Toyota Rav4, the affirmation of a bestseller

Times are changing at the Toyota group. Not so long ago, sharp lines were the hallmark of Lexus, the Japanese manufacturer's premium brand. Now, it's the Toyota brand's models that are adorned with geometric shapes. Having already seduced 15 million drivers, including 2.5 million Europeans, in the space of thirty years, the RAV4 returns with a more assertive style and cutting-edge technology. Based on the TNGA GA-K platform, the dimensions remain unchanged, but the style becomes more extroverted. The wheel arches are even more pronounced than in the past, the sides are highly sculpted, the sides of the front hood are enhanced with bulges, the bumper houses enlarged air intakes, and the grille is adorned with a multitude of air vents. The trombone-shaped headlights complete the stylistic changes.

Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch instrument cluster without a bezel. This is paired with a 12.9-inch central display. The new multimedia system seemed relatively slow to us, and the graphics appeared a bit dated compared to the competition. However, the SUV is using the Arene software development platform for the first time. This architecture allows the RAV4 to benefit from new safety features, such as extended front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, pre-collision system, and remote parking control.

The interior also evolves around a horizontal design and a reduction in the number of buttons, in favor of simplification. The effort in favor of ergonomics is emphasized with better arranged controls and more readable screens. The 12.3-inch instrument cluster can accommodate real-time navigation data as well as 3D lane assistance. The 12.9-inch multimedia tablet in the center of the dashboard was designed specifically for European customers. The big news of this sixth Rav4 is the integration of the Arene software which allows the safety systems to access new features, including level 2+ autonomous driving. When the driver activates the turn signal, the lane change assistance system ensures the safety of the maneuver by checking for the possible presence of a vehicle in the blind spot before the steering assistance automatically performs the lane change. Lane change assist works when adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are activated.

The Rav4 is also evolving in terms of engines. Three versions are available: a 183 hp hybrid in the two-wheel drive version and a 191 hp four-wheel drive variant. The plug-in hybrid version is carried over in an improved version. The adoption of a 22.7 kWh battery, which represents a 30% increase in capacity, now allows an electric range of 100 km. This performance will benefit consumption and CO ₂ emissions. Another advantage: the Rav4's battery can now be charged using direct current at a 50 kW terminal, like the latest Volkswagen SUVs. It only takes 30 minutes to go from 10 to 80%. For the first time, the plug-in hybrid version is available in a two-wheel drive version. In this case, the power is 286 hp. With all-wheel drive, the power reaches 304 hp. Enough to reach 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.