New cabin touches include new active front headrests, MP3 capability, VSC cutoff switch, power door locks and windows, and heated mirrors. There are also new Opititron gauges, featuring a new fuel economy meter.
The biggest development is the new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which replaces the old 2.4. From a new family of four-cylinder engines known internally as AR, it is similar in design to the previous engine family (AZ), but with many new features, such as: Dual VVT-i; roller rocker arm system; acoustic control intake system (ACIS); and Tumble Control Valves (TCV), which enhance combustion at cold-engine start-ups. The new engine also meets the new Tier 2 Bin 5 emission ratings.
For Rav4 duty the engine develops 179 hp at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm — very decent power indeed. It’s still mated to a 4-speed automatic (V6 models are mated to a five-speed).
First impressions
We had the opportunity to sample a 2WD Rav4 (I4 Base), and it behaved pretty much as expected. Like a lot of AWD systems, the Rav4’s is a reactionary type and only comes into play when the front wheels start slipping. The AWD Rav4 drives like a front-drive vehicle and so does the 2WD Rav4.
With standard traction control and automatic limited slip differential, the 2WD should have no issues in the snow, especially to Canadians who have respect and expertise in the stuff.
With 13 more horses and 7 more “torques” than the previous “four,” the new 2.5-litre engine immediately makes the Rav4 feel more lively, and it’s a great match for this vehicle. Like all Toyota fours, it’s smooth and refined. It is also about 4.4 percent more fuel efficient than the 2.4. Many Rav4 buyers are no longer feel they need a V6, and we can see why, especially as Rav4’s 265-hp 3.5-litre V6 is almost overkill.
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| New cabin touches include MP3 capability. |
The biggest development is the new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which replaces the old 2.4. From a new family of four-cylinder engines known internally as AR, it is similar in design to the previous engine family (AZ), but with many new features, such as: Dual VVT-i; roller rocker arm system; acoustic control intake system (ACIS); and Tumble Control Valves (TCV), which enhance combustion at cold-engine start-ups. The new engine also meets the new Tier 2 Bin 5 emission ratings.
For Rav4 duty the engine develops 179 hp at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm — very decent power indeed. It’s still mated to a 4-speed automatic (V6 models are mated to a five-speed).
First impressions
We had the opportunity to sample a 2WD Rav4 (I4 Base), and it behaved pretty much as expected. Like a lot of AWD systems, the Rav4’s is a reactionary type and only comes into play when the front wheels start slipping. The AWD Rav4 drives like a front-drive vehicle and so does the 2WD Rav4.
With standard traction control and automatic limited slip differential, the 2WD should have no issues in the snow, especially to Canadians who have respect and expertise in the stuff.
With 13 more horses and 7 more “torques” than the previous “four,” the new 2.5-litre engine immediately makes the Rav4 feel more lively, and it’s a great match for this vehicle. Like all Toyota fours, it’s smooth and refined. It is also about 4.4 percent more fuel efficient than the 2.4. Many Rav4 buyers are no longer feel they need a V6, and we can see why, especially as Rav4’s 265-hp 3.5-litre V6 is almost overkill.
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| With standard traction control and automatic limited slip differential, the 2WD should have no issues in the snow. |