Toyota RAV4

Before the fashion of the SUV the Japanese of Toyota They already had one on the market. The first Toyota RAV4 we met It was launched on the market in 1994, almost a decade before the explosion of the SUV market. That first generation, which accompanied us until the year 2000, had two possible bodies, one with three and the other with five doors.

Commercial success was achieved with the second of the generations, from 2000 to 2005. At that time, SUVs began to emerge and the RAV4 was one of the most successful since there were not many models for sale. Year after year and generation after generation the Toyota RAV4 was gaining popularity and sales. In parallel, the Japanese company focused more and more on a single type of mobility, the hybrid.

Today we are witnessing the fifth of the RAV4 generations that hit the asphalt. Launched on the market in 2018, it brings with it important novelties, such as the exclusive sale in hybrid formats; conventional and pluggable. At the beginning of 2022, the SUV discovers an update focused on a slight aesthetic renewal and the expansion of equipment with interesting mechanical novelties.

Technical characteristics of the Toyota RAV4

Being one of the flagship products of the brand, the new Toyota RAV4 rests on the global structure TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture). This platform has been developed from the beginning to accommodate different hybrid system solutions and different drive schemes. We can see it in other models of the house, such as the Toyota Corolla or the smallest Toyota Yaris.

Until recently the RAV4 was the largest SUV in the house, now it is the Toyota Highlander. The brand new TNGA platform gives it compact and ideal measurements for the C-SUV segment, which is where it fits. 4,6 meters long, 1,85 meters wide and 1,68 meters high. To these measures must be added a wheelbase of 2,69 meters. A size that allows you to have an outstanding interior space with capacity for up to five passengers.

Its load volume is somewhat reduced compared to its competition due to the presence of the hybrid system. In the worst case the RAV4 has a minimum volume of 580 liters (520 for the PHEV). That amount can be expanded to 1.690 liters if we lower the rear row of seats in a 60:40 ratio. In other words, the load capacity without being the best in its segment is more than enough for common use.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Toyota RAV4

In this generation, the Toyota RAV4 says goodbye to the 100% combustion versions. As of its fifth generation there are only two possible options, a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. This leaves us with a short range where we will have different powers and a single gearbox. A continuous variator-type e-CVT transmission is responsible for managing the delivery of the engine, which can divert power to the front wheels or to all four wheels through AWD-i all-wheel drive.

The same gasoline engine is used in all versions. It is a block of four cylinders with 2.487 cubic centimeters of displacement. By itself it develops 177 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. Added to it are one or two electric motors and a lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride battery, respectively. The powers are 218 horsepower for the front-wheel drive RAV4, and 222 horsepower for the all-wheel drive RAV4.

The RAV4 PHEV for its part equips a more performance mechanics. The 2.5 block is associated with an electric motor and a larger capacity battery that will allow move 100% electrically for a maximum of 65 kilometers according to the NEDC cycle. The total power will be 306 horsepower and in all cases it will allocate the power of the engine to all four wheels.

Equipment of the Toyota RAV4

Toyota offers its RAV4 with a total of five trim levels: Advance, Business, Style, Luxury and the most recent trims called Adventure and GR Sport. In its standard equipment, the RAV4 is capable of obtaining extensive and outstanding equipment. 18-inch wheels, LED lights, wireless charger, smartphone connectivity, parking sensors, rear camera and eight-inch touchscreen multimedia system.

The main novelty of the 2022 model is the incorporation of the Adventure and GR Sport packages for the entire range. It is offered only with all-wheel drive systems, and with a specific design package. Modified bumpers, updated headlights and a set of elements that reinforce the SUV character of the model, including fenders and specifically designed 19-inch wheels.

If we end up completing the maximum equipment of the Toyota RAV4, the Luxury finish allows us to include all the elements that the SUV is capable of having. Such as keyless access and start, electric and heated mirrors, intelligent control of high beams, 360º camera system, JBL sound system, intelligent rear-view mirror, electric driver's seat, and of course the most advanced safety equipment. of Toyota Safety Sense.

Test of the Toyota RAV4 in video

The Toyota RAV4 according to Euro NCAP

When it comes to safety, Toyota leaves nothing to chance. Today, driving assistants are not a mere matter of whim, they are also important when evaluating the safety of a car. Euro NCAP has evaluated the resistance and behavior of the RAV4 in its famous crash tests. The Toyota SUV has achieved the relevant five stars, standing out in the protection sections for adult, child and pedestrian passengers with scores of 93, 87 and 85 out of 100 respectively. These valuations are still valid after the 2022 update as no changes have been made to the structure of the car.

Toyota RAV4 Km 0 and Second Hand

The Toyota RAV4 has a long journey behind it. Looking at the second-hand market we see how there are still units of the first generations for sale at a price of around 1.500 euros. But those are not the only units that exist. With five generations on the streets it is logical to see that there is multitude of models and versions for sale. Some of them include large numbers on the odometer, thus living up to Toyota's reputation for durability.

The Km 0 channel is somewhat more limited since Toyota is not a brand that is used to accumulating stock of new unregistered units. The few existing units refer to those of the current generation. Taking into account that all units for sale are hybrids with the same engine and with the same change, the only distinguishing features are the level of finish, the color of the paint and the traction system. These units are around 2.000 euros difference with respect to factory prices.

Rivals of the Toyota RAV4

As new hybrid SUVs have emerged, the Toyota RAV4 has been gaining rivals. We are talking about models belonging to the C-SUV segment, Tales como el Volkswagen Tiguan, KIA Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca. However, due to its hybrid concept, its most direct rivals are in the Lexus NX, first cousin of the brand, and above all in the Honda CR-V Hybrid. All of them are comparable both for size and price

Highlight

• low consumption
• Standard equipment
• ride quality

To improve

• Change e-CVT
• Noise on acceleration
• media system

Toyota RAV4 Prices

As a good generalist brand, Toyota offers the RAV4 at a contained and adjusted price. The starting price of a Toyota RAV4 stands at 38.000 euros with offers and promotions included. That price corresponds to the access hybrid RAV4 with Advance finish and front-axle drive system. On the other side of the scale is the RAV4 PHEV with AWD-i traction, whose starting price is 50.250 euros, also including discounts and promotions.

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