The Toyota RAV4 Thread

New Toyota RAV4: fresh details of SA-spec models revealed

Toyota South Africa Motors has revealed initial details of the new RAV4 range that is scheduled to launch locally in March 2019.

The local line-up of the fifth-generation version of the Japanese brand’s popular SUV will comprise five derivatives at launch. As we reported late in 2018, no diesel powertrains (the outgoing range includes a 2,2-litre oil-burner) will be offered.
Instead, the engine line-up will comprise a 2,0-litre four-cylinder unit (with new outputs of 127 kW and 207 N.m) and a 2,5-litre powerplant (now churning out 152 kW and 250 N.m) – both naturally aspirated petrol motors.

In base GX trim, the smaller mill will be available in six-speed manual guise or mated with a continuously variable transmission (both front-wheel drive), while in flagship VX specification only a CVT will be offered. In addition, the 2,0-litre will come in all-wheel-drive flavour, specified in mid-range GX-R trim (which includes an enlarged front grille, skid plates and wheelarches) with a CVT.
Interestingly, the sole 2,5-litre derivative (in range-topping VX form) will employ a conventional eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, sending drive to all four wheels. This mechanical all-wheel-drive arrangement features Toyota’s first dynamic torque vectoring system.

Nine exterior colours will be offered for the GX and VX trim levels, while the GX-R derivative will be available in four standard hues and one optional colour. GX variants will furthermore feature black fabric upholstery and 17-inch alloys, while GR-X and VX models will ship standard with leather and larger wheels (18-inch items in the case of the former and 19-inch alloys for the latter).

GX and GX-R derivatives will boast full-size spare wheels and a claimed 492-litre luggage capacity, while the VX’s temporary spare sees boot space climb to a claimed 572 litres.

Pricing, of course, will be revealed closer to the local launch in March 2019. In the meantime, keep an eye out for road-test engineer Peter Palm’s first impressions of the new RAV4 after driving it in Spain.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-toyota-rav4-fresh-details-of-sa-spec-models-revealed/
 
Toyota RAV4 (2019) International Launch Review

The 5th-generation RAV4, which is due to arrive in South Africa in March 2019, was launched in Barcelona last week. Boasting an eye-catching new exterior design, the latest RAV4 is primed to cement Toyota's success in the local family car segment. Gero Lilleike travelled to Spain to take the new RAV4 for a drive; herewith his feedback…

If I’m honest, the outgoing RAV4 didn't quite do it for me. It was just too... well, ordinary-looking. Nonetheless, the RAV4 has done very well for itself in its 25-year existence – it’s practical, offers reasonably good performance and like most Toyotas, it's very reliable.

It’s for those very reasons that the RAV4 has been so formidable in its segment and it keeps buyers coming back, time and time again. Given the rampant popularity of family cars, it’s no surprise that the RAV4 is a key volume model for Toyota with a 14% market share year-to-date 2018. And, with more than 9-million units sold since its introduction in 1994, the RAV4's one of the most successful SUV nameplates in the world.

Now, at 38 000 ft, somewhere above the Mediterranean Sea, I am happy to report that the latest RAV4 has more of an edge and after driving it, my opinion of Toyota's family car has changed, for the better.

The RAV4 needed a drastic styling makeover and with this new RAV4, Toyota has steered away from its generally conservative styling approach and endowed the 5th-generation car with a striking polygonal design theme that makes it look bolder and far more expressive than ever before.

While its styling is, yes, polarising, we think Toyota deserves some praise for giving the new RAV4 a more exciting and attention-grabbing design that will make it stand out against its rivals in this segment.

What's coming to South Africa?

Only 2 petrol engines will make it to SA while no diesel engines will be offered. The RAV4 Hybrid is not destined for SA, yet...

Firstly, no turbodiesel engines will be offered for the new RAV4 and while the new RAV4 Hybrid plays a key role in other markets around the world, it hasn’t been earmarked for South Africa at this point in time. Hybrids just don't seem to do good business in South Africa, at least not yet...

With the new RAV4 expected to launch in South Africa in March 2019, South African buyers will instead have the choice between 2 higher output, naturally aspirated petrol engines, 3 transmissions and 3 trim grades including the entry-level GX, the more rugged GX-R Adventure derivative and the range-topping VX grade. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive formats will be offered, bringing the total derivative count to 5.

