Toyota unveils new RAV4 for South Africa – What to expect

Toyota unveiled the sixth-generation of the RAV4 for South Africa at its annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event last week, with an expected launch window in the coming months.

The launch of this model represents a crucial point for the Japanese automaker, as it looks to compete within South Africa’s hotly contested D-segment, where it currently has only two offerings.

At the SOMI, Leon Theron, Toyota South Africa’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, admitted that the brand’s performance in the segment has not been great.

“It has been between the Corolla Cross and Fortuner, and the RAV4 aims to fill that gap,” he said.

“We know what has happened in South Africa; this has become our most contested segment, so we have brought models that we believe will certainly help us grow our presence within the D-segment.”

What to expect

The SUV, which is Toyota’s best-selling model globally, was unveiled with three derivatives, including the GX and VX, while this year’s model also marks the debut of the GR-Sport specification for the RAV4.

Theron confirmed it will also be launched with three different drivetrains, which include an internal combustion engine (ICE), a mild-hybrid (HEV), and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) derivative.

Exact specifications for these derivatives are not yet available, but based on the information available in our fellow right-hand-drive market, Australia, we can speculate about what local models will offer.

The ICE derivative will be a local market exclusive, expected to be fitted with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

In the mild-hybrid variant, drivers can expect the same 2.5-litre engine to be paired with electric motors to produce up to 176kW, if the American specifications are anything to go by, and depending on drive type.

The plug-in hybrid GR-Sport, which will serve as the brand’s flagship in the range, is expected to feature Toyota’s sixth-generation 2.5-litre motor, coupled with several electric motors to produce a staggering 227kW.

This derivative will also be fitted with an all-new 22.7kWh battery pack, which will allow an all-electric range of around 100km.

This makes the sixth-generation RAV4 the most powerful yet.

Intelligent and safe

The next-generation RAV4 has been fitted with all-new tech for the Japanese brand.

Theron announced that the model offers a first for Toyota with its 12.3-inch driver cluster and 12.9-inch infotainment fitted into a digital island with a range of integrated functions, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 9-speaker JBL sound system.

“The tech in this vehicle is something special,” he declared.

Driver conveniences fitted to the model include cruise control, low-speed acceleration suppression, lane trace assist, and an Advanced Park system, allowing the driver to control parking from a smartphone while standing outside the car.

In terms of safety, the all-new RAV4 also boasts Toyota’s new Safety Sense 4 advanced driver assist safety system on all models but the GX.

This system includes a front cross-traffic alert for busier intersections, improved blind spot monitoring and lane trace assist, smarter pre-collision safety that can detect bikes and motorcycles, and a panoramic 3D view monitor that makes tight parking simple.

This generation is also expected to feature Toyota’s Emergency Driver Stop System, which safely pulls the car over if the driver becomes unresponsive.