2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
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Is this the ultimate Toyota RAV4 ever made?
Toyota introduced the RAV4 Prime in Los Angeles as the most powerful and quickest RAV4 ever built. At the same time, the Prime’s powertrain makes it the most frugal RAV4 out there, so it’s safe to say that Toyota check a lot of boxes with this one. He’s your guide on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Latest Toyota RAV4 news and reviews:
2022 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid
The RAV4 was presented for the first time back in 1996, and since then it has been one of the most successful compact crossovers on the U.S. market. Now, for its 25th anniversary, Toyota is celebrating this huge success by adding a new trim level to the 2022 lineup. Next to that, the entire 2022 RAV4 lineup will receive both exterior and interior updates.
2022 Toyota RAV4 Adventure
If you look at sales figures for the Toyota RAV4 in both Europe and the U.S. you will see that it is a very successful model. Back in 2020 the RAV4 was the best sold SUV in the States for the fourth year in a row, while in Europe it is in the top 3 best sold Toyota models.
So, it was to be expected to see that Toyota is doing its best to further improve the model and come with more ways to attract more customers. Its latest attempt is called "RAV4 Adventure" and, according to Toyota, it "reinforces the model’s “go anywhere” spirit with stand-out rugged styling that’s ready for life in the great outdoors."
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime - Driven
Any new version of the Toyota RAV4 is automatically a big deal. Aside from a few big pickup trucks, the RAV4 is America’s favorite vehicle. And it has also been a winner among eco-conscious buyers; not long after the gas/electric RAV4 Hybrid debuted in 2016, it became America’s favorite hybrid — even outselling Toyota’s iconic Prius.
So when Toyota announced the 2021 RAV4 Prime, it was a big deal. Forget about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a low-range plug-in hybrid version of a forgettable SUV. Forget about a planned Ford Escape plug-in hybrid, which doesn’t offer all-wheel-drive and whose on-sale date got bumped back a year over fire risks. Forget about various plug-in sedans and hatchbacks, and various expensive luxury plug-in hybrids that can barely crack 20 miles of low-speed all-electric use. And forget about the range anxiety that keeps many people away from fully electric vehicles. No, it’s the RAV4 Prime that promises to make Americans plug in their cars en masse.
We spent a week in the new 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime to see how it bridges the gap between the gasoline and electric worlds. Here’s what we found.
If You Have Enough Money, You Can Have Anything - Even a Factory-Built Toyota RAV4 Limo
Regular people like to work on their hobbies once the 9-to-5 program is over and done with. Not the industrious folks over at Toyota’s Takaoka plant in Japan. No, sir. There, 200 members of the staff decided to use their off-hours time to put together this Toyota RAV4 limo.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Toyota introduced the RAV4 Prime in Los Angeles as the most powerful and quickest RAV4 ever built. At the same time, the Prime’s powertrain makes it the most frugal RAV4 out there, so it’s safe to say that Toyota check a lot of boxes with this one. He’s your guide on the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime Is Somehow Quicker Than the 2021 Toyota Supra 2.0
In the 20-plus years that it’s been around, the Toyota RAV4 has evolved from a humble crossover that was looking to break into a small but fledgling segment to one of the most popular models in what is the most popular segment in the industry today.
When was the last time you heard a RAV4 beat a full-blown sports car like the Supra in a sprint-to-60-mph time? What’s that? Never? Well, consider this the first of what looks to be repeat performances from the suddenly performance-oriented Toyota RAV4.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Is More Efficient Than Ever, Nearly As Fast as a Toyota Supra to 60 MPH
Toyota is going rampant with the RAV4 lately. After launching the fifth-gen of the beloved crossover last year, the company launched the TRD Off-Road model, and now, it is being offered with a plug-in hybrid system. We’re talking about the RAV4 Prime, a fuel-efficient version of the crossover that can deliver a combined fuel economy of 90 MPGe. Surprisingly, it also happens to be the most powerful version of the RAV4 yet. Toyota sure knows how to keep a 25-year-old nameplate fresh and running.
2019 Toyota RAV4
Originally arriving in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 is one of the Japanese brand’s older nameplates, especially within the crossover segment. In the quarter century since the debut of the original RAV4, demand for crossovers has grown substantially, and sales of the compact Toyota have grown with it, eventually becoming the Japanese brand’s number-one seller in the U.S. However, the RAV4 last got a redesign in 2013, so to keep it fresh, Toyota just pulled the sheets on a new fifth-generation at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, bringing updated exterior styling, a redesigned interior, the latest safety tech, and a new architecture under the skin.
Update 10/11/2019: Toyota has announced the all-new RAV4 PHEV that will debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. Check out our new section below to learn more about it.
See How the Audi e-Tron, Toyota RAV4, Lexus UX, and VW T-Cross Perform in our Mega Crash Test Video
You would think that with modern technology, advanced materials, and organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS, every car on the road would be as safe as possible. But, we don’t live in a perfect world and, as such, that clearly isn’t the case. Some SUVs are safer than others as are some cars and trucks. It’s easy to look at a few crash tests and think that the most mangled car is just outright dangerous to be in. That’s also not the case as, sometimes, the cars that look the worst are actually the safest because all that exterior mayhem actually prevents mayhem from happening inside the cabin.
All of that said, crash tests are fun to watch, and it’s fun to see how some of the worlds most popular vehicles actually perform in their worst moments. So, we’ve compiled a video that showcases the Audi e-Tron, Toyota RAV4, Lexus UX, and VW T-Cross during their crash testing. Which one came out the best? Watch the video below to find out!
