The new generation Toyota RAV4 crossovers have begun to arrive in Russia en masse through “gray” import channels. The cars are coming not from Japan or even from Europe, but from the FAW-Toyota joint venture in China. And this detail, as it turns out, changes a lot – from the nuances of the configuration to the perception of the car and, of course, its final cost; details are in the material of Motor magazine.
The cost of Chinese Rafiks has already been calculated by delivery sellers and fluctuates around 4.6 million rubles for the average turnkey version in Moscow. The range of prices, however, is wide: initial options can be found in the range of 3.8–4.1 million rubles, but the final amount highly depends on the modification, the appetites of a particular supplier and the geography of delivery.
The sixth generation of RAV4, like the previous one, is based on the TNGA-K modular platform. As befits Toyota, this is not a revolution, but an evolution: engineers worked on body rigidity, strengthened the subframes and modified the suspension elements, which in theory should have a positive effect on handling and smoothness.
Toyota RAV4
Toyota
Toyota
However, the most noticeable change is hidden under the hood. The global version of the RAV4 is now offered exclusively with hybrid powertrains, a special version developed for the Chinese market. At its heart is the familiar two-liter naturally aspirated M20A-FKS engine with 152 horsepower and 188 Nm of torque, assisted by an electric motor with a peak output of 112 horsepower. The total system power declared by the manufacturer is 196 horsepower.
The main modification from China, which delivery providers most often offer, is a purely gasoline version with a classic 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine without an electric add-on, which is produced exclusively for the Chinese market. The documents will indicate a power of 171 hp. There is also the option to order a hybrid 2.5 (236 hp) – this is the top and most powerful hybrid version. It is also imported as a parallel import, and there are no discrepancies with the power in the documents – 236 hp appears everywhere.
Externally, the new RAV4 is certainly recognizable, but it is perceived differently than its predecessor. The designers took the path of giving the appearance greater severity and even some brutality: clear horizontal lines, chopped edges and a vertical theme appeared in the design of the front part.
Toyota
Toyota RAV4
Toyota
The Chinese version, which is supplied to Russia, has its own differences in the design of bumpers and lighting equipment, but in basic dimensions it is identical to the global one: length is 4620 mm, width – 1855 mm, height – 1680 mm, and the wheelbase size remains the same – 2690 mm.
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
The interior has also been redesigned in the spirit of the times: the front panel now has two digital screens – a dashboard with a diagonal of up to 12.3 inches and a central display of the multimedia system, the size of which, depending on the configuration, can reach 15.6 inches in versions for the Chinese market. The architecture of the panel has become stricter, the finishing materials have changed.
To get an objective idea of the car, it makes sense to turn to the experience of the first owners who have already received their cars and share their impressions on specialized forums. Let’s make a reservation right away: the reviews are of a private nature, but in the aggregate they allow us to identify certain trends.
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
The undoubted advantages of the new RAV4, even in Chinese specification, traditionally include its proven technical features. The two-liter engine and Aisin CVT are a pair that has earned a reputation for reliability and durability, which is a paramount factor for many buyers.
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
The suspension, according to reviews, remained moderately elastic and comfortable, coping well with uneven Russian roads. They also note the spaciousness in the cabin: there is a little more space for second-row passengers, and the trunk volume has remained at a decent level. The efficiency of hybrids is also considered a plus, since in the combined cycle the consumption is 5-6 liters per 100 kilometers.
However, there are also aspects that cause reserved comments from owners. First of all, we are talking about the quality of some interior finishing materials and assembly in general. Owners note that the plastic in the Chinese version may be perceived as harder and less pleasant to the touch than in the previous generation of Japanese-built cars. Sometimes minor but noticeable unevenness of the gaps between body panels are mentioned.
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
Some note that the image from all-round cameras is not very clear, especially in low light conditions. In addition, the multimedia system in the cars supplied to us does not have a Russian-language interface, which creates certain inconveniences during setup and operation.
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
And finally, sound insulation, traditionally not a strong point of the RAV4, according to the first reviews, remained approximately at the same level, that is, not outstanding, but not critical either.
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
Resume
The new Toyota RAV4 is, of course, a modern car with a proven and durable powertrain, fresh design and a predictably high residual value on the secondary market. These qualities make it a serious contender for the wallet of a pragmatic buyer for whom reliability and liquidity are important. On the other hand, the price of 4.6 million rubles for the Chinese-assembled version with nuances in the quality of finishing and lack of Russification leaves the potential owner with a difficult choice.
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
For comparable money, the market offers a wide range of alternatives, including well-equipped models from Chinese brands that can offer richer equipment and premium materials.
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