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