2020 Ford Escape (Kuga) vs 2020 Toyota RAV4
Ford has just launched an all-new, fourth-generation Escape crossover, a model known as the Kuga in Europe and some other markets. The vehicle enters one of the most competitive and hotly contested segments where all rivals are hugely talented (there really isn’t one bad car to speak of) and picking one above all others is by no means an easy task. But if you were to choose an important rival to compare the Escape to, then that has to be the aggressive-looking Toyota RAV4.
Toyota went for a dramatic visual reinvention of the RAV4 for its fifth generation since the model had really become rather boring to look at in its previous incarnation. Frankly, no subsequent RAV4 had anywhere near the visual flair of the first generation model, a car that looked better without painted bumpers and side trim - that’s how quirky and cool it was. Now, thankfully, the latest RAV4 tries to rekindle that flame, albeit with fresh, edgy styling that makes it look contemporary, although it doesn’t look visually related to the original RAV4 in the way older generations did.
The Blue Oval, on the other hand, didn’t want to risk anything with its new Escape, so it made the vehicle look pretty much exactly like a puffy high-riding Focus. That’s literally all there is to its design, so in this respect, the RAV4 is already starting to look like the more daring, flamboyant option, yet being a Toyota, it doesn’t automatically have associated shortcomings.
2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD
Toyota had an eventful time at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. It was not just the Sequoia getting honored with the TRD Pro badge, or Toyota presenting the 2020 Tacoma. The automaker revealed the TRD Off-road version of the RAV4. Toyota’s trusted compact crossover was beefed-up and launched with more off-road capability. Does the RAV4 TRD Off-Road make a compelling case for itself as an ’off-roader"?
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road is the Epitome of the Modern Compact Crossover
Modern compact crossovers are some of the most popular types of vehicles nowadays, and one of the nameplates that helped establish this trend is the Toyota RAV4 that debuted in 1994. But ever since the first generation, now seen as a classic of the genre, Toyota has been watering down the RAV4 formula. This trend peaked with the previous-gen model that, in my eyes, was the least desirable RAV4 ever.
A Buffed up 2020 Toyota RAV4 Was Built on the Pillars of a Rally SUV
Who would have thought two or three years ago that Toyota will reveal the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-road at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show? Well, I did, a bit, as back in 2016 Toyota decided it needed more young people (preferably males) in its showrooms that make deals on the RAV4. Toyota even entered a FWD rally competition with the cool RAV4 with Ryan Millen behind the wheel. And that was the start of the major revamp of the entire RAV4 character that has finally come to fruition with the reveal of the new Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 TRD Off-road, however, is a proper concoction spruced from the seats laid down by that Millen RAV4 rally SUV.
I freaking like it!
2019 Toyota RAV4 - Quirks and Features
As one of the most anticipated Toyota vehicles in recent years, the newest 2019 Toyota RAV4 debuted as a completely redesigned model. With an all-new exterior, new modern-age interior, and more tech than ever, the new RAV4 managed to jump up the highest step in the imaginary hierarchy of the compact SUV segment in one swing. Safety was paramount for Toyota engineers, and the new RAV4 now has a full safety suit as standard. This includes features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assist. No other similar car has a safety suit as comprehensive as the one in the Toyota RAV4 in its standard form. Regardless of all the imaginable family-friendly features, the Toyota RAV4 somehow managed to stay cool with an appeal that never ends. Now, I’m going to give you 12 awesome facts about the new 2019 Toyota RAV4.
Toyota’s 2019 Super Bowl Commercial Features Antoinette “Toni” Harris
Toyota is no stranger to dropping a truckload of marketing dollars to gain visibility at the Super Bowl. This year is no different as the automaker puts the spotlight on its new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (RAV4 HV) with the help of female football player Antoinette “Toni” Harris. As if the world isn’t getting any football with the Super Bowl already, Harris’ involvement in Toyota’s RAV4 HV commercial could shine the spotlight on both the SUV and her remarkable journey to become the first woman to receive a college football scholarship offer for a non-kicking position. The 60-second commercial will run at the end of the second quarter of Super Bowl LIII, just before the halftime show.
Off-Road Crossover Shootout - 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Vs. 2019 Jeep Cherokee Vs. 2019 Subaru Forester
The Toyota RAV4 just marked its fifth generation for the 2019 model year, and now comes with a fresh Adventure grade designed specifically for light off-roading duty. The question is - how does it fare against established competitors like the Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Forester?
The Best-Selling Cars In America This Year Through October 2018
2018 has been a big sales year for automakers in the U.S. From January to October 2018, car sales in the U.S. have reached 14,262,604 sold units. That represents a 0.2 percent increase in total sales compared to the first ten months of 2017. If you take it from that perspective, Americans are buying more vehicles this year than they did last year. But there are a lot of pieces involve in this numbers, too. These pieces paint a more accurate picture of the automotive landscape in the U.S. in 2018. Sales of light trucks — these include SUVs and pickups are up 8.3 percent compared to their sales numbers from January to October 2017.
On the other hand, sales of passenger vehicles, including sedans, are down 13.3 percent in the same period. This tells us that more and more American buyers are buying SUVs and pickups compared to sedans. It’s no surprise, then, that when we compiled the top 10 list of best-selling vehicles in the U.S. in the first ten months of the year, the upper half of that list was dominated by, you guessed it, pickups and SUVs.
Hybrid Compact Crossover Shakedown - 2019 Toyota RAV4 Vs. 2019 Nissan Rogue Vs. 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
We recently posted an article that argued that the 2019 Toyota RAV4 hybrid is the way forward for the compact crossover segment, lauding its combination of comfort, practicality, technology, and most critically, efficiency. However, Toyota isn’t the only automaker in this space, with both Nissan and Subaru offering competing models that could very well steal sales from the T-badge. But how do these three look in a direct comparison?
