2013 Toyota RAV4 leaked
This is your first proper look at Toyota's fourth-generation RAV4, on sale from February 2013Toyota's next-generation RAV4 will take its styling cues from the new Corolla when it goes on sale here in February.
Update: That's the take-out from these newly leaked official images, which show the all-new vehicle from the front, side and back, providing our first proper look at the replacement for Toyota's one-time compact SUV king.
Scheduled to make its official debut at the Los Angeles motor show on November 28 (3:00am November 29 Australian time), the new fourth-generation RAV4 boasts a more aggressive, sharper and altogether sportier design than its predecessor.
The flashy new RAV will compete against a number of new SUVs, including the Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander, as well as the replacement for Subaru's popular Forester (due on sale in January) and Mazda's top-selling CX-5.
Along with the front-end image of the RAV4, a handful of interior images have been leaked by website CarStyleBlog.com, revealing a conservative cabin design that is typically Toyota.
There doesn't appear to be anything attention-grabbing or innovative in the new RAV cabin, rather a neat and tidy layout that sticks to Toyota's tried-and-tested conformist formula.
As we've reported, the new Toyota SUV is expected to grow in size from its current 4625mm long, so despite sitting on the same 2660mm wheelbase it should offer more room for rear seat passengers, and potentially more boot space too.
Pricing for the new RAV4 will be announced closer to its local launch in February, but the new car is expected to retain a similar starting price of less than $30,000.
Several new convenience features are expected to arrive with the sporty new RAV4, including climate-control and a digital entertainment system.
Engine options for the American version of the Toyota SUV will include the Camry's 2.5-litre inline four and the same 3.5-litre V6 engine used in the Aurion, but the latter is unlikely to be offered in Australia.
Instead, we'll get the Camry engine, which is likely to output around 130kW/230Nm, while entry-level models will be powered by a smaller 2.0-litre petrol engine coupled for the first time with a CVT automatic transmission and, probably, front-wheel drive.
There will be no RAV4 hybrid for Australia, but a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is likely, outputting 110kW/340Nm and matched to a six-speed auto.
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