Facelifted Toyota RAV4 arrives
BY DANIEL GARDNER | 7th Dec 2015
That price represents a $500 increase over the previous base version, which is common to all two-wheel-drive petrol variants fitted with a manual gearbox, but the Japanese car-maker says all versions are more desirable with the new styling and a more comfortable ride.
As before, the range is split into eight offerings starting with the most affordable 2WD GX and $31,990 GXL, which are available with a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed continuously variable transmission, which adds $2000.
Four-wheel drive petrol RAV4s get a larger 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine over the 2.0-litre base variant and are only available with a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, starting with the $32,990 GX, a mid-range $36,990 GXL and top-spec Cruiser for $44,990. Pricing for the all-paw petrols is unchanged.
A 2.2-litre diesel tops off the RAV4 range with a GX and GXL priced from $35,990 and $39,990 respectively, or $2000 more when fitted with the six-speed automatic. The range-topping diesel Cruiser is only available as an auto, priced from $49,490.
Those new prices have crept up by $2000 for the GX and GXL, while the Cruiser diesel now costs $1000 more than in the previous version.
A new particulate filter has cut diesel emissions and all three four-cylinder powerplants conform to Euro-5 standards.
The new RAV4 look consists of a redesigned front bumper, which adds 35mm to the overall RAV4 length and is complemented by LED projector headlights for both main and dipped beam.
Rear LED tail-lights freshen the other end of the RAV4, while new-look wheel arch mouldings and side sills complete the makeover for all variants. GXL versions also gain a sharkfin antenna and a new 18-inch alloy wheel set versus the 17-inch hoops fitted to the GX.
Inside, the updated RAV4 has a new matte black interior trim with contrasting silver, while the centre console can now accommodate handled cups and sunglasses, while rear passengers can charge 12-volt devices.
Ride comfort for all variants comes as a result of greater use of sound insulation, a more rigid rear body shell section and revised suspension dampener and spring rate for a more compliant but stable ride.
GXL and Cruiser variants have a new two-dial instrument cluster which gains a 4.2-inch colour screen for displaying vehicle information to the driver, the GXL has a self-dimming rearview mirror and Cruisers have more colour options for its part-leather interior, depending on the exterior colour.
A raft of extra safety equipment is also offered as standard for for the updated Cruiser and optionally for the automatic GXL. The technology pack costs $2500 and adds pre-collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert and front parking radar.
Other options include premium paint colours for $550 or a full-size spare wheel for GX variants costing $300. The 2016 RAV4 also has a choice of new colours including Hazel, Blue Gem and Deep Red, which replaces Wildfire.
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 pricing* | |
| GX Petrol 2WD | $27,990 |
| GX Petrol 2WD (a) | $29,990 |
| GXL Petrol 2WD | $31,990 |
| GXL Petrol 2WD (a) | $33,990 |
| GX Petrol AWD (a) | $32,990 |
| GX Diesel AWD | $35,990 |
| GX Diesel AWD (a) | $37,990 |
| GXL Petrol AWD (a) | $36,990 |
| GXL Diesel AWD | $39,990 |
| GXL Diesel AWD (a) | $41,990 |
| Cruiser Petrol AWD (a) | $44,490 |
| Cruiser Diesel AWD (a) | $49,490 |
