Taking advantage of the arrival on the market of Toyota RAV4 hybrid AWD-i and Toyota Prius AWD-i, the 4×4 versions of both models, the Japanese brand wanted to show us the good work of its all-wheel drive system. What better way than a snowy area with a steep slope? As there is little snow left in the central area of the peninsula, the brand called us to the Snow Zone of the Xanadú shopping center, in the province of Madrid.
The fact is that for an all-wheel drive to be really effective on cold and/or very slippery surfaces, it must be accompanied by a good winter or all-season tire. For this, on this occasion we had the new Bridgestone Weather Control A005, an efficient all-season tire. How have these products behaved on snow and at -4 degrees Celsius?
Toyota RAV4 AWD-i
Just a few days ago we brought you the proof of the new toyota rav4, although on that occasion we tested it with simple traction to the front axle. The AWD-i variant, which features a rear electric motor, is the one that we have driven briefly on the snow track. Around 30% of RAV4 customers purchase their car with 4×4 drive.
Aside from the drive itself, there are some slight performance differences between the front and all-wheel drive versions, albeit very slight.
| 4 × 2 | 4 × 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 2 | 4 × 4 | |
| Power | 218 CV | 222 CV |
| 0 to 100 km / h | 8.4 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| NEDC emissions | 102 g / km | 100 g / km |
The Toyota RAV4 AWD-i is now capable of sending up to 80% of the engine torque to the rear axle, so it has more possibilities when it comes to pulling on important slopes or very slippery surfaces. And since we have talked about earrings, now can climb inclines up to 21%. For all this, it relies on the different driving modes and also on the differential lsd, which brakes non-gripping wheels to divert torque to wheels well on the ground.
Leaving theory aside and getting on the new RAV4 hybrid 4×4, on the snow track it was stable, safe and, above all, smooth in its reactions. It is true that the test was not too complex and that Bridgestone Weather Control A005 all-season tires played a big role -both in the longitudinal grip and in the guidance-, but the combination of car and tires was very satisfactory.
As you know, the RAV4 is not an all-terrain vehicle, but rather an SUV or all-roader. Few will be the customers who stray too far from the asphalt. The 4×4 version is designed for those drivers who drive through areas where it often snows or freezes, or also with heavy and constant rain, providing that plus traction and safety. Of course, in this case it is also important to bet on a tire like this one that works well at low temperatures.
All the advantages of AWD-i compared to 4 × 2 It is the aforementioned traction on difficult surfaces, that greater power and acceleration, a plus in safety, the "Trail" mode with LSD differential, maintains the same boot capacity and does not increase consumption or polluting emissions.
Toyota RAV4 range prices
| Traction | Finish | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Traction | Finish | Price |
| 4 × 2 | Luxury | 38.300 € |
| 4 × 2 | Feel | 35.700 € |
| 4 × 2 | AdvancePlus | 34.100 € |
| 4 × 2 | Advance | 31.800 € |
| AWD-i | Luxury | 41.300 € |
| AWD-i | Feel | 38.700 € |
| AWD-i | AdvancePlus | 37.100 € |
| AWD-i | Advance | 34.800 € |
Toyota Prius AWD-i
As you know, at the end of last 2018 slightly facelifted Toyota Prius at the Los Angeles Auto Show. One of the main novelties is the incorporation of the AWD-i drive. The first units with this 4×4 system are arriving in Spain and we were able to get behind the wheel of one of them for a few minutes in the snow.
Obviously, the capabilities of this car in difficult conditions are not up to those of the RAV4. Therefore, the test in the snow with the Toyota Prius AWD-i was somewhat shorter and less complex. Keep in mind that it has less power and torque. In any case, and also wearing the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 shoes, the behavior seemed correct at all times, both when accelerating and braking, and when turning.
As in the case of the RAV4, the main idea of this all-wheel drive system is nothing more than ensure greater safety and mobility in wet asphalt conditions or when we find ice or snow in our path. Of course, the off-road aspirations of the Prius are zero.
Toyota Prius Price
| Traction | Price |
|---|---|
| Traction | Price |
| Lead | 29.990 € |
| AWD-i | 32.690 € |
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 218 - 309 hp
- Consumer goods 1 - 5,9l/100km
- Assessment 4,2