The RAV4 is what you’d call a fantastically average
appliance. It does what’s required, minus any thrills, fanfare or excitement. However things are about to change for Toyota’s
popular cash cow, as an all-new model with a more dynamic look is coming .
Previous iterations of RAV4 have been largely
car-like in design. The next-generation beefs up the attire with staunch
styling based on the FT-AC (Future Toyota Adventure Concept). The transition
from concept to production has fortunately seen little change, aside from a
general toning down of the more ‘out-there’ features like the fender flares,
lower side cladding and roof fixtures. At the front, differences include a
two-bar grille, softened fog light housings and lower intake design.
Checking out the rear sees the same taillight
arrangement, however the bezels are brighter and lower bumper cladding is less
in-your-face. Sheet-metal surfacing is relatively similar to the concept and
the overall look exudes an FJ cruiser or Tacoma vibe.
To keep drivers on the right path, Toyota’s Safety
Sense system incorporates autonomous emergency breaking with pre-collision
warning and pedestrian detection. Combined with lane-keep warning + assist,
auto high-beams, adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert will make
for safe family motoring.
As for the interior, it’s expected to have a more
premium-feel and all the latest tech features including heads-up display and
the Entune 3.0 infotainment system incorporating 4G LTE in-vehicle Wi-Fi, JBL
audio and Apple Car Play, similar to the one from the 2019 Avalon pictured
above.
Powering the all-new RAV4 in markets such as North
America will be a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force inline-four. ‘Dynamic force’, you
might say? That’s Toyota-speak for variable valve timing, multi-hole direct
injection, variable cooling and higher compression. Essentially, it provides
better efficiency and, at the same time, higher power and torque. While this
unit will be mated to an 8-speed automatic and optional all-wheel-drive, expect
the hybrid version to use a continuously variable transmission with simulated
shift points.
As for a launch date, we hear that the RAV4 could be
released later this year, possibly at the LA Auto Show in the fall, or in early
2019 at the Detroit Auto Show at the latest.
