The Toyota RAV4 Thread

Toyota RAV4- & Corolla Hybrid (2021) Specs & Price​

Toyota SA recently previewed a hybrid derivative of the upcoming Corolla Cross, but before that model arrives, the Japanese firm is introducing petrol-electric versions of its RAV4 family car and Corolla compact sedan, the latter of which becomes Mzansi’s most affordable hybrid.

Although hybrids have long formed part of Toyota-owned premium brand Lexus’ local product line-up, Toyota South Africa Motors currently offers only the Prius through the mother brand’s dealer network (although, for the record, the Japanese manufacturer did sell hybrid versions of the Yaris and Auris before)…

That, however, will change with the introduction of the RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX and Corolla 1.8 Hybrid XS, which are powered by 2.5-litre and 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engines mated with electric motors and hybrid batteries respectively. Interestingly, while the hybrid version of the upcoming Corolla Cross will be the flagship of the range, these two newcomers are specified in entry-level GX and XS trim; in other words, they’re mid-range offerings!

The RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX, which retails for R555 300 (August 2021), slots in between the new-spec 2.0 GX Auto and the 2.0 VX. Its asking price includes 3-year/100 000 km mechanical- and 8-year/195 000 km hybrid-battery warranties and a 6-services/90 000 km service plan.

It may not be the most expensive derivative in the RAV4 range, but it is the most powerful offering in the all-petrol line-up… The first half of the powertrain is a direct-injection Atkinson-cycle 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine (with, inter alia, a 14:1 compression ratio and intelligent dual variable valve timing) that produces 131 kW at 5 700 rpm and 221 Nm of torque at 3 600 – 5 200 rpm. The second half is pair of electric motor-generators (that can produce up to 88 kW/202 Nm) in combination with a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery.


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Toyota Corolla Xs and RAV4 GX CVT Hybrid enter SA – We have pricing!

The Toyota Corolla Xs and RAV4 GX CVT Hybrid Hybrid have been added to the local line-up as a new flagship models for those looking to save on their monthly fuel bill. The new petrol-electric hybrid models source technology from the Prius and offer a preferable list of standard features.

The Toyota Corolla Xs CVT Hybrid will be sold at R419 900 and will make use of the naturally aspirated 1,8-litre four-cylinder 2ZR-FXE petrol engine which adopts the Atkinson-cycle to offer a claimed fuel consumption figure of 3,5 L/100 km.

Fitted as standard to this model is a set of LED head- and taillamps with DRLs, keyless entry, electronically adjustable and heated side mirrors, cruise control, climate control, a reverse camera and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The hybrid sedan rides on a set of unique 15-inch alloy wheels with energy saving tyres to maintain a low coefficient of friction.

The Toyota RAV4 GX CVT Hybrid, which boasts an asking price of R555 300, employs the naturally aspirated 2,5-litre four-cylinder A25A-FXS petrol engine. This unit boasts a claimed fuel consumption of 4,7 L/100 km.


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More Hybrid models for Toyota SA: Rav4, Corolla adopts eco-friendly tech to improve efficiency​

• Toyota launched hybrid models of two of its most popular vehicles.

• At R419 900, the Corolla Hybrid is the most affordable hybrid in South Africa.

• The Rav4 Hybrid boasts with a claimed fuel return of 4.7-litres/100km.

Toyota South Africa expanded its hybrid line-up by introducing Corolla and Rav4 models with these powertrains. For Toyota, this technology debuted in 1997 with the erstwhile Prius and has been a part of its technical prowess across its own and Lexus brands.

With the world fast-adopting green technologies and embracing electric mobility, Toyota realises that the switch to this realisation needs a gradual process rather than merely forcing it onto car buyers. And as it gears towards being completely carbon neutral by 2050, product offerings like the Corolla and Rav4 hybrid models aim to make this 30-years-away goal a reality.

To this end, Toyota South Africa has an initial plan to roll out hybrid variants on most of Its mainstream model ranges. The big news will be introducing the locally-produced Corolla Cross (in petrol and hybrid) from November this year. This, however, is just the start of the electrification programme - the full spectrum of NEVs (New Energy Vehicles) will be launched when there is sufficient demand and when the infrastructure can support their introduction.

 
Toyota introduces rugged RAV4 Adventure specification

Model features an updated design at the front and a bespoke interior

Toyota has revealed a new specification for the RAV4 SUV geared towards “the great outdoors” and intended to extend the model’s market reach.

The RAV4 has received updated front styling for a more rugged look, including a new black grille, front foglights with black surrounds and silver underbody protection. The model also gains wider wheel arches and 19in alloy wheels in matt grey.

Inside, the seats feature a bespoke upholstery design, with black synthetic leather and quilted and cushioned areas, along with orange stitching.

The model is driven by the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid petrol engine currently available on the standard RAV4, producing 219bhp with AWD and a towing capability of 1650kg.


