After finally making its ASEAN debut at the 2019 Singapore Motor Show, the all-new Toyota RAV4 is now officially on sale in the Philippines, bringing with it a higher level of style, design, capability, and driving dynamics to the iconic crossover nameplate in the Philippine market.
Focusing on the theme of “Robust Design”, Toyota has made efforts to create a RAV4 that looks a lot more stylish and rugged than its predecessor. The RAV4’s front fascia leads into a more dynamic profile, and robust shoulders. The front fascia is characterized by a wide grille, flanked by a pair of LED headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard. At the back, a much more aggressive sloping roofline, as well as a pair of newly designed LED taillights give the RAV4 a very dynamic look at night. It possesses more character and presence compared to its predecessor, thanks to the optional two-tone paint scheme, as well as snazzy set of new alloy wheel designs. The LE and XLE variants feature 17-inch alloy wheels, while the top-spec Limited features 18-inch wheels. Compared to its predecessor, the new RAV4 has shorter front and rear overhangs, as Toyota has made sure that the RAV4 will be able to tackle different kinds of terrain.
The Toyota RAV4 now utilizes the popular TNGA K platform, which, like the Toyota Corolla, now utilizes a multilink rear suspension for improved ride and handling. Chassis rigidity has also been improved through the liberal use of high strength steel, adhesives, and new welding techniques. The new RAV4 is lower, wider, but shorter, and though its length has shortened, wheelbase has increased for improved interior room.
On the inside, Toyota’s liberal use of soft-touch surfaces, matte panels, and shiny finishes elevate the premium feel of the RAV4’s interior. Many interesting designs and shapes highlight the interior of the RAV4, while the multitude of rubberized surfaces make sure that the important parts of the interior do not get scratched. Highlighting the interior design is the floating 7-inch touch screen infotainment system, which is standard across the line-up. Electronic parking brake with auto hold also comes as standard across the line-up. Mid-level XLE variants gain passive entry with push-button start, front and rear parking sensors, back-up camera, and dual-zone climate control. The top-spec Limited variant (as shown), meanwhile, features a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, leather interior, panoramic sunroof, among other things.
In a surprise move by Toyota Motor Philippines, they have decided to power the all-new RAV4 with the brand’s all-new A25A-FKS Dynamic Force 2.5 liter inline-4 petrol engine with VVT-iE and direct injection. With an impressive 40% thermal efficiency, the new Dynamic Force engines achieve excellent fuel consumption, as most of the combusted fuel is actually turned into energy rather than just heat. The petrol engine produces healthy numbers: 203 hp and 249 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with power being sent through the front wheels only as AWD is not offered this time around.
In a likely move to protect the highly popular Toyota Fortuner, the all-new RAV4 is priced at the higher end of the crossover pricing ladder. As usual, the White Pearl paint is a P15,000 option.
LE: P1,638,000
XLE: P1,870,000
Limited: P2,188,000
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