2020 Toyota RAV4 teaser out: What to expect

Since its introduction in 1994, Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular models in Toyota’s stable. The worldwide popularity of the SUV is indicated by its sales record of 10 million units. These numbers made it the world’s best-selling crossover in 2019. Well, the most exciting information is that Toyota has finally announced the model arrival for the Malaysian market after a long wait. 

In Malaysia, the fully imported RAV4 was available for sale almost 20 years ago and was sold in limited numbers only. But now, with the huge rise in SUV sales in the ASEAN market, the RAV4 is officially returning to Malaysia. Though, the official launch of the model was delayed by the arrival of the NAP 2020 and also the COVID-19 outbreak.

UMW Toyota has recently teased the fifth-generation RAV4 on its official website and has asked customers to register their interest. However, the webpage does not reveal details of the upcoming model, but it is expected to be very similar to the model selling in the ASEAN region. Here we have listed the expected RAV4 specifications, have a look.

Exterior

The latest iteration of the RAV4 poses an attractive and sturdier look. Toyota has ditched the old round and curvy appearance and has outfitted the model in modern clothing. It features a sporty front bumper, newly designed LED projector headlamps and black cladding all around for a rugged and capable look. For wheels, it is expected to get a new alloy design with the ongoing 17-inch size. At the rear end, the model would appear in LED tail lamps and a roof-mounted integrated spoiler. 

Interior

Inside the cabin, Toyota RAV4 is likely to house a large floating-type touch screen infotainment system supporting in-built navigation, voice commands, and various other features. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are doubtful. Further, a colored multi-information display is expected in the instrument cluster. The ASEAN-spec model features a seven-inch MID that can be switched from digital to analog display mode for a sense of personalization. 

It can also have an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar and memory support for high-quality comfort and convenience. Other expected features include dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, a panoramic sunroof, and an electronically operated.tailgate.

Engine

In other markets, Toyota RAV4 is available with two Dynamic Force powertrains - M20A-FKS 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 171 PS of power and 203 Nm of torque, and A25A-FKS 2.5-litre unit generating 205 PS and 249 Nm. Besides these, the SUV also comes with a hybrid and plug-in hybrid mechanical setup, both using the same A25A-FKS engine. The hybrid mill churns out 222 PS and 279 Nm while the plug-in version produces a total output of 302 PS. 

Out of these, we expect that the Malaysian-spec Toyota RAV4 would be available with the regular 2.0-litre engine that would be paired with a Direct Shift CVT. Furthermore, it would be an AWD unit which is expected to be the world’s first Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system. 

Safety

The list of standard safety features is likely to include seven airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, BA, hill start assist, etc. while advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, might be included.

Toyota RAV4 price in Malaysia is expected to lie somewhere between RM 188,000 to RM 195,000. However, nothing is confirmed unless the model officially arrives.  

Also read: Toyota Fortuner: Old vs. New