rear camera, and the list of options includes, among other reasons of interest, a new 800 watt JBL sound system.
And if, for example, to have the new 19” wheels, you have to pay extra, as the many safety systems that are part of the so-called Toyota Safety Sense are standard. These include, for example, frontal collision warning with pedestrian detection and autonomous emergency braking, dynamic cruise control, unintentional lane crossing warning with steering correction and automatic high-beam headlamps.
Lane Tracing Assist is the biggest news
However, truly new in this chapter is the so-called Lane Tracing Assist, a pseudo-autonomous driving system that, according to Toyota, “relieves the driver's burden and ensures safe driving, especially in congested traffic and travel situations. long on the highway”. In addition to the Road Sign Assist, which not only reads, but also alerts the driver to certain traffic signs that he encounters throughout the journey.
Finally, just mention that the new Toyota RAV4 should not reach (American) dealerships before next winter, with the hybrid versions only appearing in 2019.
Toyota RAV4 2019