Toyota teases new direction for RAV4
Popular Japanese SUV to debut later this month
Toyota is preparing a renewed assault on the mid-size SUV market.
Teased in a shadowy silhouette image, the Japanese brand’s fifth-generation RAV4 will debut at the New York auto show that kicks off March 28.
Currently Australia’s third most popular SUV behind the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, the next RAV4 will sit on the latest TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that underpins the current Camry, C-HR and Prius, as well as the upcoming Corolla revealed at Geneva this month.
Approaching six years of age, the current vehicle’s pulled-back face and sleek lines are tipped to make way for an edgier box front and overall tougher appearance. Spy photos of the new SUV show angular headlights and a large square front grille that looks inspired by the Toyota FT-AC concept unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles motor shown in November.
The new model will also grow slightly and should offer increased interior dimensions.
Powering the new line-up will be four-cylinder petrol and hybrid electric drivetrains, in-line with Toyota’s plan to offer an electrified variant in all models by 2025 and its announcement this month that it will stop producing diesel engines for passenger vehicles, injecting only petrol, hybrid and hydrogen powertrains into future cars.
The new RAV4 follows the recently shown next-generation Corolla and upcoming Toyota Supra sports car that marks an exciting future for the revived Japanese auto maker.
Beyond is first public viewing in New York later this month no official launch date has been slated but Toyota Australia confirmed the new model will launch locally in 2019.
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