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2019 Toyota RAV4: Australian details revealed

Three drivetrains will be offered in Australia, led by a 2.5-litre hybrid with all-wheel drive.


Toyota Australia has confirmed powertrain specifications for the 2019 RAV4, ahead of the all-new SUV's arrival in the second quarter of 2019.

As we confirmed in July, the RAV4 will become the first Toyota SUV offered with a hybrid powertrain Down Under. Three engines will be offered, starting with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine sending drive exclusively to the front wheels.

It makes 127kW and 203Nm, the latter available between 4400 and 4800rpm, and can be paired with a six-speed manual or a CVT with the new 'launch gear'.

Jumping up the range will bring a larger 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-pot petrol making 152kW of power and 243Nm of torque, mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Its all-wheel drive system is capable of shuffling 50 per cent of the engine's torque to the rear axle and can – thanks to Toyota's new dynamic torque vectoring system – distribute it to the outside wheel in the corners. The rear axle can be disconnected when it's not required, in order to save fuel.

Finally, the RAV4 hybrid will combine that 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a system power output of 155kW. Drive is put to all four wheels through an electric all-wheel drive system, which uses an additional motor generator on the rear axle to provide on-demand drive.

Up to 80 per cent of the engine's torque can be sent rearward when required, but the car defaults to fuel-saving front-wheel drive in normal conditions. Not that many owners are likely to venture off-road, but Toyota is also making lots of noise about a new e-LSD.

Because the battery is stored under the rear seats, there's no difference in boot space between the hybrid and petrol models. When it touches down, the RAV4 will come bearing a more spacious interior than before, with a more modern design inspired by that of the new Corolla.

An 8.0-inch touchscreen sits proudly atop the dashboard, while the centre console is smaller than before with better access to cupholders. There's also an electronic park brake, while Apple CarPlay is available on overseas – whether it'll be offered Down Under remains to be seen.

There are up to five USB ports available in the cabin, along with available wireless phone charging, for power-hungry modern families.

Under the skin, Toyota says the car's TNGA chassis is 57 per cent more rigid than that of the current model, which means it might even be a handy steer. Time will tell on that one.

Full pricing and specs will be announced closer to launch. Watch for our first-drive review later this month.

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