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Is The Way Forward For The Compact Crossover Segment
We’ve said it countless times before, but we’ll say it again - the compact crossover segment is ridiculously popular right now. However, much of this segment growth can be attributed to low fuel prices, and when gas gets more expensive (not if, but when), customer demands could shift dramatically to hybrids. However, by the looks of it, Toyota doesn’t have much to worry about, and it’s all thanks to the 2019 RAV4.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Is A Surprisingly Good Off-Roader
It seems like there’s no shortage of “off-road ready” crossovers on the market these days - or at least that’s the impression you might get glancing over all the PR fluff. But while glory shots on top of a mountain might look good, the actual capability of these machines doesn’t always live up to the hype. Fortunately, Toyota can both talk the talk and walk the walk, as I find out firsthand after the Japanese automaker flew me out to Carmel, California for a stint in the new 2019 RAV4.
2019 Toyota RAV4 - Driven
Not only is the Toyota RAV4 a critical model in Toyota’s lineup, but it’s also the benchmark for the compact crossover segment as a whole. First introduced in 1994, the RAV4 now enters its fifth generation and twenty-second year of production for the 2019 model year. Highlights for this latest update include a fresh look, a revamped interior, the latest tech goodies, a new platform under the skin, and the new off-road-ready Adventure grade. The hybrid powertrain returns as well. Overall, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 looks to keep its spot at the top of the crossover heap - but does it? To find out, Toyota flew me out to Carmel, California to give it a drive.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Toyota RAV4.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota RAV4 has been around for almost 25 years now. It has been one of the most stable products for the Japanese giant, raking in sales numbers consistently since its launch. At a time when sedans’ sales were booming, Toyota offered customers with a car that could be taken on any terrain, had the looks of an SUV, and could be handled like a hatch. While this sounds like a success formula now, it was quite a big risk two decades back.
The automaker showcased the fifth-generation RAV4 Hybrid, at the Paris Motor Show this year. Toyota has used a new underpinning, called the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. With increased body rigidity, The RAV4 now boasts a low center of gravity and better handling when compared to the previous iterations. As for the dimensions, the SUV is 4,600 mm long - shorter by 5 mm compared to the previous gen, but the wheelbase is 30 mm longer. This is because there is reduction of 35 mm in the bonnet and boot overhangs. It is 10 mm wider, and 10 mm shorter.
Best Used 2016 SUV for Fuel Economy
The market trend is quickly shifting from sedans to crossovers and SUVs. However, SUVs have two major cons when compared to their segment counterparts - high retail price and poor fuel economy. Even though they are a practical choice thanks to additional cabin and cargo space, it’s a little difficult for everyone to afford an SUV. So why not go for a used SUV instead? You don’t take the depreciation hit that first owner does, and since SUVs are built to last a lifetime, you can get an almost-new SUV at half the original price.
Now that we’ve planted this seed in your head, let’s have a look at the best used SUVs from 2016 with high fuel efficiency.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Proves Efficiency Can Look Good at the Paris Motor Show
5 Affordable SUVs Worth Considering
I am presenting you 5 Affordable SUVs worth considering from a crazy, overfilled segment with more contenders than we can count. With the SUVs taking over the market at an unprecedented pace, I am pressed to find nice affordable SUVs you should actually consider before your next purchase.
No, I did not focus only on the cheapest, smallest or the best equipped - I actually tried to find some balance between the size, image, power output, and price. What I’ve found out is that quite a lot of rather formidable SUVs fall in the price category between $25,000 and $30,000. I picked out five of the SUVs that will be fast enough, that won’t break the bank, that have enough room inside, yet aren’t oddballs.
True, nothing surprising is on the list, but that may be just a sign that these five vehicles simply tick the most boxes of interest when it comes to new SUVs.
The Toyota RAV4 Could Go All-Electric or PHEV, and a Seven-Seater Model Isn’t Ruled Out Either
Since the world has gone all crazy like over SUV’s, Toyota couldn’t even get the sheet off of the new RAV4 before folks started asking about if it will eventually offer seating for seven, if it will be offered as a plug-in hybrid, and if it will be offered in all-electric form. The truth is that Toyota doesn’t even know that answer. But, Vice President and General Manager of the Toyota Division, Jack Hollis, has essentially said that nothing is off the table, by saying that he will “keep us waiting for answers” and confirming that the TNGA platform of which the RAV4 is built on does give Toyota the ability for “just about anything.”
Jekyll And Hyde: Toyota’s New RAV4 Is A Hit And Miss Proposition
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has been unveiled at the 2018 New York Auto Show, and it arrived in Manhattan in two different trim levels: the RAV4 Adventure and the RAV4 That may be understating it a little, but we can all agree that, for better or worse, Toyota’s hot-selling SUV received two sides of a complete makeover. We’ll let you be the judge if you think Toyota did well with the new-look RAV4, but in our minds, one design hit the mark while the other missed it completely.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure
When it comes to compact sport utility vehicles, the Rav4 is definitely one of the standard bearers. But with so many Ravs out on the road, it might seem difficult to stand out from the crowd. Luckily, Toyota is offering a new specially upgraded Rav4 trim level called the Adventure. The Rav4 Adventure just debuted at the Chicago Auto Show alongside upgraded versions of the Sequoia full-size SUV and the Tundra full-size pickup truck, but unlike those other two models, the Rav4 Adventure doesn’t get speedy performance-themed bits and pieces from Toyota Racing Development. Rather, the Rav4 Adventure is focused on utility, practicality, good looks, and all-weather rugged capability. It’s aimed at “young families looking for fun in out-of-the-way places, ” which means biking, kayaking, snowshoeing – you know, all the usual active lifestyle stuff.