The RAV4 GX is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 127 kW and 207 Nm and will be offered with either a 6-speed manual transmission or CVT in front-wheel-drive guise.

The all-wheel-drive RAV4 GX-R Adventure derivative, which we drove in Spain, is also mated with a CVT, but is distinguished by pronounced skid plates and wheel arch cladding and a larger, protruding grille which makes it look more rugged to suit its ambitions as an outdoor lifestyle offering.

The 2.0-litre engine will also come to market in the luxury-focused VX trim grade also with a CVT and in front-wheel-drive guise, while the range will be headlined by the all-wheel drive, 2.5-litre VX with 152 kW and 250 Nm, but equipped with an improved 8-speed automatic transmission.

What's the interior like?

The interior is robust with a premium look and feel. Note the new digital rear-view camera.

At 2 690 mm, the RAV4's wheelbase has been extended by 30 mm, which has had a positive impact on cabin space. We were pleasantly surprised by the truly generous legroom afforded to rear passengers and the load bay (492 litres, 572 litres in the VX) should prove very useful for families.

Interior build quality is good with a premium look and feel and the GX-R derivative we sampled featured plush leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard. It's definitely a comfortable place to be.

A nifty feature is the new digital rear-view mirror, which can project an adjustable reverse-view camera feed that enhances rearward visibility. The larger instrument cluster display is also more attractive than before and it lifts the interior ambience substantially.

In contrast with cars that we drove (pictured here), South African-spec RAV4s will receive an in-house 7-inch infotainment system, but it won’t feature navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto won't feature initially either, but will likely be introduced at a later stage. A wireless charging pad is offered on the GX-R Adventure grade and up, plus the RAV4 can be equipped with up to 5 USB ports (3 front, 2 rear), which is a boon.

What's the RAV4 like to drive?

The new RAV4 2.0 GX-R performs well overall and should serve well as a family car.

In a basement below the streets of Barcelona, 40 new RAV4s lay in wait. While most were hybrids, four 2.0-litre all-wheel-drive GX-R Adventure derivatives were allocated to the SA media. Preset routes navigated us through the bustling city and into the Spanish countryside.

We found the 127 kW/207 Nm 2.0-litre RAV4's performance to be adequate rather than exceptional. It didn’t feel underpowered, but we were at sea level, which means some gusto will be lost at altitude. With that said, more torque would give this RAV4's motor a bit more bite.

Although the RAV4 gets up to speed at a fair pace, we found the CVT to be a tad lazy and moany under a firmer right foot, but the powertrain's hum was never so intrusive that it became annoying. Responsiveness improves in manual mode and by using the steering-mounted paddles; the CVT is more easily exploitable to suit your driving situation. There are also 3 drive modes including Eco, Normal and Sport.

The RAV4's ride quality is more refined than before – we were mightily impressed with its road manners. The body structure is some 57% stiffer and because the new RAV4 is wider by 10 mm, it hugs the road with reassurance and handles cornering with more confidence and poise. The Toyota's ride is buttery smooth and combined with a well-weighted steering feel, it should be a pleasure to drive daily and even more so on longer journeys.

The new RAV4 can tackle a rugged mountain track with ease thanks to a new all-wheel-drive system.

We also took the RAV4 GX-R Adventure on a mild 4x4 track where the new mechanical all-wheel-drive system, which now features a dynamic torque vectoring system with Rear Driveline Disconnect for the first time, was put to the test. The twin couplings on the rear axle allow for torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels, which enhances traction performance in a variety of conditions. A graphic display in the instrument cluster also shows you exactly where and how much torque is being apportioned to each of the wheels, which is a nice touch.

The RAV4 hardly broke a sweat on the rugged mountain road, but we look forward to putting the new RAV4 to the challenge of tougher conditions in South Africa. The driver can also select an appropriate mode to suit the conditions by using the dial on the centre console... Driving modes include Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt and Snow.

In terms of safety, the RAV4 is equipped with no fewer than 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Ascent Control and Trailer Sway Control. The GX-R Adventure adds Downhill Assist Control. The top-spec VX derivatives will also be equipped with features such as Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Final thoughts

The new RAV4 is an impressive offering and should be well received when it arrives in March 2019.

