Toyota has
confirmed engine specs for the all-new 2019 RAV4 crossover ahead of its
official arrival in Australia in the second quarter of next year. This new RAV4
will be Toyota’s first-ever hybrid SUV on sale Down Under, boasting a newly
developed electric AWD system that’s meant to provide maximum traction and high
levels of fuel efficiency. At the same time, a mechanical AWD system is also
available, although it’s not as efficient as the electric one.
The fifth-gen RAV4
will be offered with three new four-cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter petrol with
front wheel drive, a 2.5-liter petrol with mechanical AWD, and a 2.5-liter
hybrid with either front- or electric all-wheel drive.
Buyers opting for
the non-hybrid version of the new 2.5-liter unit will benefit from 206 PS and 243 Nm, roughly 15.2% more power and 4.3% more torque than
the current 2.5-liter engine. This engine will now work in conjunction with a new eight-speed automatic,
which is said to have a lower first gear for improved start-off performance.
The new 2.0-liter engine getting 172 PS and 203 Nm of peak
torque. This unit will come with a choice of either a CVT or a six-speed manual
with rev-matching control.
As for the hybrid,
it combines a 2.5-liter petrol unit with an electric motor, generating a total
output of 210 PS. Depending on driving conditions, up to 80% of
available torque can be sent to the rear wheels via the electric AWD system,
which is more compact and weighs less than its mechanical counterpart.
Since the hybrid
battery is positioned under the rear seat, both hybrid and petrol variants
feature the same luggage space.
