Toyota Australia has announced initial specifications for the all-new 2019 RAV4 range which is scheduled to arrive locally in the first half of next year.
The big news is the new RAV4 will be the first Toyota SUV to be offered Down Under with a hybrid powertrain.
For 2019 the RAV4 will be offered with three new four-cylinder direct-injection engines – a 2.0-litre petrol (FWD), 2.5-litre petrol (mechanical AWD) and a 2.5-litre hybrid (FWD or electric AWD).
Opening the engine range is a new 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol unit producing 127kW (up 18.7 per cent) and 203Nm (up 8.6 per cent). It will be mated with a six-speed manual as standard or an optional CVT with launch gear which according to Toyota delivers “sporty driving with impressive fuel efficiency.”
Moving to the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine lifts the outputs to 152kW and 243Nm. It will be paired exclusively to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
Power can be sent to all corners through a mechanical AWD system that can send 50 per cent of the torque to the rear axle when the need arises. It will also feature Toyota's first dynamic torque vectoring system that apportions torque between the left and right rear wheels as well as between the front and rear axles. The system is designed to ensure performance and accurate response to the driver's steering inputs when cornering, both in dry and slippery conditions.
The 2.5-litre hybrid model delivers a total system output of 155kW and 221Nm. It will be matched to a CVT with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Hybrid variants get an electronic AWD system that uses an additional motor generator on the rear axle along with a new automatic limited-slip differential. The system remains on-demand with up to 80 per cent of the available torque directed to the rear wheels.
The electronic AWD system is smaller and lighter than the mechanical set-up which brings packaging and efficiency benefits.
Speaking of packaging hybrid and petrol variants have the same luggage space with the hybrid battery located under the rear seat.
Full Australian specifications and pricing are yet to be revealed, all the details are expected in the lead-up to the RAV4’s local launch in the first half of 2019.
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