Toyota has lifted the digital covers off its fifth iteration of the ever-so-popular RAV4 ahead of this year’s New York Auto Show. Do not mistake it as an evolutionary leap from the previous RAV though, since this is a whole new species of compact SUV, reckons DEON VAN DER WALT.
In a surprise move ahead of the New York Auto Show, Toyota has revealed a new design direction for the popular RAV4 crossover. For starters, it has ditched its suit of city-sleeking lines and creases that are usually associated with these crossovers, instead opting for a rugged outdoor jacket – that also happens to be chic in the city.
The orderly lines found hugging the grille and headlights are gone, as Toyota has decided to take a page from its Land Cruiser 200 styling book, fitting a masculine hexagonal radiator grille instead. It even has some FJ Cruiser DNA gushing through its genetics as the crossover is fitted with rugged body-hugging cladding.
On the inside, the cabin bears little resemblance to that of the current RAV4. In fact, the interior looks entirely different than anything we have seen on Toyotas up to this point. It’s also not entirely unique, as we see a strong resemblance to some Mazda SUV interior designs.
The old integrated infotainment system looks like it has had its last tango inside the previous RAV – it’s been replaced by a bang-up-to-date floating screen that is mounted on top of the facia. The centre console also received a tidying up, arguably to make it more ergonomic with all major controls falling close to hand.
Engine-wise, Toyota has said that it plans to bolt a series of 2.5-litre petrol and hybrid powertrains to the RAV for the US market. We are confident, however, that the SA market will receive its share of diesel models too. Toyota has stated that their Lexus brand will in future receive more hybrid models, but whether this will ring true for the new RAV as well remains to be seen.
Details about the South African market launch are not yet known, but Toyota has confirmed that it plans to introduce the fifth-generation RAV4 internationally towards the end of the year.
So, the question remains… Will this left-field and brawny approach to styling spook potential RAV buyers – or set an entirely new crossover trend?
Report by DEON VAN DER WALT | Images © NETCARSHOW.COM
