New Toyota RAV4 brings 300bhp and 62 miles of EV range
Toyota has taken the wraps off its sixth-generation RAV4, with the more power, improved range and faster charging for the plug-in hybrid SUV.
The new Rav4 packs 300bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds courtesy of a 150kW (200bhp) front-mounted motor paired with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, producing a total of 300bhp. A new 22.68kWh battery provides up to 62 miles of range, and thanks to an on-board 50kW DC charger, the all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 can be charged from 10-80% in around 30 minutes.
Charging with Toyota’s newly-introduced 11kW AC charger sees this latest version of its best-selling SUV charge from 10-80% within three hours; twice as quickly as the outgoing model.
For the first time, Toyota has added front-wheel drive PHEV RAV4 to the line-up, albeit with a lesser power output of 264bhp. A non-PHEV hybrid RAV4 is also available with 188bhp in AWD guise, and 181bhp with the FWD drivetrain.
As well as its updated drivetrain, the new Toyota RAV4 has undergone a significant interior overhaul. A centrally-mounted 12.9-inch infotainment home screen controls the car’s navigation, HVAC, system settings, and benefits from regular over-the-air system updates.
Along with maps, a newly-added 12.3-inch driver display shows Google Points of Interest with real-time navigation details such as Low Emissions Zones (LEZ) location alerts. Toyota claims that both screens display better quality of information and sharper graphics over the existing RAV4.
The new RAV4 benefits from Toyota’s Arene OS, which is aimed at improving safety and achieving the Japanese manufacturer’s goal of zero road accidents. Working in conjuction with an updated Blind Spot Monitor, the latest RAV4 utilises a Front Cross Traffic Alert feature, meaning the Arene software prevents the vehicle from crossing traffic at busy junctions by detecting vehicles passing in front.
Further safety updates include a more advanced versions of Toyota’s Lane Change Assist, Pre-Collision System, and a Panoramic View Monitor providing a 3D image to facilitate parking. Like the infotainment system, the new Toyota RAV4’s safety suite is kept up-to-date via over-the-air updates.
Toyota has yet to make public the full new RAV4 range. It has, however, confirmed a GR Sport trim inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing’s multiple championship-winning programmes in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the World Rally Championship.
While the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport doesn’t get any drivetrain updates over the standard car, it recieves several visual changes including a 3D-effect “functional matrix” mesh grille, and lightweight 20-inch wheels. Inside, visual changes include console knee pads, aluminium pedals, plus black upholstery with disreet GR logos and red accents.
In terms of performance, the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport’s chassis is widened by 20mm, while high-performance dampers, strengthened rear bracing, plus retuned springs and power steering have been added for a more driver-focused experience.
While a UK arrival date and pricing for the new Toyota RAV4 has yet to be announced, Toyota verified that the only model destined for UK shores is the PHEV.
