Toyota Launches Fourth-Generation of Original Crossover SUV – The 2013 RAV4

The new RAV4's design achieves strong proportions while conveying the agile and fun character. The dynamic exterior features a progressive silhouette, with a sleek-sloping roofline and an aggressive character line. The new RAV4's interior has a premium look with soft-touch accents and driver-centric controls.

In a significant break with its heritage, RAV4 will switch from its side-hinged rear door to a convenient roof-hinged liftgate with a space-saver spare tire stored under the cargo floor. Standard on the Limited grade will be a one-touch power rear liftgate with driver-selectable memory height settings.rn rnThe new RAV4’s dash panel is driver-centric and asymmetrical, with primary and secondary controls all within easy reach. On the passenger side, the scalloped dash panel creates a sense of airy spaciousness.

RAV4's dash panel and gauges all feature a new Clear Blue illumination, which provides crisp visibility in most ambient light conditions, and a unified, coherent appearance at night.

In contrast to 2013 RAV4's compact exterior dimensions, the cargo area is deeper, larger and easier to access than in the previous generation, with just over 38.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. With rear seats folded, RAV4 has class-leading maximum cargo capacity of 73.4 cu. ft.rn rnPrivacy glass, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), cruise control, power side mirrors, power door locks and power windows are standard on all RAV4s. This is in addition to a Display Audio with a 6.1-in. touchscreen, AM/FM/CD, Bluetooth® connectivity, USB and AUX mini-jack, and six speakers. For a uniform esthetic, the Display Audio, as well as primary and secondary gauges, features Clear Blue Illumination.

For 2013, RAV4 will provide a number of powertrain technologies that help deliver an engaging and satisfying driving experience. RAV4 is available with Toyota’s 2.5-liter (2494cc) naturally aspirated four-cylinder, which produces 176 bhp at 6000 rpm and 233Nm of torque.rn rnReplacing the previous-generation RAV4’s four-speed automatic is a six-speed transmission. First and second gear ratios are optimized for around-town performance. To enhance highway fuel mileage, fifth and sixth gears are overdrives.

A sophisticated, high-speed interactive management system coordinates control of the RAV4’s new Dynamic Torque Control AWD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to enhance the compact SUV’s performance, handling and safety.

The new Dynamic Torque Control AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in front of the rear differential. Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to improve fuel consumption.

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