New Toyota RAV4 priced north of $30K

Toyota Australia has released key pricing and specification details for the fifth-generation Toyota RAV4, which goes on sale this month.

Adopting wholesale changes across the 11-model line-up, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is the subject of a circa-$1000 increase for 2019, reflective of added safety, technology and the introduction of new hybrid and petrol drivetrains.

Furthermore, diesel is now off the menu and only the entry model is available with a manual transmission.

Toyota believes a new platform and sportier focus will “raise the bar” for SUV performance.

The range kicks off at $30,640 (plus on-road costs) in two-wheel drive GX form, moving up to $35,640 for GXL, $39,140 or Cruiser and as high as $47,140 for a new all-wheel drive Edge variant.

In entry form, the new Toyota RAV4 is powered by a new 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol four-cylinder that produces 127kW and 203Nm, sending drive to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.

Seventeen-inch wheels, cloth seat trim, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, Bluetooth, digital radio, satellite-navigation and voice recognition are now standard at base level, with a host of features now projected on an 8.0-inch touch-screen.

Toyota Australia has confirmed the RAV4 will be the first recipient of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its line-up - though the change won't come online until September. Customers who purchase before then will qualify for a free software upgrade to install the technology.

Elsewhere, the RAV4 moves ahead on the safety front courtesy of more driver aids: active cruise control, pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert, road-sign assist (speed sign only) and automatic high beam.

These features are in addition to seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert and reversing camera.

Further up the food chain, six variants in the range – GX, GXL and Cruiser -- are fitted with the new hybrid system combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with an electric motor to produce 160kW in two-wheel drive form and 163kW in all-wheel drive guise.

The hybrid system boasts a combined claimed fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km or 4.8L/100km respective of 2WD/AWD, the latter using an additional rear motor generator to enable a Trail mode, whereby 80 per cent of the total drive torque can be delivered to the rear wheels.

Entry into the hybrid line-up starts at $35,140 (plus on-road costs).

GXL models add roof rails, privacy glass, dual tailpipes and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, while the interior receives a leather-accented steering wheel and gear shifting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, wireless phone charging and added USB points.

Cruiser models score a silver grille, chrome door handles, moon roof, nine-speaker stereo, 19-inch alloys, leather-accented seats with seat heating, 10-way electric driver’s seat, 7.0-inch driver’s display, 360-degree rear view camera, powered tail gate and ambient lighting.

Sitting atop the RAV4 range is a new 2.5-litre petrol engine fitted solely to the new Edge AWD variant, priced at $47,140.

Spruiked by Toyota Australia as ‘adventure-focussed’, the four-cylinder brings 152kW/243Nm outputs and sends drive through a conventional eight-speed torque converter transmission.

In equipment terms, the Edge receives unique front and rear bumpers, wheel-arch mouldings, grille and fog light surrounds, front skid plate, Khaki paint, 19-inch alloys and synthetic leather-look seats with heating and ventilation.

The Edge variant uses a mechanical AWD system that is able to deliver a front/rear torque split of between 100 per cent to the front wheels and an even 50:50 split across front and rear wheels.

The same hardware facilitates a multi-terrain select system with different modes for mud/sand, rock, dirt and snow environments – the broadened skillset reflected with more rugged styling and enhanced interior trims.

The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 is slightly shorter, lower and wider than its predecessor, employing the car-maker’s Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that features a 30mm longer wheelbase and wider track.

The new underpinnings have extended rear load space by 65mm, pushing the official luggage capacity to 580 litres

Elsewhere, the RAV4 employs revised front MacPherson strut and new multi-link rear suspension, purportedly improving ride and handling.

The all-new mid-size Japanese SUV is supported by Toyota’s new five-year factory warranty. Watch this space for our first Australian drive review.

How much does the 2019 Toyota RAV4 cost?
GX Petrol 2WD manual -- $30,640
GX Petrol 2WD CVT -- $32,640
GXL Petrol 2WD CVT -- $35,640
Cruiser Petrol 2WD CVT -- $39,140
GX Hybrid 2WD CVT -- $35,140
GXL Hybrid 2WD CVT -- $38,140
Cruiser Hybrid 2WD CVT -- $41,640
GX Hybrid AWD CVT -- $38,140
GXL Hybrid AWD CVT -- $41,140
Cruiser Hybrid AWD CVT -- $44,640
Edge Petrol AWD Auto -- $47,140

* Prices exclude on-road costs