Toyota RAV4 US Debut at 2005 SEMA Show

Press Release

Spacious Interior Comfort and Utility

With an increased length of more than 14-inches over the previous generation, a new seating design features second row seating for three and optional third row seating, a first in the small SUV segment. The larger dimensions create a larger cabin, increasing shoulder room for all passengers, and additional head clearance and legroom for second row passengers, allowing for overall greater passenger comfort.

The seating allows for numerous seat fold-down configurations, and under-floor storage (on models without the third-row seat), providing cargo space comparable to some mid-size SUV's. Second row seats are 60/40 split with fore and aft movement for legroom adjustment, reclining seatbacks for added comfort and an armrest with two cupholders. The second row seats fold flat with the convenience of tilt-down levers located on the side of the seatbacks and cargo area, allowing for an even and expanded rear cargo area. A second one-touch lever, located in the cargo area, also allows the second-row seats (on two-row models) to fold flat. The optional 50/50 split and stow third-row seat on Base and Limited grades allow seating for two passengers, and folds flat under the rear deck for increased cargo space. Durable fabric seats add to the interior comfort of the Base grade.

A distinct upgraded dark charcoal fabric is dedicated to the Sport grade. An upgraded seat fabric is also standard on the Limited grade. For an added dose of refinement, leather-trimmed seats are offered on the Limited grade.

A new level of refinement has been built into the RAV4 interior. A brushed metallic silver finish on the center cluster, door trim and steering wheel spokes creates a bold and contemporary SUV feel. The look and functionality of the RAV4 interior is enhanced by contemporary-designed analogue, three-tiered Optitron gauges. Small touches are also evident with the addition of a large vanity mirror with eye-friendly ceiling lights, illumination on two extra large front cup holders for improved ease of use during nighttime driving and a cellphone holder in the center console. Also, a drivers seat ratchet device on non-Limited models allows for easy seat-height adjustment.

Storage is in abundance with compartments on each of the front doors, increased storage capacity in the center console box, rear passenger storage on the front driver and passenger seatbacks, a back door storage pocket, a sunken rear storage compartment with a foldable double-flap lid, and a one-push open/close upper storage compartment above the glove box. Two hidden storage compartments are concealed under the rear cargo area floor by a water-repellant foldable deck board on models equipped with two-rows.

Form, fun and functionality is in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades that includes CFC free manual air-conditioning, AM/FM CD with six speakers with a mini-plug jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, remote keyless entry, ten front and rear bottle/cup holders, power windows and door locks, larger foldable power mirrors, privacy glass, three 12-volt auxiliary power outlets, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. RAV4 also features the first in-use application of lever-operated brake deceleration cruise control as standard equipment.

The Limited grade adds a higher level of refinement with standard features, inside and out, that include P225/65 R17 tires with 17-inch aluminum six-spoke alloy wheels, color-keyed door handles, fog lights, black roof rails and cross bars, color-keyed heated and foldable power side mirrors, AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer with six speakers, a mini-plug jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, defroster-linked CFC-free dual zone automatic climate control with air filter, micro dust/pollen removal capability and information display, engine immobilizer system, interior foot-well lighting, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob with metallic insert, eight-way power driver seat plus lumbar, cargo area tonneau cover with a multi-purpose cargo net and support poles (models with two-rows only), hard shell color-keyed spare tire cover, upgraded seat fabric, and a chrome grille.

Safety

The RAV4 helps protect its occupants with a reinforced cabin using front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials on the roof and doors to help reduce the severity of head, chest and abdominal injuries in the event of an accident.

The front seats of the RAV4 include height-adjustable headrests, which are designed to help reduce the possibility of whiplash-type injuries, and include three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and belt-force limiters. The second- and third-row seats also incorporate height-adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts in all seating positions.

The driver and passenger advanced front airbags inflate according to collision severity. A front seat passenger sensor is designed to determine if there is a person in the seat and is also equipped with an occupant classification system to verify the front passengers' weight category to determine whether the airbag should inflate. Driver and front passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags with first and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags (RSCA) will also be available as an option.

Options

In addition to the array of standard equipment, an impressive list of optional comfort and utility features are available to further enhance the RAV4 driving experience. Options available on the Base grade include AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer with six speakers, mini-plug jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, Daytime Running Lights, black painted roof rails and cross bars, P225/65 R17 tires with either 17-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels or 17-inch five-spoke steel wheels, fabric-trimmed 50/50 split and stow two-person third-row seat that folds flat, cargo area tonneau cover with a multi-purpose cargo net and support poles, and a tow package (V6 only) that increases towing capacity to a maximum of 3,500 pounds.

Available features on the new Sport grade, in addition to those offered on the Base grade (with the exception of third-row seat), includes a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade, and a JBL six-disc CD changer with nine speakers (including a subwoofer), mini-plug jack, MP3/WMA playback capability and steering wheel audio controls.

The premium Limited grade also offers leather-trimmed seats, driver and front passenger heated seats, rear seat DVD entertainment system with rear seat audio, and an exclusive Blizzard White Pearl exterior paint.

Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.