Press Release
Toyota
The all-new third-generation RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) made its
The RAV4, which first launched in January 1996, revolutionized the SUV market as the first SUV developed on a passenger-car platform instead of the traditional truck platform. The success of the first RAV4 spawned the development of the car-based compact SUV, which now commands nearly 79 percent of the small SUV market.
"The arrival of the new RAV4, nearly 10 years after pioneering the compact SUV segment, receives an extreme makeover for 2006," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Completely re-styled, the new RAV4 is larger and more powerful to provide the necessary utility and performance for active singles and the comfort, versatility and convenience to meet the demands of young couples, with and without children."
RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades in two- and four-wheel-drive. They include standard grade, a new performance-driven Sport grade, and the top-of-the-line Limited.
Larger, More Contemporary Styling
The next-generation RAV4 rides on an all-new platform that is significantly longer and wider, inside and out, with a roomier and more contemporary designed passenger compartment than the previous generation.
The new RAV4 is constructed with high-tensile steel, creating a lightweight yet rigid body for enhanced driving stability and responsive steering. Reduced NVH is made possible with the application of new engine hood seals and a cowl front insulator. Outer molding has been eliminated from the windshield and door glass, enhancing aerodynamics and reducing wind noise. A two-ply hood insulator with a middle air layer is also available to help further reduce noise from entering the cabin.
The RAV4's all-new exterior design features a modern-rugged theme. Its contemporary look combines an aerodynamically sleek and sporty shape with a wider stance and sharp character lines that convey the power and muscularity traits commonly associated with SUV's. The front view is sloped and features an aggressive trapezoidal grille and stylish four-bulb headlamps, producing an aggressive stare. The Base grade surface architecture from front to rear blends the aggressive front end with an agile shape that reflects a modern image. The rear view conveys a more traditional SUV look with a taller and wider stance, LED taillamps, and a mounted spare tire in a partial-hard color-keyed shell. Sitting on large P215/70 R16 tires with 16-inch steel wheels or available P225/65 R17 tires with steel or aluminum alloy wheels on the base grade (17-inch standard on V6 models), the RAV4 profile exudes an expression of performance.
The new Sport grade adds a performance-driven personality to the RAV4's contemporary design with an abundance of standard features including P235/55 R18 tires with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, sport tuned suspension, color-keyed door handles, fender flares, fog lights, roof rails and cross bars, color-keyed heated and foldable power outside mirrors, smoked headlamp trim, unique dark charcoal fabric seats, and color-keyed spare tire cover.
In addition to its appealing looks, the aerodynamic shape of the RAV4 reduces its coefficient drag from 0.35 to 0.33, among the best in its segment. The reduced coefficient drag helps to minimize wind noise and enhance fuel economy.
Improved Engine Performance
All grades will offer an all-new class-leading 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a gated-shift five-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) the new V6 will generate a best-in-class 269 horsepower at 6,200 RPM, and 246 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 4,700 RPM.
The V6-equipped RAV4 can effortlessly accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in under seven seconds while achieving an impressive estimated preliminary EPA fuel economy mpg rating of 20 city/28 highway for 4x2 models and 20 city/27 highway for 4x4 grades.
Toyota developed many technological improvements for the new V6, including the introduction of a unique new roller rocker concave cam profile that provides faster opening and later closing of the valves, which is a key contributor to its significant power. In addition, the dual-VVT-i system optimizes intake and exhaust valve timing to increase high-speed torque, ultimately improving fuel economy.
The standard powertrain will be an upgraded 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i equipped with a gated-shift four-speed automatic. The engine will deliver 166 horsepower (an increase of five hp) with 165 lbs.-ft of torque @ 4,000 RPM, making it one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines in the small SUV segment and close in horsepower to some competitor V6's. The additional horsepower is matched with improved fuel efficiency with EPA preliminary mpg estimates of 24 city/29 highway on 4x2 configurations and 23 city/27 highway on 4x4 models.
In addition to improvements in power and fuel efficiency, both the V6 and four-cylinder engines are expected to be EPA certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV2).
Advancements in Ride Handling
The new RAV4 raises the bar to new levels of handling performance in the small SUV segment. Four-wheel independent suspension gives the RAV4 both agile, sporty handling and a comfortable car-like ride.
The front suspension is equipped with McPherson struts, which have been completely redesigned from the lower arm, to the coil springs and shock absorbers. The rear utilizes a newly developed, trailing double wishbone suspension. The rear shock absorbers are uniquely positioned diagonally allowing for a larger and lower rear cargo deck.
Like all SUV's in the
Now VSC interfaces with a new Electronic Power Steering system (EPS) to help optimize steering assist for each situation. The EPS uses a DC motor and gear reduction system built into the steering gear housing to help provide steering assist. This compact unit contributes to fuel economy by eliminating the traditional power steering pump and by providing its computer-controlled assist only when called for by the driver. EPS also allows a more precise and timely control of steering assist than conventional engine-driven hydraulic systems. The integration of EPS allows the enhanced VSC system to better anticipate vehicle lack of control in virtually any direction and correspond to driver operation and vehicle behavior.
Ride handling is further enhanced with a new electronically controlled on-demand four-wheel-drive system. The new system features an electronic controlled coupling that distributes torque transmitted between the front and rear wheels, allowing the RAV4 to switch continuously from front-wheel-drive to four-wheel-drive mode. Because the system switches between two- and four-wheel-drive based on road conditions, vehicle control and fuel economy are improved. When in auto mode, torque distribution to the rear wheels is decreased during low speed cornering to avoid tight corner braking. A 4WD manual locking switch will disengage the auto mode, maximizing torque distribution to the rear wheels. When the vehicle speed reaches 25 mph the Lock mode will disengage, reverting back to Auto mode. The Lock mode also disengages when the brakes are engaged, optimizing ABS and VSC. Ride handling is addressed on all RAV4 4x2 models with an automatic Limited Slip Differential as standard equipment.
Even with its larger dimensions and increased passenger room, the new RAV4 offers improved maneuverability with a tighter turning radius than previous models. A stronger, stiffer chassis, redesigned suspension, and EPS improve its on-road ride and handling. The new Sport grade features a more firmly tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels creating a sharper handling response.
All RAV4's equipped with a V6 engine and all four-cylinder models equipped with a third-row seat come standard with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). HAC provides additional control for on-road and off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface. DAC is designed to augment the low-speed descending ability of low-range by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with no intervention from the driver.
Uphill/downhill shift logic is adopted on all RAV4's with both four- and five-speed automatic transmissions. Uphill/downhill shift logic reduces the frequency of gear shifting caused by the operation of the accelerator and brake pedals during winding uphill and downhill driving.
