We drove the new Toyota RAV4 in Spainand it will arrive in South Africa in March 2019. Take a closer look at what you can expect in terms of specification andpricing.

We have returned from the international launch of the new Toyota RAV4 and our first impressions are mostly positive and family car buyers have much to look forward to in this latest iteration of the RAV4.

Read: Toyota RAV4 (2019) International Launch Review

The new RAV4’s length has been shortened by 10mm and stands some 5mm lower than the outgoing generation. The width, however, has grown by 10mm while the wheelbase has been stretched by 30 mm, making it more spacious than before. Ground clearance has also increased by 15 mm.Load volume has increased to 492 litres (+12 L) while the RAV4 VX will offer 572 litres of load space, an improvement of 25 litres over the previous generation.

Let’s take a closer look at what the new RAV4 will offer in terms of specification when it arrives in South Africa.

Trim and Engines

A total of 2 naturally-aspirated engines and 3 transmission choices will be offered in SA.

The RAV4 will be offered with 2 higher output petrol engines and 3 trim grades including GX, GX-R Adventure and the range-topping VX trim.

The RAV4 GX is the entry-level trim while the GX-R Adventure adds all-wheel drive capability, rugged styling features and gets more features as standard (see below for specification). The VX trim grade is more luxury-focussed and adds a host of additional standard features. A total of 5 RAV4 derivatives will be offered in South Africa.

The range starts with the front-wheel drive RAV4 2.0 GX with a 6-speed manual transmission which is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 127 kW and 207 Nm of torque. A RAV4 2.0 GX CVT derivative will also be offered.

The all-wheel drive RAV4 GX-R Adventure CVT employs the same engine as does the more luxurious RAV4 2.0 VX CVT.

The range-topping, all-wheel drive RAV4 2.5 VX will be powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine with 152 kW and 250 Nm, but is exclusively equipped with an improved 8-speed automatic transmission.

Note that the RAV4 will no longer offer diesel engines and the new RAV4 Hybrid will not be offered in South Africa at this stage.

Standard features

Toyota RAV4 GX

The new RAV4's styling is edgier. Note the new squared-off wheel arches.

This derivative will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare wheel. Parabola LED headlights with automatic levelling is fitted along with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights.

Standard interior features in the GX include fabric upholstery, a urethane steering wheel with mounted controls and a soft vinyl gear lever. The steering is rake and reach adjustable and both front seats are manually adjustable with the driver’s seat being height adjustable. Other features include manual air conditioning, a rear-view camera, rear park distance control and a 7-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth capability. This derivative only has 1 USB port.

In terms of safety, the RAV4 GX is equipped with no fewer than 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Ascent Control and Trailer Sway Control.

Toyota RAV4 GX-R Adventure

The GX-R Adventure derivative has a more rugged look to suit its penchant for the outdoors.

This derivative builds on the specification of the GX and is recognised by its larger, protruding grille and larger skid plates and wheel arch cladding to suit its outdoor character. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

The interior benefits from a leather steering wheel with mounted controls as well as a leather finish on the transmission lever. Leather seat upholstery is standard (in Black or Orchid Brown) while the driver’s seat is electronically adjustable with lumbar support. The seats have a heating function too. Smart entry and a push start is standard as isautomatic air conditioning. A rearview camera and rear park distance control is also offered as standard along with the same 7-inch infotainment system found on the RAV4 GX.

Nice-to-have features include a wireless smartphone charger and 3 USB ports.

In addition to the safety features found on the RAV4 GX, the GX-R Adventure adds Downhill Assist Control.

Toyota RAV4 VX

The RAV4VX derivatives will feature a host of additional safety features.

The range-topping RAV4 VX grade further adds chrome door handles and LED headlights with automatic high beam while riding on larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

Additional standard interior features include leather upholstery (in Black or Beige), an electric driver’s seat with memory function, lumbar support and heating function. A panoramic rearview camera as well as front and rear park distance control is fitted as well as a 7-inch infotainment system with 3 front USB ports and a wireless charger.

Extra safety features include a pre-crash system with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Cross Traffic Alert and a Blind Spot Monitor.

Exterior colours on offer for the new RAV4 include Graphite Grey Metallic, Cinnabar Red, Urban Khaki, Caribbean Blue and Attitude Black (customer order only).

Toyota RAV4 Price in South Africa (March 2019)

The RAV4 will see marginal pricing increases over the previous generation.

RAV4 2.0 GX 2WD R416 400

RAV4 2.0 GX CVT 2WD R427 600

RAV4 2.0 VX CVT 2WD R505 400

RAV4 2.0 GX-R-CVT AWD R508 100

RAV4 2.5 VX AT AWD R577 900

The RAV4 will be sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan.

Buy a new or used Toyota RAV4 on Cars.co.za

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