Overall, our first impressions of the new RAV4 are very positive. We like the more purposeful exterior styling and the spacious and well-equipped interior will undoubtedly serve its target market well. Furthermore, the RAV4’s ride quality is excellent. Performance of the 2.0-litre petrol engine should suffice, but we fear that those living on the Highveld may find it to be marginally underwhelming. The RAV4 2.5 VX AWD will likely offer better performance, but we will only be able to drive the flagship derivative upon its local launch in March 2019.

Toyota expects the RAV4 2.0 GX CVT and GX-R Adventure to be the volume sellers in our market and while pricing has yet to be confirmed, a Toyota representative has assured us that the pricing structure will be competitive. If that is indeed the case, buyers looking for a competent family vehicle may want to delay their prospective family car purchases until the new RAV4 arrives. It may very well be worth the wait…

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/toyota-rav4-2019-international-launch-review/46004/

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DRIVEN: Toyota RAV4 2,0 GX-R AWD CVT

Yes, what you’re looking at here is the latest Toyota RAV4 (that’s “Recreational Activity Vehicle” for those who aren’t aware of the unusual name’s origins). As is customary, the next generation of any vehicle is generally larger than its predecessor … but, in the case of the fifth iteration of Toyota’s popular crossover, it’s both larger and smaller.

Confused? Let me explain. What the designers have done is reduce the overall length (by some 10 mm) and the height (by 5 mm), but increase the wheelbase (by a full 30 mm) and the width (by 10 mm). As a result, the front and rear overhangs are shorter. In addition, Toyota claims it has managed to increase the ground clearance by 15 mm. The extended wheelbase is particularly noticeable when sitting in the rear quarters, where improved legroom is enjoyed.

Interestingly, the fuel tank has shed five litres (possibly as a result of that extra ground clearance) and now holds 55 litres. Still, this should not be too much of an inconvenience with the anticipated improved fuel economy of the two petrol engines that will be offered at the local launch in March 2019.

New look

Styling, though, is quite radically changed from that of the previous generation. This time, the majority of lines are sharp and the squared-off wheel arches lend the chiselled new RAV4 a far more “macho” look than that worn by its forebear. Indeed, the fresh face features an angry “Darth Vader” snarl, while the GX-R derivative we’re evaluating here boasts further cosmetic enhancements to the front appearance, with a broader grille, larger skidplates and more aggressively shaped wheel arches setting it apart. Some may prefer the softer presence of its predecessor, but this latest look does lend credence to the instructions of Toyota boss Akio Toyoda, who has made it clear he wants “no more boring cars”.
Toyota RAV4

Visibility has been enhanced by increasing the glass area all round (particularly in the case of the smaller quarter-light panes, front and rear), while the interior has also moved up a level in terms of quality, with a large touchscreen, redesigned gear lever and console area, and rotary knobs that feature a ribbed rubber coating adding appeal. Satellite navigation will not be included in any of the SA-spec models since Toyota believes most buyers prefer smartphone systems. Interestingly, the top-spec model’s rear-view mirror doubles as a screen fed by a rear-facing camera, although this can be switched to a conventional mirror with the flick of a lever.

More space…

Seating space is generous and (again thanks to the added length between the axles) the boot is also larger. Although the European units at the launch had no spare wheels, four of the five derivatives that will make up the South African line-up will come with a full-size alloy spare as standard. Only the top-spec VX version will make do with a temporary spare, ostensibly thanks to its standard 19-inch items (interestingly, though, this sees the VX boast an increased luggage capacity of 572 litres as opposed to the 492 litres offered by the other variants).

Unfortunately for diesel-lovers, no oil-burning engines are on the cards for the new RAV4. Instead, the naturally aspirated 2,0-litre petrol engine is back with a few extra horses. Thanks to some under-bonnet massaging, the four-cylinder unit’s outputs are now 127 kW and 207 N.m. In the entry-level GX model, drive is sent to the front wheels, via either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The GX-R variant, however, boasts all-wheel drive.

