(December 19, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota’s fourth-generation RAV4 arrives in January, a reinvention of the world’s original crossover sport utility vehicle. Toyota says "the new RAV4 offers balanced performance and capability, including great fuel efficiency, class-leading cargo capacity, striking design, and a compelling array of standard features. RAV4 is available in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited."



“RAV4 was the original crossover SUV, a design and engineering concept now widely adopted throughout the industry,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. 

“But RAV4 is the original, the first. For 2013, RAV4 is carefully tailored to the needs of the compact SUV market it created, with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, a new six-speed automatic transmission, two-row seating for five and exceptional in-cabin technologies.”

The MSRP for the new RAV4 LE grade will be $23,300 for the FWD and $24,700 for the AWD.  The XLE will be $24,290 for the FWD and $25,690 for the AWD model.  The MSRP for the Limited grade will be $27,010 for the AWD and $28,410 for AWD.
 
Toyota RAV4 MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $845.

The new RAV4's design achieves strong proportions while conveying the agile and fun character. The exterior features a progressive silhouette, with a sleek-sloping roofline and an aggressive character line. The new RAV4's interior has a premium look with soft-touch accents and driver-centric controls.
 
The RAV4 pursues the design goals defined by Toyota President Akio Toyoda, with aggressively sculpted front and rear fenders, a low hood, the arc of the roofline and boldly proportioned taillights that define RAV4's athletic presence.
 
In a significant break with its heritage, RAV4 will switch from its side-hinged rear door to a convenient roof-hinged liftgate with a space-saver spare tire stored under the cargo floor.  Standard on the Limited grade will be a one-touch power rear liftgate with driver-selectable memory height settings.
 
As on other recently introduced Toyotas, RAV4 engineers paid special attention to aerodynamics, the most obvious detail being small vortex generators molded into the taillight cases and near the base of the A-pillars.  Less obvious are the aerodynamic undertrays beneath the passenger cabin that help smooth and control airflow.

In contrast to 2013 RAV4's compact exterior dimensions, the cargo area is deeper, larger and easier to access than in the previous generation, with just over 38.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats.  With rear seats folded, RAV4 has class-leading maximum cargo capacity of 73.4 cubic feet.

For 2013, RAV4 will provide a number of powertrain technologies that help deliver an engaging and satisfying driving experience. The RAV4 is available with Toyota’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, which produces 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. The optional V6 of the previous-generation RAV4 has been discontinued.
 
Replacing the previous-generation RAV4’s four-speed automatic is a six-speed transmission. First and second gear ratios are optimized for around-town performance. To enhance highway fuel mileage, fifth and sixth gears are overdrives.
 
Flex lock-up control can lock the transmission’s torque converter at speeds as low as approximately 12 mph, a marked difference from the previous generation’s approximately 25 mph engagement speed. RAV4’s flex lock-up control torque converter helps increase efficiency while also smoothing powertrain performance.
 
The all-new RAV4’s fuel efficiency is improved from the previous generation.  RAV4 has a moderate compression ratio of 10.4:1 and runs on 87 octane regular gasoline, which can help limit the cost of ownership.  A new Eco mode also promotes more efficient driving for maximum mpg.  RAV4 front-wheel drive models have received EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive models are EPA-estimated at 22/29 mpg.