2020 Toyota RAV4: First impression

Finally! The top-selling Japanese crossover SUV has just banged the Malaysian shores after a long standby. The vehicle is a blend of city-ready dimensions and off-road pretensions, along with the cabin space of a big hatchback. Yes, we are talking about one of the most prolific and popular crossovers on this planet, Toyota RAV4, which paves the way for the brand's crossover SUVs.

This morning, UMW Toyota launched the fifth-generation RAV4 in Malaysia, marking the comeback of the model after 20 years. The much-anticipated returning happened through a virtual launch event at the brand’s official website. The fully imported (CBU) RAV4 is now available in Malaysian showrooms in two variants at a starting price of RM 196,436.

The crossover is built upon the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which also underpins the other Toyota models, including Avalon, Camry, and Corolla. By now, you must have an idea about its looks and performance, but here we bring the official facts and figures through our first impression of the new Toyota RAV4.

Attractive and sturdier look

Aesthetically, RAV4 looks like an absolute gem with an exterior design developed from the FT-AC concept. The octagons and trapezoids applied to the SUV, in character lines and sectional elements, give it a more chiseled look and broader stance. Also, bold contours and enough body cladding put across the RAV4’s ‘SUV’ notions. The dimensions read as 4,600 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, 1,685 mm tall, and 2,690 mm wheelbase.

The headlamps design exudes a bold personality while the uniquely distinctive shape and LED design of tail lights inspire a sense of awe. The SUV rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with a 5-spoke design. The exterior colour choices include Dark Blue Mica, White Pearl CS, Gray Metallic, Red Mica, Attitude Black, and Silver Metallic.

Elegant cabin

The cabin of the Toyota RAV4 looks extremely settled and clean, especially on the dashboard. There is a 7-inch DVD-AUX infotainment system edged by two rows of knobs and physical buttons, with six speakers. The connectivity options include Mirrorlink, Miracast, AUX, and Bluetooth. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system also displays the 3D panoramic view monitor. Other stand-out features are dual-zone auto air-conditioning, rear-conditioning vents, memory seat button, Qi wireless charger, voice command, telematics system, and leather upholstery.

Dynamic force engines

Toyota RAV5 is available in two variants - 2.0L and 2.5L, which share identical equipment levels, interior, and exterior appointments, but have different powertrains as their names signify. 

The first is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from Toyota’s Dynamic Force engine family, which produces 173 PS of maximum power at 6,600 rpm and 207 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. This is paired with a CVT that sends power to the front wheels. 

While the more powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produces 207 PS at 6,600 rpm and 243 Nm at 5,000 rpm. It is mated to a conventional 8-speed automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels. Both variants feature paddle shifters for a little more driver involvement and three driving modes - Eco, Normal, and Sport.

Array of safety features 

The list of standard safety features include seven airbags, 3D panoramic view monitor, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, vehicle stability control with traction control, hill start assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system, Along with this, RAV4 is loaded with Toyota Safety Sense as expected. It comprises pre-collision system, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, and auto high beam.

Price

The Toyota RAV4 price for the 2.0L starts at RM 2 03,880, while the 2.5L retails for RM 223,880 (excluding insurance). But with the 2020 sales tax exemption, the SUV is priced at RM 196,436 and RM 215,664, respectively, for the 2.0L and 2.5L. 

If we talk about the mid-size SUV segment in the country, Honda CR-V dominates the market. Being a late entrant, RAV4 also has to fight against Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and the popular Proton X70. Similarly, in the compact segment, Honda leads the market with HR-V, and Mazda has the CX-3. 

With all these runners, it might be a bit hard for RAV4 to establish its feet. Well, it is Toyota, and we cannot assume it less. So how the arrival of RAV4 changes the equations of the Malaysian market, stay tuned with us to see.

Also read: 2020 Toyota Fortuner: Five things that are new