Less fuel

While the 2,0-litre’s power output seems fairly high on paper (for a free-breathing unit, at least), the engine needs to be revved if decent forward progress is desired and there’s not quite enough low-down torque to compete with the many smaller-engined rivals that use turbocharging. While this may make the RAV4’s powertrain seem a little old-fashioned, it’s worth noting that older engines will more than likely be more reliable than their downsized forced-induction siblings, something of which Toyota is always very conscious (the firm wouldn’t want its reputation for mechanical dependability to be dented, after all).

Fuel consumption claims are significantly lower than those of the previous generation, with the 2,0-litre AWD CVT boasting a combined figure of 6,7 L/100 km. The electrically assisted power steering system now has the motor positioned directly on the rack instead of further up the steering column, improving the steering feel to something close to that of hydraulic assistance. The vehicles that we drove used the powertrain of the GX-R but without the styling features we will see when the right-hand-drive units arrive in South Africa (note that the images you see here show the added aesthetic elements).

‘Boxing clever

The CVT gearbox does have some slip, but the steps make it feel more conventional and there is the addition of paddle shifters for those seeking a sportier edge. On a very twisty mountain pass near Barcelona, switching to the paddles enhanced the driving experience by allowing me to easily select the appropriate ratio for the differing corner speeds, while adding some engine braking before negotiating slower, tighter bends.

That said, the eight artificial steps are too many; six would have done nicely. In these days of “more is better”, the number of virtual gears seems to have become a sales strategy, even if they’re there to merely mimic a conventional ‘box. Still, a distinct advantage of coupling a CVT with all-wheel drive is that a “low range” is naturally present to assist with climbing steep hills.

Well judged ride

The suspension set-up is spot-on, with enough compliance to soak up most bumps while still limiting body roll through fast corners. Apart from the freeway and mountain passes, we also traversed an off-road course that was quite entertaining (by overseas off-road standards). The roads were muddy and slippery but the intelligent permanent all-wheel-drive system coped without any fuss.

The larger engine fitted to the top-spec VX displaces 2,5 litres, and its peak outputs have been hiked to 132 kW and 250 N.m. The only gearbox offered here is an eight-speed conventional torque-converter automatic transmission. The majority of the units on the launch in Spain employed Toyota’s latest hybrid system (incorporating this 2,5-litre engine), but these powertrains are apparently not suited to high-altitude operation so will not be sold in South Africa.

And standard kit?

Standard features on base GX models will include LED headlamps and daytime running lights, front and rear foglamps, cloth upholstery, stability control, trailer sway control, seven airbags, manual air-conditioning, a rear-view monitor, a seven-inch touchscreen system (with one USB port), steering wheel controls and cruise control.
Toyota RAV4

The GX-R all-wheel-drive model, meanwhile, adds leather treatment for the seats and steering wheel, hill-descent control, push-button start, automatic air-con, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, seat heating up front, three USB ports and a wireless phone charger. The flagship VX derivative, meanwhile, gains pre-crash braking and lane-departure alerts with adaptive cruise control, an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror and driver’s seat memory settings. In addition, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay seem likely to be offered later.

Pricing not yet released

In South Africa, a six-service/90 000 km plan will be included in the price, with the latter likely to be increased by no more than five percent over that of the outgoing generation. While the 2,0-litre front-driven models are at present the most popular sellers on local shores (by some margin, too), Toyota is hoping the new GX-R derivative will further broaden the RAV4’s appeal and capture the attention of buyers who yearn for a little more adventure. There’s a reason it’s called the “Recreational Activity Vehicle”, after all…

Model:Toyota RAV4 2,0 GX-R AWD CVT
Price:TBA
Engine:2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol
Power:127 kW
Torque:207 N.m
0-100 km/h:n/a
Top Speed:n/a
Fuel Consumption:6,7 L/100 km
CO2:153 g/km
Transmission:CVT
Maintenance Plan:Six services/90 000 km

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/toyota-rav4-gx-r-awd/
 
Does n/a in this case stand for "not achievable" :ROFL:
 
WATCH: Here's why SA will only see the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in a year or two

Earlier in January, Toyota unleashed its new RAV4 Hybrid in Barcelona, Spain. While it is not yet available for the local market, it will be confirmed for South Africa in the next year or two.

Yes, we have plenty of hybrid models in our local market but there's a reason the new RAV4 Hybrid will only arrive at a later stage.

Headed for SA?

