In 1994, the Toyota RAV4 became, in fact, the founder of the new crossover genre or, as they used to say at the time, parked SUVs. With small dimensions, the car had a spacious body, an interesting look and increased cross-country ability, which was quite enough for many customers who were not going to storm the swamps and forest thickets. The main rival was the Honda CR-V.
More than 25 years have passed since then. During this time, numerous crossovers from other manufacturers have appeared and the competition has become much fiercer. The main market for Honda has become America. RAV4 has grown substantially larger, it hasn't had a three-door version for a long time, and total sales worldwide have reached 9 million units. For 2019, the 4th generation Toyota RAV 4 is officially retired. Its place has been taken by a new model with the same name.
INTRODUCTION
The exterior of the 2019 Toyota RA 4 definitely shows signs of its predecessor, so that generational continuity is maintained. But in doing so, the designers have tried to get away from the look of a bulky and heavy station wagon. Hence, the much more angled fifth door than before, rectangular wheel arches, and also the opportunity to paint the roof with the struts in a different colour than the rest of the body. The main element of the front end is a huge "mouth" of the grille. The shape and colour of the grille vary depending on equipment.
INTERIOR
The interior of the 2019 Toyota RAV 4 also has something in common with that of the 'fourth' car. Some elements (such as the three-spoke steering wheel) are very similar. And the gauges have become virtual - in the latest fashion. However, the architecture itself is now a bit different. The multimedia system's display is no longer integrated into the front panel, but is located on top of it. Central ventilating system deflectors do not "hug" it, but went lower. Gone is the small monochrome screen in the form of a narrow strip, as this solution is long outdated.
The gearbox is still operated using the lever, but it has been moved from the centre tunnel to the console flush and given an elegant leather cover. This frees up space for a wide armrest and an open reservoir on the tunnel. But there's no longer a long area in front of the passenger side - just a small shelf above the glovebox.
CARGO CAPACITY
The boot capacity of the 2019 Toyota RAV 4 crossover up to curtain level is 580 litres, which means the increase is only three. This is the level of statistical error. At the same time, the petrol tank has decreased - from 60 litres to 55 litres. It is possible that these changes are related to each other.
If such space is not enough, the backrest simply folds down in parts to form a flat floor. The maximum capacity available is 1,690 litres.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Overall, the 2019 Toyota RAV TOYOTA RAV 4 2019 IN NEW BODYWORK 4's specifications cannot be called revolutionary. Rather, the crossover has been brought up to date with modern market requirements. Moreover, judging by Toyota RAV 4 2019 reviews, the Japanese have managed to create a global car. It will actually be sold virtually all over the world. Only power units will differ, mainly. The rigidity of the body has been increased by as much as 57%.
DIMENSIONS
The length of the 2019 Toyota RAV 4 in the new body is 4.6 meters. That's just 5 mm less than its predecessor. Width is 1,855mm (plus 10mm) and height is 1,650mm (minus the same 10mm). At the same time the wheelbase is "moved out" by 3 cm - up to 2.69 m. It means less overhangs. Thus, dimensions of Toyota RAV 4 2019 have changed insignificantly. But the car itself looks more compact.
And clearance in the Russian specification is 195 mm. Not a record, but quite decent indicator for the car which doesn't aspire to laurels of an off-road conqueror.
ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS
The range of Toyota RAV 4 2019 for Russia includes two four-cylinder petrol engines. Both of them are atmospheric, as we don't like turbo engines, considering them unreliable. They are modern units equipped with a combined injection and have a high compression ratio. However, the manufacturer officially allows using even petrol AI-92.
2 litres (149 hp);
2.5 litre (199 hp).
The more modest motor works together with a six-speed "manual" or stepless variator. There is no alternative to a classical eight-speed "automatic" for the 199-horsepower engine.
Drive is either front or all-wheel drive. And there are even two systems - depending on a complete set. A simplified mechanism in which a rear axle is connected with a clutch is put to automobiles in the most modest version Comfort. All other 2019 Toyota RAV
4s have a more "sophisticated" design. Each rear wheel has a separate clutch, which allows for more precise traction control and "play" when necessary. In addition, thanks to cam clutches at the ends of the driveshaft, it can be disabled altogether. Say, if the car is going on the motorway.
In Europe, the situation with the powertrains of the 2019 2019 5th generation Toyota RAV used 4 is slightly different. No, diesels won't be available there either. However, only 15% of last generation car buyers opted for the internal combustion engine version. The rest opted for a hybrid. Therefore, exactly on such modification the Japanese stake. The same 2.5-liter engine 'helps' the electric motor that drives the rear wheels. In addition, the system provides an electromechanical variator, as well as nickel-metal hydride battery. The total power output is 222 bhp, which means an increase of 25 bhp over the previous car. The "regular" variant with the two-litre engine will also remain.
PACKAGES AND PRICES
The representative office has already unveiled the exact equipment and prices of the new model for Russia. Only the 2019 Toyota RAV 4 manufactured at its own plant near St. Petersburg will be available here. The surcharge for any colour except black and white is 19 thousand rubles.
STANDARD
The most modest car (149-horsepower engine, "mechanics" and front-wheel drive) in the Standard version costs 1 million 756 thousand rubles.
7 airbags;
electronic stabilization system;
simple air conditioning;
LED headlights;
multimedia system with 7-inch diagonal display;
heated front seats and steering wheel;
light sensor;
17-inch alloy wheels.
COMFORT
Next is the Comfort package. These cars are not available with a manual. The price is 1 million 980 thousand roubles in the 4x2 version. Addition for a full drive - 107 thousand, and for a combination of 199 hp engine and automatic - another 193 thousand.
• Dual zone climate control;
• rain sensor;
• One inch more diagonal display of multimedia;
• Parktronic in the rear;
• reversing camera;
• keyless entry;
• electric fifth door;
• heated windscreen;
• cruise control;
• "fog lights;
• roof racks;
• 18-inch wheels.
PRESTIGE
• Then there's the Prestige version for 2 million 290 thousand rubles. Only the two-litre engine, variator and all-wheel drive.
• Leather interior;
• electric adjustments of the driver's seat;
• Parktronic at the front;
• pad on the central tunnel for wireless charging of a smartphone;
• interior ambient lighting;
• heated rear sofa;
• 19-inch wheels;
• selectable off-road driving modes.
PRESTIGE SAFETY.
The new 2019 Toyota RAV 4 in the maximum Prestige Safety configuration costs 2 million 661 thousand rubles. The engine is 199 hp, the gearbox is automatic, the drive is all-wheel drive.
Cameras 'all round';
Adaptive cruise control instead of the usual one;
a set of electronic "assistants" of the driver.
SAFETY
The new crossover has already undergone independent crash tests according to EuroNCAP methodology. The result is the expected maximum of five stars. The protection rating for driver and front passenger is 93%.
NEW BODY
Of course, in this case we are talking about a completely new body. The Fifth Generation doesn't have a single detail in common with any other car.
COMPETITORS
There are many rivals in this segment. Among them:
• Kia Sportage
• It is possible to pay attention to "older" Sorento Prime.
• Renault Koleos.
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Mazda CX-5
CONCLUSION
The 2019 Toyota RAV 4 is the new best-selling model from the famous Japanese company. The car is cool looking and not badly equipped. That's already quite a lot. And, of course, the brand image will have a positive impact on sales. Yes, the prices cannot be called low, but Toyota has never dumped in our country.
