Ever since its launch in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 has always blazed a trail. After all, it has been credited as the SUV that kicked off the current compact crossover SUV trend.
While the fourth-generation boasts another impeccable success story, the all-new fifth generation looms. Set to debut in South Africa early next year, the new RAV4 will launch with a choice of only two naturally aspirated engine options – a contrast to its predecessor which is still on sale locally.
The current line-up includes a diesel variant, but it is believed that the new Toyota RAV4 will not be offered as an oil burner. Whereas the current 2.0-litre produces 107kw and 187nm, the new 2.0-litre will produce 127kw and 203nm, whilst the new 2.5-litre trumps its predecessor’s outputs of 132kw and 233nm with 152kw and 243nm. As before, the 2.0 will be only available as a front-wheel drive, and offered with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT. The 2.5-litre though, will be all-wheel drive equipped, and will feature a new 8-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous models 6-speed automatic.
The new RAV4 rides on the TNGA K (Toyota New Global Architecture) version that is shared with the new Lexus ES. That brings some changes to the proportions over the model it replaces, as the new RAV4 rides on a 2.69m wheelbase that’s 3cm longer than before, yet its 5mm shorter at 4.6m. It’s also 10mm wider at 1.85m, while height drops by 5mm to 1.7m. Toyota claims the new unibody chassis is 57% more rigid than the outgoing version. It also now sports a front reminiscent of the 4Runner SUV, and breaks the mould that automakers typically follow with their design. Most follow an evolutionary design, however the RAV4 is revolutionary, making it impossible to confuse this and its predecessor.
The interior is also very closely styled to that of the freshly revealed Toyota Corolla Hatchback, and also has the new 'floating' infotainment screen, which features the new Entune 3.0 multimedia system that now includes Apple CarPlay as standard alongside hands-free access to Amazon Alexa and WiFi connectivity.
Expect Toyota South Africa to release pricing and specification details closer to its launch in Q1 2019.
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota RAV4 cost in South Africa?
The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 starts from around R485,000 for the base 2.0-litre front-wheel drive model, while the top-spec 2.5-litre all-wheel drive variant will set you back approximately R625,000, making it competitive with rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.
Q: Is the Toyota RAV4 worth buying?
Absolutely, the RAV4 offers legendary Toyota reliability, excellent resale value, and impressive fuel economy of around 7.2L/100km for the 2.0-litre model, plus it's practically bulletproof for SA road conditions with solid ground clearance and AWD availability.
Q: What are the main differences between the old and new Toyota RAV4?
The new RAV4 ditches the diesel option entirely, gains significantly more power (127kW vs 107kW for the 2.0-litre), rides on a 57% stiffer chassis, features an 8-speed auto on the 2.5-litre model, and looks completely different with its bold 4Runner-inspired styling.
Q: Which Toyota RAV4 engine should I choose?
Go for the 2.0-litre CVT if you're budget-conscious and mostly drive in town, but the 2.5-litre AWD with 152kW is worth the extra cash if you need proper off-road capability, towing power, or live somewhere with rough roads.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, you should definitely buy the Toyota RAV4. The best compact SUV under R650,000 in SA is the RAV4 2.5 AWD at R625,000, offering unbeatable reliability, strong resale values, and genuine all-terrain capability. Even the entry-level 2.0 FWD at R485,000 makes perfect sense for families wanting Toyota's legendary dependability without breaking the bank. Sure, it's not the cheapest option out there, but when you factor in Toyota's service network, bulletproof build quality, and the fact that it'll still be worth decent money in 10 years, the RAV4 is about as safe a bet as you'll find in the crossover game.