South Africa will receive a five-model line-up comprising of two engines at launch: 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol, at the local launch in March. There will be three grades available, namely GX (entry-level) GXR (Adventure) and VX (range-topper).

South Africa along with countries like Russia, Chile, and the US will also receive petrol engines while the majority of the global markets will receive the Hybrid model only.

Toyota says the new RAV4 remains unique in its class in offering customers a self-charging, hybrid powertrain – the choice of an overwhelming majority of customers for the model in Western Europe (85% in 2018). And just like diesel models are being phased out in most of Europe and other parts of the world, it's still a very popular choice in South Africa.

The same applies to the Hybrids; just like 85% of Western Europe favours this technology in vehicles, locally we're just not there yet.

It's for this reason that Toyota South Africa has decided to introduce the Hybrid at a later stage as a top-of-the-range vehicle as customer demand lies heavily at the lower spectrum in the form of the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol variants.

Wheels24's Janine Van der Post attended the international launch, so look out for her driving impression of the 2.0-litre petrol version later this week.

The new 2.5-litre petrol hybrid Dynamic Force, offering 160kW in front-wheel drive form and 163kW with all-wheel drive, will strengthen customer appeal, delivering step-changes in power, responsiveness and efficiency, with best-in-class fuel economy and emissions levels.

At the same time, all-wheel drive systems have been comprehensively improved to achieve a "drive on any road" capability.

Toyota says the new RAV4 Hybrid’s electric AWD-i system has been re-engineered and enhanced to provide much stronger performance in challenging conditions and secure handling on slippery surfaces.

The automaker says it's also the first vehicle in its stable to benefit from additional Toyota Safety Sense features that extend the use of advanced technologies to help prevent accidents and provide greater driver assistance, including systems that introduce a degree of automated driving

https://www.wheels24.co.za/OffRoad_...-toyota-rav4-hybrid-in-a-year-or-two-20190122
 
Toyota RAV4 (2019) Specs & Price

We drove the new Toyota RAV4 in Spain last week and it will arrive in South Africa in March 2019. Take a closer look at what you can expect in terms of specification and estimated pricing.

We have returned from the international launch of the new Toyota RAV4 and our first impressions are mostly positive and family car buyers have much to look forward to in this latest iteration of the RAV4.

The new RAV4’s length has been shortened by 10mm and stands some 5mm lower than the outgoing generation. The width, however, has grown by 10mm while the wheelbase has been stretched by 30 mm, making it more spacious than before. Ground clearance has also increased by 15 mm. Load volume has increased to 492 litres (+12 L) while the RAV4 VX will offer 572 litres of load space, an improvement of 25 litres over the previous generation.

Let’s take a closer look at what the new RAV4 will offer in terms of specification when it arrives in South Africa.

Trim and Engines

A total of 2 naturally-aspirated engines and 3 transmission choices will be offered in SA.

The RAV4 will be offered with 2 higher output petrol engines and 3 trim grades including GX, GX-R Adventure and the range-topping VX trim.

The RAV4 GX is the entry-level trim while the GX-R Adventure adds all-wheel drive capability, rugged styling features and gets more features as standard (see below for specification). The VX trim grade is more luxury-focussed and adds a host of additional standard features. A total of 5 RAV4 derivatives will be offered in South Africa.

The range starts with the front-wheel drive RAV4 2.0 GX with a 6-speed manual transmission which is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 127 kW and 207 Nm of torque. A RAV4 2.0 GX CVT derivative will also be offered.

The all-wheel drive RAV4 GX-R Adventure CVT employs the same engine as does the more luxurious RAV4 2.0 VX CVT.

The range-topping, all-wheel drive RAV4 2.5 VX will be powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine with 152 kW and 250 Nm, but is exclusively equipped with an improved 8-speed automatic transmission.

Note that the RAV4 will no longer offer diesel engines and the new RAV4 Hybrid will not be offered in South Africa at this stage.

Standard features

Toyota RAV4 GX

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The new RAV4's styling is edgier. Note the new squared-off wheel arches.

This derivative will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare wheel. Parabola LED headlights with automatic levelling is fitted along with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights.

