Sunday, October 21, 2012

Toyota RAV4, The New Car Will Come in 2013




What It Is: An extensively camouflaged prototype of the next-generation Toyota RAV4 compact crossover, the current version of which debuted in 2006. The RAV4 was mildly refreshed for 2009, but it’s ripe for a redesign. These spy photos show that the next RAV4 is going to change quite a bit from its current form and move closer to the crossover mainstream. 

Why It Matters: The compact-crossover segment is a cash cow, and despite its age, the RAV4 still is one of the more popular offerings out there. When the RAV4 first went on sale in the U.S. in 1996, it was a quirky little SUV powered by a tiny four-cylinder engine. Each successive generation of the RAV4, however, has grown larger and heavier. The contemporary RAV4 can be had with a hairy-chested 3.5-liter V-6 that puts out 269 hp, and a third row of seats is available. The next iteration of the crossover, however, will need to compete with the new Ford Escape, the Mazda CX-5, as well as the venerable Honda CR-V. That means it will need to retain a roomy cabin but deliver the fuel economy buyers facing down $4-a-gallon gasoline expect. 

Platform: Based on these spy photos, don’t be surprised if the new RAV4 arrives on a modified version of the current model’s platform. That’s because in addition to some drastic stylistic changes, it looks like a size increase may be in store for the 2013 as well. Although most of the car in the photos is covered up, the sweeping roofline and fast windshield make it clear that the new RAV4 will abandon its off-road pretensions and embrace its crossover roots.

The mule in the photos lacks a tailgate-mounted spare tire—the RAV4 is one of the last small SUVs to retain such a feature. (Certain “Sport” versions on sale today get spare-less tailgates, but the tailgate mounting position is the current RAV4’s default configuration.) Given the long, horizontal, Camry-like taillights on the prototype, we expect all versions of the production car will also go without the old-school setup. Up front, additional Camry-inspired touches peek through the camo, including the headlights, grille openings, and fog-light nacelles. 


Powertrain: The changes to the RAV4’s powertrain should be much more evolutionary than those made to the crossover’s styling. Unlike many of its mid-size competitors, the latest Camry sedan retained its optional six-cylinder engine instead of moving to a four-cylinder-only lineup. Therefore, we expect the RAV4 to keep its brawny six; the current base engine, a 179-hp, 2.5-liter four, should carry over as well. The current RAV4’s four-cylinder still utilizes a four-speed automatic—whew, that’s a lot of “fours”—and it’s possible that Toyota will drop in a six-speed to improve fuel economy. The same upgrade could be in store for the V-6, which presently backs up to a five-speed auto.

Competition: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5.

Estimated Arrival Time: The redesigned 2013 RAV4 likely won’t appear at an auto show until later this year. It could go on sale as early as this fall

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