Visually speaking, the Toyota Rav4 Adventure is decked out with unique exterior styling enhancements. For example, the rear fenders are flared out, sitting high above unique 18-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke design and a black finish.
Wrapping the wheels are tires sized at 235/55R18, while along the outer edges of the vehicle, you’ll find lower body protection pieces. Up front are dark headlight bezels, plus dark surrounds for the fog lights. A long matte-black stripe is found on the hood, while roof racks are standard. There are also the requisite Adventure special edition badges, just in case there was any doubt as to what you were driving.
The body panels of the Rav4 Adventure can be had in one of five individual exterior colors, such as Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, and Super White. There’s also a new addition to the color lineup called Ruby Flare Pearl.
Inside, you’ll find more unique features added exclusively for the Adventure model. These include exclusive trim panels, a leather-clad shift knob, a 120-volt/100-watt power outlet located in the rear cargo area, Adventure-badged door sill kick plates, and sturdy all-weather mats for the foot well and cargo area, also completed with the same Adventure badging.
Look for the Rav4 Adventure trim level to arrive in dealerships this coming September.
Continue reading to learn more about the Toyota Rav4 Adventure.
Toyota RAV4 Gets New Adventure Trim in Chicago
Toyota has joined the ranks of automakers that introduced special-edition models at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. The Japanese brand joined the event with three models. The Tundra pickup truck and Sequoia SUV gained TRD Sport grades, while the smaller RAV4 showcased its new Adventure grade.
Described as a trim for "young families looking for fun in out-of-the-way places," the Adventure adds many exclusive features inside and out. The crossover rides on 18-inch, five-spoke black alloy wheels and features lower body guards, black headlamp bezels, black foglamp surrounds, and black roof racks. A few "Adventure" badges also set this RAV4 apart from the standard model. The new grade can be had in one of five colors, including Black Magnetic, Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Super White, and Ruby Flare Pearl.
The interior also received a lot of attention, now featuring unique interior trim panels, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a 120V/100W power outlet in the cargo area, and Adventure-branded door sills. a set of all-weather floor and cargo mats with "Adventure" logo round out the cabin.
Available in either front-wheel-drive guise with an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential or with Dynamic Torque Control AWD, the RAV4 Adventure features a standard Tow Prep Package that includes an upgraded radiator and supplemental engine oil and transmission fluid coolers, as well as a suspension system with a higher ride height. Much like all RAV4 models, the Adventure grade also comes standard with Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and TSS-P.
Pricing information is not yet available, but Toyota says that the RAV4 Adventure will arrive in showrooms this September.
Continue reading for the full story.
More than 300,000 Toyota RAV4 and Lexus HS250H Models Recalled for Faulty Suspension Component
In the world of mass-produced vehicles, automakers try to cut corners as much as possible as end pricing of new vehicles slowly increase. This being the case, it’s become so common for safety-related recalls that it seems there’s at least one serious recall each month of the year. Well, we’re only two days into September 2016, and sure enough, another recall notice manages to make its way to my desk. This time, Toyota is performing a recall for 2006 to 2011 Toyota RAV 4 models built between October 31, 2005 and September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h models built between July 6, 2009 and August 26, 2010.
While this is a safety related recall, it’s not as bad as some of the other recalls that have been announced this year. The problem involves the rear control arm on the aforementioned models. If, during a four-wheel alignment, the nut on the rear tie rods aren’t tightened properly, the threads on the tie rod can rust, and the nut could suddenly sheer off. If this happens, the wheel alignment is drastically affected can cause sudden loss of control.
This is a pretty serious problem, but you’re only at risk if the nut wasn’t tightened properly during the last alignment. As is the usual case with safety-related recalls, your local dealer can carry out the recall procedure which involves replacing the rear tie rods. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016, and Toyota will notify all owners on record. There is a total of 337,449 vehicles affected.
Keep reading for the rest of the story
The U.S. simply can’t get enough crossovers. It’s the industry’s largest segment, and automakers are responding to demand with new and updated products at an increasingly feverish pace. Such is the case for Toyota and its hugely popular compact SUV, the RAV4. Currently in its fourth generation, the RAV4 receives a mid-cycle update for the 2016 model year, and per the new normal, the changes are far from minor. Styling tweaks, renewed infotainment equipment, the latest suite of safety technology, and a new sporty SE trim level are all on the menu, but the biggest news by far is the addition of a hybrid drivetrain.
Perpetual development between generations is critical for a model like the RAV4. Competition is at an all-time high, and fresh ideas are needed to stay at the forefront. Of course, the basics remain the same – the 2016 non-hybrid RAV4 gets the same engine, horsepower, torque, transmission, suspension layout, brakes, mpg figures, interior volume, and cargo space as the outgoing model.
Rather than messing with what already works, Toyota seems focused on broadening the RAV4’s appeal, a strategy echoed by the 2016 Prius. Does this bestseller have what it takes to rope in ever more buyers? I went to southern California to find out.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Toyota RAV4.
Toyota has officially unveiled its RAV4 rally car, which will be driven by off-road racing driver Ryan Millen in numerous rally events throughout the U.S., including part of the 2015 Rally America season in the 2WD-Open Class. The competition-ready small SUV was first revealed over the weekend at the Monster Energy Supercross Champioship finale at San Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, dropping cover between the races and put on display in the pits throughout the event.