Standard interior features in the GX include fabric upholstery, a urethane steering wheel with mounted controls and a soft vinyl gear lever. The steering is rake and reach adjustable and both front seats are manually adjustable with the driver’s seat being height adjustable. Other features include manual air conditioning, a rear-view camera, rear park distance control and a 7-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth capability. This derivative only has 1 USB port.

In terms of safety, the RAV4 GX is equipped with no fewer than 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Ascent Control and Trailer Sway Control.

Toyota RAV4 GX-R Adventure

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The GX-R Adventure derivative has a more rugged look to suit its penchant for the outdoors.

This derivative builds on the specification of the GX and is recognised by its larger, protruding grille and larger skid plates and wheel arch cladding to suit its outdoor character. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

The interior benefits from a leather steering wheel with mounted controls as well as a leather finish on the transmission lever. Leather seat upholstery is standard (in Black or Orchid Brown) while the driver’s seat is electronically adjustable with lumbar support. The seats have a heating function too. Smart entry and a push start is standard as well as featuring a new digital rear view mirror and automatic air conditioning. A rear view camera and rear park distance control is also offered as standard along with the same 7-inch infotainment system found on the RAV4 GX.

Nice-to-have features include a wireless smartphone charger and 3 USB ports.

In addition to the safety features found on the RAV4 GX, the GX-R Adventure adds Downhill Assist Control.

Toyota RAV4 VX

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The RAV4 VX derivatives will feature a host of additional safety features.

The range-topping RAV4 VX grade further adds chrome door handles and LED headlights with automatic high beam while riding on larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

Additional standard interior features include leather upholstery (in Black or Beige), an electric driver’s seat with memory function,lumbar support and heating function. A panoramic rear view camera as well as front and rear park distance control is fitted as well as a 7-inch infotainment system with 3 front USB ports and a wireless charger.

Extra safety features include a pre-crash system with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Cross Traffic Alert and a Blind Spot Monitor.

Exterior colours on offer for the new RAV4 include Graphite Grey Metallic, Cinnabar Red, Urban Khaki, Caribbean Blue and Attitude Black (customer order only).

Estimated Toyota RAV4 Pricing

The RAV4 will see marginal pricing increases over the previous generation.

While official pricing for the new Toyota RAV4 has yet to be confirmed, a local Toyota spokesperson has confirmed that pricing will be competitive with a general price increase of between 7% and 10% over the previous generation, depending on the derivative.

With that in mind, you can expect the RAV4 range to start at about R420 000 for the RAV4 2.0 GX and right up to approximately R630 000 for the range-topping RAV4 2.5 VX derivative.

The RAV4 will be sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan.

We will keep you updated with further details closer to launch in March 2019.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/toyota-rav4-2019-specs--price/46010/
 
Pity about the android auto.... Surely it cannot be that expensive to bring it in as standard.
 
paul5186 said:
Pity about the android auto.... Surely it cannot be that expensive to bring it in as standard.
Click to expand...

Toyota has fokol consistency when it comes to infotainments systems.

There are essentially 3 core approaches:

- "Asian spec" that includes AA & CP. Found in the latest Yaris, Rush, updated 86 etc.
- "American spec" that for a long time had neither functionality but slowly rolling out to the latest models. New Avalon being an example.
- "Euro spec" system that for most part has zero AA & CP functionality. Think new Auris, new RAV4, new Roller.

Lastly beside all that not long ago some local vehicles had a limited 3rd party system that was bare bones. Think early C-HR models, earlier GT86 models.
 
Wow. Seriously grown up from the original. A friend had one of these back in the day

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Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road

The all-new, fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 is looking ahead with the unveiling of the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road model at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Arriving in the fall of 2019, the newest addition to the RAV4 family will be outfitted with a full array of special Toyota Racing Development engineering and design features for greater trail-driving capability and standout style.

The vehicle that started the segment 22 years ago is now the best-selling non-pickup truck in the U.S. With the latest generation, it is bringing even more sport and more utility. For 2020, the new TRD Off-Road is designed for customers who make the great outdoors a second home.

For the first time, the RAV4 will join a formidable team of Toyota TRD Off-Road SUVs and pickups inspired by the brand's legendary off-road and desert racers. Beneath the new-generation RAV4's bolder design, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform provides an ideal base for TRD's renowned go-anywhere capability and style. Building on the 8.6-inch ground clearance and design features of the RAV4 Adventure grade, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road goes above and beyond with suspension, wheels and tires engineered specifically for trail driving.

