Toyota RAV4 - Full details

The Toyota RAV4 got an all-new model for 2019 and has quite a lot of updates to show. It has the accolade of being the first-ever hybrid SUV from the company in the UAE market. It is thrown in a segment that makes for the perfect balance between practicality and sportiness, that too, without compromising on the environmental effects.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is available in four trim levels - GX, GXR, Adventure, and the VXR Hybrid, the last one being the HEV version (hybrid electric vehicle). The Toyota RAV4 price in UAE is mentioned in the following table:

Variant	Price
GX	AED 99,000
GXR	AED 119,900
Adventure	AED 129,900
VXR	AED 139,900

Design

Aesthetically, the Toyota RAV4 looks like an absolute gem. The front section is extremely attractive and sculpted at the same time. The muscular front hood holds LED headlamps that have the automatic levelling feature. LED fog lamps are given for the front end as well.

The car rides on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, while the Adventure model gets bigger 19-inch units. The tyres are quite thick and knobby with 225-section and 235-section rubber respectively for the 17-inch and 19-inch models. The hybrid variant gets completely different 18-inch wheels. A sunroof is given on all the variants except the base model. However, the Adventure trim gets a panoramic sunroof. The presence of roof spoiler and roof rails further adds to the attractive design.

Cabin space and features

The cabin of the Toyota RAV4 is a very elegant one. It looks extremely settled and clean, especially on the dashboard. The seats are wrapped with fabric upholstery for the lower trims, while the Adventure trim gets synthetic leather wraps. However, the range-topping hybrid variant gets a premium quality leather upholstery for the seats.

There is a 7-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system on lower trims, while an 8-inch unit is given on the hybrid trim. The base variant gets a four-speaker system while the higher trims get six speakers. Dual-zone automatic climate control is given as a standard fitment. To enhance the comfort and cooling, the SUV gets rear AC vents too. Apart from this, the automatic dimming rearview mirror feature is also a standard fitment across all the variants.

Engine and performance

The Toyota RAV4 is offered in two different engine options. First is 2.5-litre unit that is capable of producing 203 hp of maximum power and 243 Nm of highest torque. The flagship engine is the hybrid motor that has 2.5-litre displacement and an in-line 4-cylinder layout. This variant boasts on the maximum power output of 219 hp and a maximum torque of 221 Nm.

The hybrid engine is mated to a CVT gearbox while the 2.5L unit gets an 8-speed automatic unit. However, given the automatic transmissions, there are absolutely no lags in performance. The variants can hit an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in 8.5 and 8.1 seconds respectively.

Braking and safety features

Toyota RAV4 specs sheet has a pretty good number of safety features. The braking duties are done by disc brakes and anti-lock braking system and enhance safety by four-folds. Electronic brakeforce distribution is also added to the package. Besides this, the cabin gets airbags all across, including front, side, curtain and driver’s knee.

Moreover, when it comes to other driver’s assistance features, there are:

• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Vehicle stability control
• Parking sensor both at the front and rear
• Downhill assist control
• And child restraint (ISOFIX)

All of these features together make the family SUV a very safe place to be in.

Summing up

Toyota RAV4 enjoys the privilege of being centered in a segment that is extremely popular in the Arabic market. However, it isn’t the demand that sees the SUV rise the ranks, the features manage to impress too.

The primary requisite of an SUV sold in the Middle East is an all-wheel-drive mechanism and the RAV4 has it in all trims except the base model. It competes against the likes of other big names in the segment in the form of the Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V. It is slightly more expensive compared to the peers, though the specifications and the hybrid technology justifies the premium price without a doubt.

Also read: Toyota Corolla: Variants explained