The addition of a RAV4 to the Rally America running order is unusual, as the unibody-construction SSUV will compete against the likes of smaller, modified streetcars.
“I’ve driven just about everything Toyota has to offer,” Millen states in a press release. “And I’ve been very impressed with the RAV4’s tight, compact body and smooth handling. I’m looking forward to putting it through the paces this season.”
Millen is the son of off-roading legend Rod Millen, and has a history with the Japanese automaker that stretches back to his childhood, including racing in MTEG stadium at the age of nine, supporting Ivan Stewart’s off-road efforts, racing an FJ Cruiser in the Baja 1000, and winning the Baja 1000 in a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in 2014.
SiriusXM and Wienerschnitzel have both announced a partnership with Toyota’s marketing team in support of the new race effort.
A tentative schedule has the Toyo’s first outing slated for the Idaho Rally next month, June 13th – 14th, followed by the Mendocino Rally July 18th – 19th. After that is Rally Utah, August 7th – 8th, the Gorman Ridge Rally, August 22nd, the Prescott Rally, October 2nd – 3rd, and the Mt. Hood Rally, October 17th.
Continue reading for the full story.
Looking to cement its position as a global leader in hybrid cars, Toyota launched the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. For the 2016 model year, that means that seven out of Toyota’s 13 vehicles are offered with a hybrid powertrain. The introduction of the RAV4 Hybrid taps a surprisingly untouched market for a compact hybrid crossover. Small crossovers like the RAV4 are already efficient vehicles, so adding Toyota’s proven hybrid technology will give the RAV4 Hybrid an even bigger advantage at the pump.
Toyota has been discussing creating hybrid versions of all of its volume-selling models by 2020. We’ve already seen one SUV go that direction, with the Highlander Hybrid debuting in 2006, and now that trend will continue with the introduction of the 2016 Hybrid, which debuted at the 2015 New York Auto Show.
The big question with the launch of the RAV4 Hybrid is in regards to the hybrid marketplace as a whole. In 2014, hybrid sales fell by 8.8 percent and it hasn’t recovered yet. Only time will tell if Toyota’s gamble on the RAV4 Hybrid will pay off.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Toyota’s funky little RAV4 has long been an enjoyable crossover with an embedded sense of sport wrapped in a hip package that appeals to the younger crowd. However, during its third generation spanning between 2005 though 2012, the RAV4 grew up a bit and somewhat lost that youthful spunk. Thankfully 2013 saw Toyota return a more spry appearance to the five-seat crossover with an updated design. Its overall footprint didn’t changed much, but refinement took big steps up market.
Things remain basically the same for 2015, with only a few minor changes to the RAV4’s option list. That’s not a negative thing, however, as the RAV4 proved to be a very competent people-mover and peppy ride. It screams practicality and family friendly, but still avoids the stereotype of a minivan. Its taller ride height gives it the ease of entry and exit of an SUV along with a folding rear bench that welcomes IKEA furniture with open spaces.
Click past the jump for the full review
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the oldest and most successful crossovers on the market. It started sales way back in 1995, making this year the 20th anniversary of the nameplate. The RAV4 rolled into a new generation in 2014, which carries on into 2015 with very few changes. To celebrate the anniversary, Toyota does offer a special Blizzard Pearl Premium Package that adds a new Blizzard Pearl paint and 18-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone color scheme. Sadly, my 2015 model didn’t come with the new paint color.
Since this is my second RAV4, and very little has changed over the model years, I decided to use this as a chance to really test some other aspects of the RAV4. My last model got great fuel economy, but I spent more time than average on the highway, and I didn’t use it to move too much cargo, nor did I attempt to take it off-road. This time around I put the RAV4 through much more rigorous testing to see how it really holds up under pressure.
In 1994, Toyota wowed the world with its new RAV4. Toyota had brought the world a machine that possessed the size and practicality of an SUV, but it promised the driving dynamics and comfort of a car. When it went on sale in 1995, it was an instant hit, and the crossover craze officially started. In 2014, 20 years later, the RAV4 has just moved into its fourth generation, and sales are still going strong. Over the last two decades, there have been dozens of competitors join the game, and Toyota is no longer the only kid on the block.
Is the RAV4 still the machine to buy, or has the king been dethroned by one of the many challengers. I had a 2014 RAV4 Limited with FWD for a week, and I decided I was going to do my best to figure out if this latest RAV4 is worth the badge on its bodywork, or the money in your wallet.
With a fresh exterior design, revised drivetrain options and a new interior, this is the most radical change the RAV4 has ever experienced. Read on to see if it is any good.
Continue reading to learn more about the new 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited
This year’s SEMA Show brought a lineup of Toyota vehicles specially designed for athletes. One of these athlete-centric designs is the RAV4 Life Time Fitness, and it also happens to be a part of Toyota’s "Dream Build Challenge."
The RAV4 Life Time Fitness was designed by LifeTime Fitness company in cooperation with Team Toyota triathletes Sarah Haskins, Andy Potts and Hunter Kemper, and Toyota had it on display in Vegas from 5th to 8th of November. With the SEMA Show now in the books, this special RAV4 hits the road to support Toyota-sponsored athletes at select events.
According to one of the designers of this project, Sarah Haskins, the RAV4 Life Time Fitness has incorporated cutting-edge tools that will helps athletes to "build their racing skills, while enabling them to relax a little too."
Click past the jump to read more about the Toyota RAV4 Life Time Fitness.
One of two concepts based on the new-generation RAV4 brought to the 2013 Geneva Motor Show is the RAV4 Premium. This second concept was developed to prove that the crossover can deliver added sophistication.
