The RAV4 is one of the most famous SUVs in the world from Toyota. It is present in a lot of international markets for a long time. In fact, in some markets, it is available in its 5th-generation avatar. That tells you a lot of the product which Toyota is planning to bring to our market. In India, however, the very popular and successful SUV in the segment is the Fortuner. Recently, Toyota received a ton of bookings for its updated Fortuner and Legender (top-trim Fortuner). This has made Toyota think of the possibility of trying out almost a similar but much more premium and tested product in India under the Government’s 2,500 units import rule without the homologation process. Now the RAV4 has been spotted testing in India, which makes it quite apparent that Toyota is looking for the launch somewhere around the middle of this year. Let us see what to expect from the Toyota RAV4 when it launches in India.
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Toyota RAV4 – Exterior, Interior and Features
The overall dimensions of the RAV4 are shorter than the Fortuner but it is a more premium offering focused on the latest features and conveniences. It carries the badge of being one of the most sought-after SUVs around and is underpinned by the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) on which the Camry is also based. The outside has a typical SUVish appearance with Adaptive LED Projector headlamps, LED DRLs with integrated Fog Lamp unit, hexagonal pattern split front grille, Panoramic Glass Roof, Dual Chrome Tip Exhausts and other sporty design elements.
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On the interior is where one might see a huge step up from the interiors of the Fortuner, along with plenty of added features. The list might include Digital Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11 speaker JBL Audio System, Digital Instrument Cluster, Ambient Lighting, Electric Park brake, Elegant Dashboard with premium materials, Multi-purpose Steering Wheel, Electric Tailgate Operation and much more. Being an international model, the safety aspects might include Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, 8 Airbags, 3-point seatbelt for all passengers, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Emergency Assistance, Blind-spot Monitoring System, Automatic Braking and much more. You can be assured that the RAV4 will be filled up to the brim with premium convenience and safety features.
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Toyota RAV4 – Engines and Prices
Now, Toyota RAV4 comes with a couple of engine options, which include a regular turbocharged petrol engine and a hybrid powertrain and we suspect we might get the hybrid powertrain option in our market. That means a 2.5-litre Atkinson Cycle Petrol engine paired with an electric motor, making 218hp. This engine will be capable of sending power to all four wheels. It might get paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. Being a full import, it might incur a substantial price tag of upwards of Rs. 50 lakh, ex-showroom. Considering the Legender variant of the Fortuner already ranges around Rs 39 lakh price point, this will be quite some premium to pay above that. But one can expect a premium and world-renowned SUV in return.
