The current generation RAV4 has been sale since 2005 and the only update was in 2009 when it received a mild refresh. It is no surprise that today, at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota decided to finally unleash the fourth generation RAV4. The new SUV has been caught testing in many times and teased a few more times, so we can say it brings nothing that we did not expect.

The new RAV4 is not only redesigned both inside and outside, but it also receives new in-cabin technologies, a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new six-speed transmission and new safety features.

While building the new RAV4->ke370, Toyota will use the same body-engineering principles previously used on the 2012 Camry and 2013 Avalon that helps improve steering and handling, and makes the car a little bit lighter.

The new generation Toyota->ke88 RAV4 will go on sale early in 2013 in three well-equipped grades: LE, XLE and Limited.

Updated 12/18/2012: Toyota today announced prices for the 2013 RAV4 SUV that will arrive at dealerships in early January 2013. Prices will range from $23,300 for the LE FWD version up to $28,410 for Limited AWD one.

Click past the jump to read our full review on the 2014 RAV4

2013 Toyota RAV4

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Toyota RAV4
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 176 @ 6000
  • Torque: 172 @ 4100
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The fourth generation Toyota RAV4 brings design elements previously seen in models like the latest-generation Auris, which makes it look even more aggressive and sporty than the model it replaces. Toyota opted for aggressively sculpted front and rear fenders and boldly proportioned taillights.

At the rear the RAV4 will drop its traditional side-hinged rear door in favor of a convenient roof-hinged liftgate with a space-saver spare tire. Toyota designers also wanted to improve the SUV’s aerodynamic features so they have added small vortex generators into the taillight cases and near the base of the A-pillars.

Exterior dimensions:

Overall Length 179.9 in
Overall Width 72.6 in
Overall Height 65.4 in
Wheelbase 104.7 in
Ground clearance 6.3 in
Wheels 17-inch steel wheels (LE)
17-inch alloy wheels (XLE)
18-inch alloy wheels (Limited)
Tire Size 17-inch: 225/65R17 (LE and XLE)
18-inch: 235/55R18 (Limited)
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs.


Interior

The interior of the next- generation RAV4 has also been significantly improved with new materials and all the latest technologies offered by Toyota. The SUV has received an updated dash panel with primary and secondary controls all within easy reach and featuring a very cool Clear Blue illumination.

Depending on the model, the RAV4 will be offered with either a urethane steering wheel or a leather-wrapped one with controls for audio, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, and the Multi-Information Display (MID).

The rear seats can be slid back enhancing rear-passenger legroom and once again, depending on the model the seats will be offered in premium fabric with French stitching or high-quality, breathable SofTex with French stitching.

Interior dimensions:

Head Room 39.8 in (Front)
38.9 in (Rear)
Leg Room 42.6 in (Front)
37.2 in (Rear)
Shoulder Room 57.3 in (Front)
55.4 in (Rear)
Hip Room 54.3 in (Front)
48.9 in (Rear)
Cargo Volume 73.3 cubic feet(Behind first row)
38.4 cubic feet (Behind second row)
Seating Capacity 5


Engine

All the new RAV4 models will come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. The previous optional V-6 engine has been dropped.

The engine will mate to a new six-speed transmission with Sequential Shift that replaces the previous four-speed automatic. The RAV4 will be offered in both front- and all-wheel versions with fuel economy rated at 24 mpg city/31 highway for the front-wheel-drive models and 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the all-wheel-drive model.

All models will be offered with Dynamic Torque Control featuring three different drive modes: Auto, Lock and Sport. In Auto Mode all the power heads to the front wheels and it switches to AWD only when absolutely needed. This driving mode helps reduce fuel consumption. The Lock Mode is generally used at speeds up to 25 mph when 50 percent of the engine power is being sent to the rear wheels. Once the vehicle passes 25 mph, Sport Mode kicks in. This mode provides smooth and nearly instantaneous torque transfers between the front and rear wheels to help enhance cornering performance.

Engine 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
Horsepower 176 @ 6,000 RPM
Torque 172 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 RPM
Transmission Six-speed ECT-i
Drive System Front- and All-Wheel-Drive


Prices

The fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 will go on sale in early 2013 in three trim versions: LE, XLE and Limited.

Model Grade Drive Type Engine Transmission Body Style MSRP
4430 LE FWD 4 Cylinder 6AT SUV $23,300
4440 XLE FWD 4 Cylinder 6AT SUV $24,290
4450 Limited FWD 4 Cylinder 6AT SUV $27,010
4432 LE AWD 4 Cylinder 6AT SUV $24,700
4442 XL AWD 4 Cylinder 6AT SUV $25,690
4452 Limited AWD 4 Cylinder 6AT SUV $28,410


Competition

The new RAV4 will be meeting two of its competitors: Mitsubishi Outlander and the Subaru Forester at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Outlander has also entered a new generation and is being offered with a choice of two engines; a four-cylinder one and a V-6. The Forester is offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that cranks out 250 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm.

The RAV4 has received lots of exterior updates, true, but we find them not really appropriate for a SUV. All they managed to do is making the car look very strange. The Forrester, on the other hand, has stellar looks and the muscle to back it up. On the surface, since we haven’t driven them yet, we would take the Forester.