Toyota RAV4 - Variants explained

One of the most relatable and reliable car brands in the market, Toyota is known for creating SUVs of upscale class and great fuel economy. Its recent inclusion in the Australian market is the all-new Toyota RAV4, which is decked with improved features, latest safety systems, and hybrid power for the very first time. 

Toyota, armed with Toyota New Global Architecture has launched a range of mid-sized SUVs with petrol engines. Among those, the biggest inclusion is the RAV4’s petrol-hybrid engine models that promise to provide more power than the petrol engine.

So, here you will find detailed information about all the latest inclusions and features of Toyota RAV4 variants.

Toyota RAV4 Variants

Expanding the appeal of hybrid vehicles, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is available with four main model variants –GXL, GX, Cruiser, and Edge. The base level is the RAV4 GX with two available engines – Petrol and Hybrid. The same engine variants are also available for GXL and Cruiser models. However, Edge is available with a petrol engine. 

One of the excellent aspects that occurred in all Toyota RAV4 variants is the inclusion of several updated safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense offers a range of safety aspects like a rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, front and rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Check out the Toyota RAV4 specs sheet:

Specifications	GX Hybrid	GX Petrol	GXL Hybrid	GXL Petrol	Cruiser Hybrid	Cruiser Petrol	Edge Petrol
Engine	2.5-litres	2.0-litres	2.5-litres	2.0-litres	2.5-litres	2.0-litres	2.5-litres
Peak torque	221Nm at 3600rpm	203Nm at 4400rpm - 4900rpm	221Nm at 3600rpm	203Nm at 4400rpm-4900rpm	221Nm at 3600rpm	203Nm at 4400rpm-4900rpm	243Nm at 4000rpm-5000rpm
Max power	(Combined Hybrid power) electric AWD = 222PS, 2WD = 218PS	173PS at 6600rpm	(Combined Hybrid power) electric AWD = 222PS, 2WD = 218PS	173PS at 6600rpm	(Combined Hybrid power) electric AWD = 222PS, 2WD = 218PS	173PS at 6600rpm	207PS at 6600rpm
Fuel economy	(2WD + electric AWD) 10.5 kmpl	auto CVT = 15.3 kmpl Manual = 14.7 kmpl	(2WD + electric AWD) 10.5 kmpl	15.3 kmpl	(2WD + electric AWD) 10.5 kmpl	15.3 kmpl	13.6 kmpl
Driveline	2WD / electric AWD	2WD	2WD / electric AWD	2WD	2WD / electric AWD	2WD	AWD

Toyota RAV4 GX

A highly luxurious model, the new-generation Toyota RAV4 features a fresh design with a spacious interior and TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. RAV4 GX comes with 7 colour options like glacier white, silver sky, graphite, eclipse black, atomic rush, Saturn blue and electric blue, and all with a glossier finish. Both petrol and hybrid variant has a 17-inch alloy wheel design. Few other appointments are:

• Electrically retractable side mirrors 
• Shark fin antenna
• Light-sensitive, automatic headlamps
• LED rear combination lamp
• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• Parabolic LED headlamps with auto-leveling
• Front halogen fog lamps

Looking at RAV4’s interior, it has become the predecessor as the first Australian recipient of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Its boot space is quite wide and can accumulate 2-3 overnight bags and a pram or large suitcases. Its wheelbase has also increased by a good 30mm, thanks to its new underpinnings. Simply put, its rear footwell has become larger by 49 mm and the track wider by 40 mm. 

Toyota RAV4 GXL

It is a versatile vehicle running on fuel-saving hybrid tech and a four-cylinder aspirated petrol engine. This variant has an all-wheel-drive capability that is assisted by independently operating electric motors across the rear and front axles. 

The exterior and interior features of the car is quite similar to the GX variant. However, few add-ons make this variant a bit more extravagant than the previous model. Some of those extras are:

• Privacy glass
• Electro-chromatic rear-view mirror
• Premium embossed fabric seats
• Premium gear lever and steering wheel

GXL is competent in churning out 54 PS power with a torque of 120 Nm for the rear motor and 120 PS power with a torque of 202 Nm for the front motor. The magic behind the wheels is basically because of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system that ensures a smooth drive with a mileage of 17.24 kmpl. 

Toyota RAV4 Cruiser

This variant displays a rugged look with a Jeep-esque squared-off wheel arches. Its infotainment system has a new voice-recognition system and updated mapping software. You will find 9 premium quality JBL speakers with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay service. Some of its commendable high-tech features include:

• Rain sensing wipers
• 60/40 split-fold rear seats
• Rear passenger air vents
• Folding rear seat centre armrest
• Front and rear power windows
• Door pockets
• Steering wheel controls with telephone controls, telephone controls, MID and audio
• Satellite navigation with SUNA Live Traffic
• 8" colour touchscreen display

Its hybrid version has a 6.5 Amp-hour nickel-metal hydride system, recharging on free-wheeling. The standard transmission type is Continuously Variable Transmission (auto/e-CVT).

Toyota RAV4 Edge

This is the most expensive variant among the four SUV models. Aside from the heated and ventilated driver and passenger seat, most of Edge’s tech features are similar to the other RAV4 variants.  

Its safety kit is way better from the base variant, GX. Edge displays safety systems like ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points, 7 SRS airbags, electronic brake-force distribution with the anti-lock braking system, reversing camera with fixed lines and trailer sway control.

Its driveline is fuel/ weight saving and produces 173 PS/203 Nm on an eight-speed auto gearbox.

Here is a look at the Toyota RAV4 price in Australia (excluding on-road costs):

• GX Petrol 2WD manual - $30,640
• GX Petrol 2WD CVT - $32,640
• GXL Petrol 2WD CVT - $35,640
• Cruiser Petrol 2WD CVT - $39,140
• GX Hybrid 2WD CVT - $35,140
• GXL Hybrid 2WD CVT - $38,140
• Cruiser Hybrid 2WD CVT - $41,640
• GX Hybrid AWD CVT - $38,140
• GXL Hybrid AWD CVT - $41,140
• Cruiser Hybrid AWD CVT - $44,640
• Edge Petrol AWD Auto - $47,140

There are potential competitors of RAV4 like the BMW X2 or Ford Everest that have the same build but on an expensive level. Honestly speaking, buying a car having similar features on nearly twice the rates can be a bad decision.

If you are a new learner, Toyota RAV4’s base model is no doubt a better option to look forth. Nonetheless, for a veteran, the GXL hybrid variant can be an economical and fuel-efficient buy.

Also read: More powerful Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to go on sale in the US