Crossovers are an extremely important area for Toyota. Every new RAV4 sells like hotcakes, and sales jumped 72% with the release of a hybrid version that couldn't even charge from the mains.
On the background of such successes, it is not surprising that the manufacturer has rushed to strain and has presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show a new hybrid RAV 4 with a prefix Prime. Works have been done not on a scratch. The novelty is different from its predecessor in many ways.
Technical Specifications
Prime got two conventional ICE variants with 2.0 and 2.5-liter gasoline units and a hybrid unit with two electric motors on each axle and a socket for recharging. Since conventional versions do not surprise much for the 3rd year in a row, let's dig into the hybrid at once.
The bogie of the new RAV4 implies installation of an atmospheric petrol engine and two compact electric motors on each axis. Quite an interesting solution, which while nobody else has realized. However, as for dynamic characteristics, not everything is as fabulous as expected.
The engine is a 2.5-liter atmospheric engine with 177 hp. It was already in the previous cross, but this time the torque is slightly tweaked. Now it's 228 Hm, instead of 221. Combined with the two electrics, the bogie produces 306 hp. For comparison, last year's hybrid variant boasted only 222 hp.
The compact battery offers an electric drive of only 63 km. Which, in general, is enough for daily use with night charging from a socket. At the same time the capacity of the battery itself was not named.
Additionally, concerning the battery, this time Toyota offers an increased warranty. It is not clear what it is connected with, but it is pleasant. Instead of 8 years or 100 000 km, now you can count on 10 years or 150 000 km compensation.
The drive and suspension have also been revised. Representatives declare that the fine electronic adjustment will give an extra advantage on the off-road. Now to the dynamics.
With a fully charged battery, the RAV4 will gain one hundred in 5.8 seconds. Moreover, this indicator will be worse with the charge indicator at 70-80%.
Consumption in the mixed mode is excellent - 2.6 liters per 100 kilometers.
On the inside, a good package of the Prime will offer:
9-inch multimedia with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and JBL speakers;
virtual dashboard;
electric driver's seat adjustment with memory;
adaptive optics;
wireless charging for gadgets;
heating and ventilation of all seats;
virtual performance of the rear-view mirror;
keyless or smartphone access;
electric handbrake;
USB ports around the cabin and a 12-volt outlet.
Also included is dynamic cruise, tire pressure sensors, an alarm system, blind spot monitoring and a system that muffles trailer sway.
Appearance
In terms of body design, Toyota continues from restyling to restyling to make it sharper, wider, and shorter. The wheelbase is also disproportionately long. But overall, the changes are nothing more than cosmetic.
Due to the new bodykit and wider fenders, the RAV4 has become slightly longer and wider. The car was once again added aggression at the expense of the new architecture of the hull and the radiator grille. That was the end of the project.
It is also worth noting that in this body the designers were able to delicately emphasize more powerful dynamics due to a small antifender and sharp ribs on the sides, which start from the "smeared" LED optics and end already on the high rear fenders.
There is nothing special about wheels. The pattern is passable. Diameter ranges from 17 to 20 inches.
Interior
But the interior of Toyota RAV4 Prime has been transformed very thoroughly. The tendency to minimalism is clearly traced here. Except for the central console, all over dazzles with matte "naked" planes.
The majority of functions are moved to leather multisteel. The rest of the part is taken by a protruding 9-inch screen.
The transition to the center tunnel deserves a special mention. Several elements are concentrated here at once - the standard gearbox rocker, the platform for wireless charging, the washer for switching the driving modes and a couple of physical buttons. All packed into a neat little panel outlined with chrome.