The new RAV4 Premium features a cool Deep Bronze finish on both the exterior and the bumpers. The car’s bronze is combined with chrome insertions on the redesigned bumper and brushed aluminum skid plates. For the exterior, Toyota is also offering horizontal lines for the front and central grille display, large air intakes, a stylish chrome-finished spoiler with LED lights and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The concept’s interior has been designed by Toyota’s Kansei design department. It includes luxurious leather upholstery in the cabin, sports seats with new black piping and two-tone double stitching in several areas of the interior. The instruments and door panels are wrapped in a combination of grey and black leather.
Most of the auto makers that did not prepare any major updates for the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, decided to come at the show with either special editions of their current lineup or some cool concept cars. One of these makers is Toyota which unveiled three different concept cars that will "amplify different aspects of the cars’ styling and capabilities" in Geneva.
The first is the RAV4 Adventure - a concept car specially developed to reinforce the RAV4’s off-road capabilities. The concept features a striking dark-red exterior paint combined with matte paint on the redesigned front and rear bumpers. The front bumper features an integrated under-run, while the rear one is redesigned to fully integrate the twin exhaust pipes and a reworked skid place.
The concept is also equipped with extended wheel arches that suit the 20-inch alloy wheels perfectly. The concept’s aggressive look is further accentuated by machined roof rails and dark-tinted privacy glass.
When Toyota released a teaser ad for their "Wish Granted" Super Bowl commercial featuring “Big Bang Theory” star, Kaley Cuoco, they established the premise that she’s a dog-loving, purple-power-suit-wearing, wish-granting genie.
With the release of Toyota’s first official Super Bowl commercial, we got to see Cuoco perform her role as wish granter to a tee, giving the Henderson family all that they’re wishing for, including the dad who asked for the spare tire to be gone, the mother who wished for unlimited chocolates, the daughter who wished for animals to talk, the son who wished he was an astronaut, and the father who wished (again) for unlimited wishes...except that Genie Cuoco thought she heard something else.
The whole point of the commercial is Toyota’s attempt in selling the RAV4 as an SUV that grants its customer’s wishes; it’s a cute approach made cuter with Cuoco’s presence. Let’s just hope that buyers don’t take that notion too literally because once someone does, then it’ll probably be cause for a whole lot of disgruntled customers.
Only during the Super Bowl will you see commercials - yes, commercials - have their own teasers. But that’s how lucrative that precious airtime is during the big game; the idea of teasing your million-dollar commercials with separate and cheaper spots leading up to the Super Bowl has kind of become an industry norm.
This year, Toyota is taking that route with the release of a teaser for their Super Bowl commercial(s). We already know that Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco will be the face of the commercials, but what we don’t know is the direction the campaign is going. In the teaser, Cuoco is strutting her stuff to “I Wish” by Skee-Lo – a song that hit No. 13 on the charts in 1995 – where he sings about wishing to be taller and wishing to be a baller. As these wishes are laid out, the passersby get these wishes – a short man grows taller, a delivery-truck driver dunks a basketball and a normal guy gets a good looking woman to call.
The part of the song that is the strangest is when Skee-Lo says “I wish I had a rabbit in a hat with a bat in a ‘64 Impala.” We get the ’64 Impala, but the “rabbit in a hat with a bat?” What the??? Well, your wish is Toyota’s command, obviously, as waiting in Cuoco’s car is just that.
Stay tuned for the rest of Toyota’s Super Bowl commercials; they are bound to be sweet. We’ll have them all here following the game!
Click past the jump to see the original Skee-Lo video to see where this all stems from.
The current generation RAV4 has been sale since 2005 and the only update was in 2009 when it received a mild refresh. It is no surprise that today, at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota decided to finally unleash the fourth generation RAV4. The new SUV has been caught testing in many times and teased a few more times, so we can say it brings nothing that we did not expect.
The new RAV4 is not only redesigned both inside and outside, but it also receives new in-cabin technologies, a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new six-speed transmission and new safety features.
While building the new RAV4, Toyota will use the same body-engineering principles previously used on the 2012 Camry and 2013 Avalon that helps improve steering and handling, and makes the car a little bit lighter.
The new generation Toyota RAV4 will go on sale early in 2013 in three well-equipped grades: LE, XLE and Limited.
Updated 12/18/2012: Toyota today announced prices for the 2013 RAV4 SUV that will arrive at dealerships in early January 2013. Prices will range from $23,300 for the LE FWD version up to $28,410 for Limited AWD one.
Click past the jump to read our full review on the 2014 RAV4
The fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 is set to make its world debut on November 28th at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. As expected, Toyota couldn’t keep it under wraps for too long, as the first images have leaked online. These images are pretty revealing too, as they give us a good look at the exterior and the interior of the newly redesigned SUV.
The 2013 RAV4 is rumored to come standard with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 178 horsepower and an optional 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 268 horsepower. There are rumors afloat that the 3.5-liter engine is on the chopping block for 2014, so we may only see one year with this as an option, if we see it in the RAV4 at all. Both engines are rumored to be mated to a new six-speed transmission replacing the current four-speed unit.
The 2013 RAV4 will be built on the same platform as the Camry and, as you can see from these first images, it will feature the same exterior styling cues as the 2013 Toyota Auris.
The new RAV4 will go into production in January 2013.
The third generation Toyota RAV-4 was unveiled back in 2005 and since then, the model only received a mild refresh in 2009. Now, it’s preparing to enter its fourth generation and, apparently, these are the first images of the real deal.
These shots were taken by a forum member of a Toyota fan club in Saudi Arabia. The prototype is covered in a white plastic wrap which makes us think this model is from a Toyota dealer, but we’ll need to wait a little while longer to see if this is actually the new RAV4.
