The RAV4 acronym stands for “Recreational Activity Vehicle: 4-wheel drive” and has become a household name in South Africa and across many other global markets. Now in its fifth generation, I travelled to KwaZulu-Natal to drive the newcomer.
Updated looks
The latest generation RAV4 has certainly upped its game in the design department. It now shares the modular TNGA platform with the Corolla, C-HR and Prius and is certainly a big departure from the older model. Externally, the front facia design is more aggressive with angular LED headlamps, a broad lower bumper, large air intakes and two different grille patterns, depending on the specification.
The side profile meanwhile is very Lexus-esque with angular surfacing and squared-off wheel arches, while the rear features high-mounted taillamps and dual exhaust exits, one on either side of the bumper. The design, like many recent Toyota products, is a breath of fresh air from a brand that is reinventing itself in the looks department.
Interior improvements
In its previous guise, the RAV4’s interior was best described as functional and overly conservative. This latest generation has certainly changed things though, with a fresh design, new ergonomics, switchgear and materials that appear bespoke until they inevitably appear on another product, that is. Highlights of the interior include optional colouring for certain trim pieces, the rubberising of the door handles, climate control knobs and a more extensive use of soft-touch materials.
It’s still not what I’d call premium inside, but the quality is certainly respectable for this segment. When it comes to practicality, the RAV4 is certainly class competitive. Boot space is a capacious 580-litres, while there is ample space for five occupants inside. In terms of technology on board, expect driver, passenger, knee and curtain airbags, cruise control, keyless start, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera and Park Distance Control as standard.
Model range
For the first time, the RAV4 will be available with three specifications and a range of petrol-only engines as well as manual, CVT and torque converter automatic transmissions, with a hybrid model set to join the line-up at a later stage. The previous turbodiesel motor has been dropped altogether as Toyota has opted to phase-out the production of oil-burners in this segment.
The base model GX gets the aforementioned standard features while the GX-R, aimed more at the lifestyle-oriented buyer, gets a larger front grille, a more noticeable skidplate, black wheel arch covers, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated and electrically adjustable leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless smartphone charger and full climate control, among others.
At the sharp-end, the VX receives 19-inch alloys, Auto High Beam lights, Blind Spot Monitor, an electric tailgate, Panoramic Park Distance Control and a TFT display within the instrument cluster.
Driving RAV4
Upon arrival at the launch venue, I hopped into the GX-R which is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that makes 127 kW and 203 N.m of torque, mated to a ten-step CVT gearbox. The powertrain, even down at the coast, feels strained when pushing on a bit, however, for daily driving scenarios, it proved rather relaxing. The brand claims a fuel consumption figure of 6.8 L/100 km, however, our test route resulted in a figure of 7.8 L/100 km.
The following day, I had a chance to sample the VX which is powered by a brand-new 2.5-litre motor Toyota has dubbed Dynamic Force, and which produces 152 kW and 243 N.m of torque. In this guise though, the CVT has been replaced by an eight-speed torque converter automatic.
Both variants I sampled at the launch had four-wheel- drive with various driving modes, which made compliance over gravel roads, impressive. The latter powertrain is far more palatable and would be my pick of the range, unless the six-speed manual, which is available with the 2.0-litre engine in the base model GX proves exceptional, of course. Consumption in the VX is claimed at 7.3 L /100 km, although the indicated figure on the launch route read 9.2 L/100 km.
Verdict
The latest RAV4 is more ready than ever to take on the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai’s Tucson, Mazda’s CX-5, Volvo’s XC40 and the new Subaru Forester, to name a few. With a solid platform, good build quality, ample space, great looks and competitive pricing, I’m certain we’ll see many on South African roads in the near future.
Service plan and warranty
The RAV4 range comes with a six-service/90 000 km service plan as well as a three-year/100 000 km warranty.
Pricing
2.0 GX - R416 400
2.0 GX CVT - R427 600
2.0 GX-R CVT AWD - R508 100
2.0 VX CVT - R505 400
2.5 VX AWD AT - R577 900