The Dynamic Force 2.5-liter, 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission, provides get-up-and-go-anywhere performance and exemplary fuel efficiency. The driver can choose from Sport, Normal and Eco modes. To take more equipment along, such as personal watercraft, dirt bikes or a small enclosed trailer, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

https://www.netcarshow.com/toyota/2020-rav4_trd_off_road/

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New Toyota RAV4 given the official TRD off-road treatment!

Toyota has whipped the covers off a new RAV4 TRD Off-Road model at the Chicago Auto Show in the United States, giving its fresh-faced, fifth-generation SUV an updated suspension set-up, new wheels and bespoke tyres “engineered specifically for trail driving”.

The latest addition to the RAV4 family is fitted with what the Japanese brand describes as “a full array” of special Toyota Racing Development engineering and design features for “greater trail-driving capability and standout style”.

This US-spec model is powered by Toyota’s familiar naturally aspirated 2,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (offering 132 kW and 250 N.m), which directs oomph to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Thanks to its standard “Multi-Terrain Select” system, the RAV4 offers various tailored settings: “Mud & Sand” mode for beach driving, “Rock & Dirt” mode for trails and “Snow” for wintery conditions, for instance. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road furthermore boasts hill-start assist control, trailer sway control and downhill assist control as standard.

Exterior design cues include “high-rise” roof rails and large over-fenders, plus the more aggressive bumper and grille designs used by the so-called “Adventure” grade.

Toyota says the special TRD-tuned suspension has been “engineered to enhance body control and small-bump isolation” to help smooth out trails. Model-specific red coil springs, meanwhile, bear an off-road focus, while the twin-tube shocks have been re-valved and feature new internal rebound springs. In addition, new bump stops ostensibly help improve body control over large bumps and dips.

Lighter and “more rigid” flow-formed 18×7-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels – wrapped in Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail rubber – are also included. Interestingly, the all-terrain tyres feature a unique tread pattern and compound “developed to TRD technical requirements”.

Offered in the US in Magnetic Grey metallic with an Ice Edge roof, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road features dark grey front and rear lower facias, as well as front LED foglamps. Midnight Black and Lunar Rock body colours are also available (both with the option of an Ice Edge roof), along with Ruby Flare Pearl and Super White.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of red stitching and red trim accent. Seat surfaces are covered in “SofTex”, a material Toyota says is “lighter than leather yet highly durable”, while the front pews have “TRD” lettering stitched onto the headrests. TRD all-weather floor mats and a rear cargo protector are also included.

The new RAV4 is scheduled to launch in South Africa in March 2019. While the local range will include a GX-R derivative (similar to the Adventure variant offered in the US), this TRD package in unlikely to feature.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-toyota-rav4-given-the-official-trd-off-road-treatment/
 
Toyota Reveals TRD Upgraded RAV4

The world’s third most popular vehicle becomes a TRD.

Toyota has revealed a more adventure focussed version of its new RAV4, rather unimaginatively called the RAV4 TRD Off-Road.

This TRD RAV4 is not meant to become a Fortuner rival of sorts, but rather a slightly more confident high-speed gravel traveller. Styling is remarkably similar to the standard RAV4 in Adventure trim, but there are some slight mechanical revisions which justify the TRD Off-Road billing.

Although ground clearance remains unchanged from a factory all-wheel-drive RAV4 at 218 mm, this TRD derivative has better suspension components, designed to absorb harsh gravel road pothole strikes and corrugations at speed.

The RAV4 TRD Off-Road’s shock absorbers have been re-valved to provide superior ride quality on unmaintained roads and new suspension bump stops improve wheel travel, which means you should hear less of an audible ‘thump’ when rolling over – or through – an unexpected road feature at speed.

Toyota’s aim was most certainly not to create a rock-crawling RAV4, but rather one which is superbly comfortable at high-speed dirt road touring.

Distinguished by a slightly restyled grille insert and red TRD logos present in the cabin, this is a derivative which could make a lot of sense to those Toyota RAV4 owners who are dedicated backroad explorers.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/toyota-reveals-trd-upgraded-rav4/46094/
 
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