The 2013 RAV4 will be built on the same platform as the Camry and will feature the same exterior design as the 2013 Auris. As for the engine line-up, it will be offered with the same four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines found in Europe, while the American market will receive a new four-cylinder engine. There is no information on whether the V6 engine will still be offered, but we’ll keep you posted!
Two years ago, we were announcing that Toyota and Tesla Motors had entered an agreement that would net Tesla $60 million to design and manufacture an all-electric powertrain for the RAV4 SUV. Finally, after all of this time we have a debut date set. Unfortunately, it isn’t a showroom debut, but rather a showing of the final product.
Toyota has just has unveiled this new Tesla and Toyota collaboration to the U.S. at the International Electric Vehicle Symposium in LA on the May 7th at noon. The new RAV4 EV is powered by a 154 HP electric powertrain and has a driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. It comes with two driving modes: Sport and Normal. In Sport version the car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and will go up to 100 mph, while in Normal mode it will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph.
Compared to the standard RAV4, the new EV version will get a re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body design to maximize air flow around the vehicle. The model will be offered in three exterior colors: Blizzard White Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic combined with a unique "Neutron" fabric for the interior.
UPDATE 05/08/2012: The new Toyota RAV4 EV will go on sale in late Summer 2012 through select dealers at a starting price of $49,800.
It took more than around 13 years, but Toyota seems to have finally decided on producing the second-generation of the Toyota Rav4 EV. Maybe all it took was a partnership with Tesla to get the proverbial EV ball rolling.
The partnership between Toyota and Tesla was born out of a mutual interest in developing a new model using Tesla technology on a Toyota vehicle, incorporating the strengths of both side to produce a vehicle that consumers would come to enjoy.
“When we decided to work together on the RAV4 EV, President Akio Toyoda wanted to adopt a new development model that incorporated Tesla’s streamlined, quick-action approach,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Tesla Motors. “From the beginning, the customer experience has been the focus.”
The ultimate question, at least according to Hentz, was how the two companies can "deliver an unconventional product to mainstream customers that is compelling and affordable and that offers an acceptable level of daily convenience.”
In the end, the answer turned out to be the Toyota Rav4 EV. For now, Toyota is building 35 models of the new Rav4 EV for a demonstration and evaluation program through 2011, with the company looking into a production version sometime around 2012.
More details after the jump.
Well, it’s now official; Tesla Motors has just revealed that it has signed a deal with Toyota to develop electric powertrain components of the new RAV4 EV. Tesla will work on developing the battery, power electronics module, electric motor, transmission, and software for the crossover.
Below is Tesla’s filing with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission:
On October 6, 2010, Tesla Motors, Inc. ("Tesla") entered into a Phase 1 Contract Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with Toyota Motor Corporation ("TMC") for the development of a validated powertrain system, including a battery, power electronics module, motor, gearbox and associated software, which will be integrated into an electric vehicle version of the RAV4. Pursuant to the Agreement, based on preliminary specifications, TMC will pay Tesla approximately $60 million for the development services to be provided by Tesla. The parties will mutually agree to the final specifications, deliverables and payment amounts and schedule within 60 days of the execution of the Agreement. This amount will be paid in various installments during the term of the Agreement.
We hope to see the RAV4 at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month and it should be on the streets in 2012.
Hit the jump for the full report from the SEC.
Despite our lack of love for these machines, they are cars that people love to buy, so we felt we had to rank our favorites, despite not really having a favorite. It’s more like a list from the vehicles we can’t stand to the machines we could tolerate.
In order to rank these crossovers we had to look at them in a few ways. The reason for buying one of these is practicality, safety, style, and comfort. That’s what the public is looking at. We, on other hand, will incorporate those with our own interests, such as speed, driving dynamics, and coolness level. All of these machines will cost under $30,000.
There are plenty to choose from, with options from Ford, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota. Not to mention the smaller companies like Hyundai and Kia who are creating better machines on a monthly basis. So, do these new boys have what it takes to take down the old veterans?
Hit the jump to find out.
Back in May, Toyota and Tesla announced that they would be working together on the development of electric vehicles. Their partnership in the advancement of this technology would come together by the sharing of Toyota’s engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise. As a result of the recent agreement between Tesla and Toyota, the company has announced plans to reveal an electric version of the RAV4 crossover. The new prototypes will be revealed on the US market in 2012 and will combine the Toyota RAV4 model with a Tesla electric powertrain. Tesla plans to produce and deliver a fleet of prototypes to Toyota for evaluation within this year. The first prototype has already been built and is now undergoing testing.
We have to remind you that earlier today we also reported that Toyota is preparing an all-electric supercar so it seems that this agreement between the two companies has already seen a lot of legway and should prove to be rather interesting. We’ll keep you posted to see how they do.
Press release after the jump.
The Japanese automaker Toyota has revealed the refreshed RAV4 compact crossover at the Geneva Motor Show. The facelift version of the Toyota RAV4 receives not only a new front end, but also a few interior upgrades as well as improved power train options. The exterior gets a new set of headlights on either side of the new front grill, a new hood and a redesigned front bumper complete with integrated fog lights.
The 2011 RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades – Base, Sport and top-of-the-line Limited – and with a choice between the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a V6. The four-cylinder engine delivers 179 HP at 6,000 RPM and 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM, while the 3.5-liter V6 delivers 269 HP at 6,200 RPM and 246 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 RPM.