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Toyota RAV4 Adventure revealed as crossover with extra off-road presence

The Toyota RAV4 Adventure has been unveiled as a more capable package for the popular Japanese crossover. The new trim is allocated to the European market and adds a “go anywhere” spirit for consumers that prefer to take their cars off the beaten track.

Giving it a more roughed look, the Toyota RAV4 Adventure has been fitted with a black grille, lower badge placement and double horizontal bars that cross the centre of the grille unit. This is amplified by black surrounds that are applied to the foglamps and a bright silver-finished anti-scuff plate.

The design of the Toyota RAV4 Adventure is made to be more distinctive with a set of 19-inch alloy wheels with a matte grey finish and an Urban Khaki coloured roof. This is complemented by a dynamic grey finish applied to the front pillars and rear spoiler which pays tribute to the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser.

Within the cabin, the Toyota RAV4 Adventure has been kitted out with bespoke black synthetic leather with deeply quilted back and cushion sections and orange contrast stitching. Branded scuff plates are fitted as well.

 
2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Revealed

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure has just been revealed, giving us a preview of what’s to come when the model is given a mild update next year.

This handsome SUV is the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure and will be hitting European markets soon. Its rugged appearance really looks the part, with unique LED headlights, a different grille and intakes, as well as the offroad-ready silver skid places at the front and rear.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure gets this unique paint finish pairing of Urban Khaki and Dynamic Grey. There are also wider wheel archesa as well as a set of matte-grey 19-inch alloys. Regular derivatives will be getting 10-spoke alloy wheels which are bright silver or gloss black, depending on trim.

Inside, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure also gets some unique touches in the form of black synthetic leather trim with a quilted seat pattern and orange stitching, as well as specific scuff plates. The entire RAV4 range will also get new USB-C charging ports, power-adjustable front passenger seat and illuminated window switches.

 
Toyota RAV4 celebrates 25 years with mild visual updates for 2022

Since its launch in 1996, the Toyota RAV4 has been an astounding success for the Japanese manufacturer across the globe. In order to keep the momentum going, the North American arm has provided next year’s model with a series of updates and a new grade for the hybrid model.

The new Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid grade includes a monotone paint, fabric trimmed seats and a 7,0-inch touchscreen connected to six speakers. This trim’s available options consist of the weather package which includes a heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers with a de-icer function. The convenience package includes a sunroof, height adjustable power tailgate and the Audio Plus that upgrades to a 9,0-inch touchscreen.

The Toyota RAV4 range gets some exterior and interior features across all grades as well. The XSE trim benefits from a new Cavalry Blue with a black roof. The LE Hybrid, XLE and XLE Hybrid gain a new shade of colour for the wheels, as does the Adventure grade.

XLE grades and above get updated headlamps, both for style and capability improvement. New LED foglamps are being introduced for XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure and TRD Off-Road. The XSE Hybrid gets the super sleek vertical lights that debuted on the XSE Prime in 2021.


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A Dealer Is Asking $97,000 For A Toyota RAV4 Prime

The RAV4 Prime has been a hot-selling vehicle, but hot enough for a $100,000 sticker?

We’ve already done a lot on dealer markups this year, but the thing is they just keep coming. This markup at Downtown Toyota of Oakland, in California, has made its rounds online over the weekend via Reddit and sent our way via reader tip. The dealer, like many others, has one RAV4 Prime in its inventory, but unlike other dealers (so far) is asking nearly $97,000 for it. You read that right. Just under $100,000.

If you take a look at the window sticker, you’ll see an MSRP of $49,659. With a price that close to $50,000, it’s pretty loaded.

But why the extra $40,000 markup? Does someone owe the mob money? Is someone trying to get ahead on their student loan payments? Something must be up because the dealer is asking a fight-inducing price of $96,442. What?! How? Let’s look at the breakdown of this lunacy.

 
The Original RAV4 Concept Looks Unbelievable Next To The Current Crossover

The RAV-FOUR was meant to be a "neo-urban 4WD car," which is not at all how you'd describe whatever it is now.

Surely, you know of the Toyota RAV4 even if you can’t remember exactly what it looks like at this moment. If you can’t, don’t sweat it because neither can I; I had to look it up just now to reacquaint myself. Apparently, these days you can order one in blue with a white roof, which strikes me as a thinly veiled attempt to remind buyers of the FJ Cruiser, a vehicle that had 20 times more personality.

But once upon a time, the RAV4 had personality of its own. It was coke-bottle shaped, had two doors (or four) and kept an extra tire on the tailgate — the best spot for a spare, followed closely by the approach taken by French automakers and Yugo. The first-gen RAV4, released in the U.S. in early 1996, was friendly and plucky, which made it cooler than if it tried really hard to be cool as the more recent generations have.

The original RAV4 even made a for a sick hill climb challenger back in the day, particularly when a 3S-GT3 out of an MR2 was stuffed in it.


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