2013 Toyota RAV4 Launch Review
2013 TOYOTA RAV4 REVIEW
What’s hot: Better value, more space, better drivetrains and better drive.
What’s not: Limited 500kg/550kg max tow ratings on diesels.
X-Factor: New, better, and that Toyota badge? That's a winning combo in any language...
Engine Tested: 2.5 litre petrol four | Power/Torque: 132kW/233Nm
Fuel Consumption listed: 8.5 l/100km | tested: 12.4 l/100km
Vehicle style: Medium SUV
OVERVIEW
It might surprise you that Toyota’s RAV4 nameplate has been around for 20 years, but the 2013 fourth-generation model is anything but 'old hat'.
A new turbodiesel option, two new petrol fours, more space, new features, and improved efficiency across the range bring the new RAV4 right in line with its fresher medium SUV counterparts.
There's also a sharper focus on chassis dynamics - how it rides and drives - and it shows.
Some may be disappointed that the stonking 3.5 litre petrol V6 option is no more, but a lusty diesel joins the range instead.
The RAV4 now offers a choice of 107kW/187Nm 2.0 litre and 132kW/233Nm 2.5 litre petrol fours, and a 110kW/340Nm 2.2 litre turbodiesel - Australia’s first diesel RAV4.
The more potent 2.5 litre petrol and turbodiese are available in six-speed manual or six-speed conventional auto (adding $2500), but the exclusively front-wheel drive 2.0 litre models get a CVT as the auto option.
Interestingly though, diesel models are limited to a 500kg-auto/550kg-manual maximum tow rating, while the 2.0 litre is capable of 800kg (braked), and the 2.5 litre models match the previous 2.4 litre’s 1500kg (braked) rating.
(Click here to read more about that low tow rating.)
With nearly 200,000 RAV4s sold in Australia to date, the 2013 model will be tackling the segment-leading Nissan X-Trail and Mazda CX-5 head-on, and fending off the reborn Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander models.
Toyota invited TMR to be among the first to experience the new RAV4 at its national press launch near Eden, NSW.
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