For 2011 Toyota is offering a Upgrade Value Package available on Base grade four-cylinder and V6 RAV4 models. It adds a six-CD audio system with XM Radio (subscription required); steering wheel audio controls; 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels; color-keyed door handles; Daytime Running Lights (DRL); roof rack; privacy glass; power tilt/slide moonroof; upgraded fabric interior; and, on two-row models, a rear cargo area tonneau cover.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Toyota RAV4..
One of the most successful SUV in Toyota’s line-up is entering the 2010 model year with revised styling and interior upgrades, but also with more standard equipment. For 2010 the RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades – Base, Sport and top-of-the-line Limited, in both 4x2 and 4x4 versions.
Also the 2010 RAV4 can be offered with either 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a V6. The 2.5-liter engine produces 179 hp at 6,000 RPM, along with 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM, while the V6 develops a total of 269 hp at 6,200 RPM and 246 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 RPM. The four-cylinder engine is mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and the V6 to a five-speed automatic transmission.
New for 2010 is the Sport Appearance package for the Sport grade 4x2 and 4x4 models equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Sport grade models offer a new optional JBL audio system with steering wheel audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth® connectivity.
The Sport Appearance Package gives the RAV4 Sport grade a sleeker look, with an exclusive rear door design featuring chrome accents and no spare tire. (The package equips the RAV4 with run-flat tires.) Other external cues include color-keyed power, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a stainless steel exhaust tip and unique badging. Inside, the Sport Appearance Package adds a chrome accented shift knob with a leather insert, chrome interior door handles, parking brake and vent trim, and unique doorsills. For 2010, the Limited grade also adds a chrome parking brake and vent trim.
Press release after the jump.
Toyota today announced prices for the 2010 line-up, including Avalon, Yaris, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, Rav4 and Tacoma. All cars will go on sale in August, with the exception of Highlander (September).
The 2010 FJ Cruiser will come with dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms on the 4.0-liter V6, which add 19 hp and a one mpg increase. Prices will range from $23,680 for the 2WD automatic to $25,270 for the 4WD automatic.
The RAV4 will go on sale with prices ranging from $21,500 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.
For the 2010 Avalon prices will range from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited. Tacoma’s prices will range from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission. And finally Yaris’s rpices will range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission.
Press release after the jump.
The RAV4 has been in the Toyota family for about thirteen years, and it has staying power for a reason: adaptability. The first generation was built on the idea of giving people the small size of about a Jeep Wrangler, but with more creature comforts and better on-road handling. This was a fun machine that had dual sunroofs in the two-door model and then eventually a convertible model.
While the RAV4 was selling well, Toyota was discovering that the people who wanted a small SUV with on-road manners also wanted room to carry all their weekend warrior gear. The original RAV4 was about the size of the current Scion xB, and Toyota knew it had to grow to stay competitive. So the second generation appeared with larger engines (including an optional V6) as well as a full back seat. Now that the RAV4 is in its third generation, it gained an optional third row of seating and has closed the size gap with the Highlander. This extra size has made the RAV4 more versatile without losing the small/nimble feeling of the original.
The RAV4 has now become a good option for young professionals and small families. These people are usually looking for plenty of car at a low price, so we equipped our $24,740 test car accordingly. To stay on budget we minimized the options, and maximized value for little money.
The Toyota V6 RAV4 Performance Sport revealed at the SEMA Show features 22-inch Alloy Wheels, hood scoop, and customized designed performance front with flared fender side. It also gets front and rear fascia, LED headlights, panoramic glass roof, billet door handles. Inside the car gets an Alpine Electronics Audio/Visual System.
Press release after the jump.
Toyota announced pricing for the 2009 RAV4 SUV. Set to go on sale in September, pricing will increase by $224 and will range from $21,500 for the Base grade front-wheel-drive with a four-cylinder engine to $27,810 for the Limited grade four-wheel-drive with a V6 engine.
For 2009, RAV4 adds an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is more powerful and more fuel efficient than the previous 2.4-liter engine. In addition, all RAV4 models feature numerous interior upgrades and a stylish new Sport Appearance Package is available for the 4WD V6 model.
All RAV4 models provide enhanced safety and security with the addition of standard front seat active headrests and an engine immobilizer. Comfort, convenience and user technology are also significantly enhanced in 2009 RAV4 models. The Limited grade adds a new standard Smart Entry system that allows the driver to open the vehicle by simply carrying the key fob and grasping the door handle.
The Sport and Limited grades offer an available integrated backup camera linked to an electrochromic mirror. Integrated XM satellite radio is a new feature for 2009, and the Sport and Limited grades offer a new low-cost navigation system. All RAV4 models have new standard seat fabric, and the Sport grade exclusively offers a new, unique Charcoal leather option.
Toyota added a new special edition on the UK market: the new RAV4 SR180. The car is on sale at a price of £23,045.
The RAV4 SR180 is powered by Toyota’s advanced 175bhp (177 DIN hp) D-4D diesel engine, mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission. With 400Nm of torque on tap, it is a formidable performer and can move from rest to 62mph in 9.3 seconds. Its pulling power is matched by respectable fuel consumption of 40.4mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 185g/km – Band E for Vehicle Excise Duty.
The RAV4 SR180 features 18-inch alloys housed in bold, extended wheelarches, dark-tinted headlamps, Integrated Active Drive, which combines Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Hill Start Assist, Bluetooth connectivity, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, front fog lamps, six-speaker sound system with six-CD autochanger, cruise control, electric sunroof and rear parking sensors.
New RAV4 is lined up for 2008, ensuring Toyota customers can enjoy some true New Year bargains. With high equipment specifications, competitive on-the-road prices and the benefit of Toyota’s hallmark quality, durability and driving pleasure, they are perfectly positioned and priced to succeed.