The Toyota RAV4 debuted over 30 years ago, and this is the all-new sixth generation. Does the most popular SUV from the Japanese giant still have what it takes to compete with the increasingly bold (and cheaper) rivals from China? In this video, I’m testing what’s new in the RAV4 and whether these subtle Japanese improvements actually translate into a better driving experience.
Toyota took a very disciplined approach to this project – a stiffer body, improved suspension mounting points, and new insulation for the A-pillars are just some of the changes you can't see, but you can certainly feel behind the wheel. I’m diving into the interior with the new Arene infotainment system, checking the real-world fuel economy of the AWD hybrid, and performing my diagonal approach AWD test.
In this video:
Design & Dimensions: Why the new RAV4 looks bigger even though its dimensions remain almost identical.
The Boot Mystery: Where did those 7 cm of boot depth go, and how does Toyota justify the smaller capacity?
Interior 2.0: A massive display mounted 4 cm lower (for better visibility!), a square steering wheel, and the end of the traditional gear lever.
The New Arene System: How the infot