The fifth generation of this stalwart of the SUV segment is here, and it can be said that it is in full display. The current car models of this brand come with a very original and pleasing design, let's think of the new Corolla or Camry , for example, which now look very fresh and dynamic. The appearance of the new generation Toyota RAV4 is similarly innovative.
This time I tested the "Ravka" hybrid, in addition with all-wheel drive and the Selection equipment.
Robust and distinctive exterior style
The exterior design of the new generation certainly does not skimp on the robust concept of the car, on the contrary, it directly builds on this principle. The car looks like a roughly worked material, on which the artist still has many hours to work. So you will simply get used to her rough features for a while, but believe me, you will soon succumb to them.
The robustness of the car is most evident in the treatment of the front part, the pronounced forward and bent front mask is a very good proof of this. The front headlights are very effective, their proportions give the car considerable dynamism. An interesting element that matches the entire concept of the car's exterior are its plastic rim covers. These are not deliberately extended to the thresholds and bumpers, and with their distinctive ends they underline and emphasize the dynamic and sharp lines of the car.
In addition, the tested piece had a pearly white color, which contrasts very effectively with the black accessories, mainly with the black panoramic roof. I would rate this color combination as one of the most successful from the range.
Therefore, I rate the exterior design of the car as clearly positive. The announced robustness is clearly visible and original, moreover served in a very dynamic design.
Spacious and well-crafted interior
The treatment of the interior of the car is quite contrasting compared to the exterior. Here you will experience great sophistication and clean lines, in addition to a very high quality of workmanship.
The simple and calm horizontal proportions of the dashboard are "disturbed" only by the relatively prominent eight-inch on-board infotainment display. In the tested piece, the latter was lined with a chrome line, which very elegantly followed the chrome going into the center panel. The display is good, with a slightly historical (albeit very practical) feel to the quick dial controls that line it.
In general, however, it is necessary to praise the individual controllers in the car, mainly for their operation and handling.
The center panel itself then had a classic automatic transmission selector, a drive mode selector, a controller for purely electric driving and a controller for off-road driving, as well as a space for storing and contactless charging of a mobile phone.
The dynamism of the exterior is reflected in the rather calm interior only in the treatment of the front seats. At first glance, they are very elegant and sporty, but in the end they do not have much sporting ambitions, but they pleasantly enliven the entire interior.
The luggage compartment will offer 580 liters, with the rear backrests folded down and 1189 liters after the roller shutter.
The new generation therefore comes with a well-crafted and spacious interior, which also has great maneuverability. This can be seen, for example, in the speed and silence with which the side and panoramic sunroof open. It could be said that this is an insignificant detail, but it is these individual details that shape your overall feeling of the test car.
Engines offered
The new fifth generation Toyota RAV4 is available in either classic or hybrid versions. The classic engine here is represented by a two-liter Valvematic with a power of 173 horsepower, which is available with one or both axles, as well as with a classic six-speed manual transmission or a Multidrive S automatic transmission. Then we can forget about the diesel engine.
The new hybrid powertrain has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, working in the Atkinson cycle, and an output of 130 kW. The petrol engine also cooperates with a new synchronous electric motor with an output of 88 kW and batteries with a capacity of 6.5 Ah. Then with stepless automatic transmission e-CVT. This specification applies to single axle drive only. In the case of the drive of both axles, i.e. AWD, a second electric motor with a power of 40 kW is added to this system, which takes care of driving the rear axle. More power can now be independently "sent" to the rear axle than was the case before. The power can also be distributed between the individual wheels of the rear axle, which has certain advantages, especially in any terrain.
The total output of this hybrid system with AWD drive is 163 kW, 222 horsepower.
Driving performance
Driving with a hybrid is of course specific, as is the case with the new Toyota RAV4. The hybrid system is very evident in its calm, prudent and predictable driving, and the car will reward you with low fuel consumption. But as soon as you start stepping on the car's neck more, you will experience a less than ideal sound response, which is caused by the drivetrain itself in combination with the continuously variable e-CVT transmission. Furthermore, the advantage of the hybrid system itself disappears, the proportion of driving purely on electric energy decreases and the consumption of the car increases accordingly.
The hybrid system is therefore best in the city, where the electric drive and energy recovery itself are used extensively, which is then used to recharge the battery.
Paradoxically, I drove many kilometers with the tested "Ravka" in highway traffic, and I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised by it. In a fully equipped car and at highway speed, my consumption was around 6.2 l/100km.
The car's chassis itself is also worthy of praise, it has a new lower center of gravity and looks very confident. In combination with the soundproofing itself and the pleasantly finished interior, the ride is very comfortable.
Conclusion
Looking at the current price list, I learn that you can buy the new fifth generation Toyota RAV4 from 719,900 CZK including VAT. This is a classic two-liter Valvematic with a six-speed manual, basic Active equipment and front-axle drive only.
Toyota is certainly, even in our region, pulling its customers towards a hybrid version of the powertrain. So how does this mod fare with the price?
The basic hybrid version of this model, in the basic Active equipment and with only front axle drive, starts at CZK 864,900 including VAT.
The piece tested by me, namely the hybrid version with AWD drive and Selection equipment, with the purchase price slightly exceeds the value of one million crowns, namely 1,049,900 CZK including VAT.
The new generation of Toyota RAV4 has undergone significant, mainly positive, changes. It comes with a distinctive and original exterior concept, with a high-quality and spacious interior and a new hybrid powertrain. It made a very good impression on me personally, so it can be assumed that even this new fifth generation will fill the top ranks in the sales of cars in this category.
