After months of spy photos and rumors, the new sixth-generation RAV4 has finally made its global debut. As such, we’ve gone ahead with another size comparo.
Toyota’s latest compact SUV now features a bolder design with a stronger stance. The sixth-gen RAV4 will come in three distinct flavors: Core, Rugged, and Sport. For this size comparo, we’ll be pitting the all-new model against the one it will soon replace. I’ve selected the Core version to represent the sixth-gen RAV4 and the local-spec LTD HEV variant to represent the fifth-gen RAV4.
The sixth-gen RAV4 measures 4,595mm long, 1,855mm wide, and 1,700mm tall, which makes it 5mm shorter and 15mm taller than the fifth-gen RAV4 while being as wide. The newer RAV4 has the same 2,690mm wheelbase as the outgoing model. The sixth-gen model in the images is equipped with 29.3-inch-diameter 235/50 R20 tires—this is 0.7 inches taller than the 28.6-inch-diameter 225/60 R18 rubber of the outgoing Philippine-spec LTD HEV. Toyota’s new compact SUV has a 749-liter cargo area, 16 liters more than its predecessor. For those curious, these luggage capacity figures are measured up to the roof.
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Under the skin, both generations use the Japanese carmaker’s TNGA-K platform, but the sixth-gen RAV4 gets additional reinforcements to increase structural rigidity. As a result of these changes, ride and handling have been improved.
Toyota’s new compact SUV features a new generation hybrid system. The US-market powertrain lineup starts from the 226hp FWD HEV and goes all the way up to the 320hp AWD PHEV. Over in the Old Continent, the power figures for the sixth-gen RAV4 are a bit more conservative. The European powertrain range begins with the 181hp FWD HEV and tops out with the 300hp AWD PHEV. Here’s hoping we get the higher output powertrain options.
As a refresher, the current soon to be replaced fifth-gen RAV4 made its debut in 2018 for the 2019 model year. The fifth-gen RAV4 reached our shores in February 2019 with one engine option, a 203hp 2.5-liter gasoline mill driving the front wheels. In 2021, Toyota’s compact SUV was given a minor refresh for the 2022 model year. The updated model was launched locally in February 2022 with a front-drive hybrid-only lineup. The Philippine-spec model’s gasoline-electric powertrain has a total system output of 215hp.
What do you think of the new generation RAV4? Are you looking forward to seeing Toyota’s latest compact SUV on local roads? Let us know in the comments.
