Refreshed 2015 Toyota RAV4 pricing and specification

Toyota has introduced the facelifted 2015 Toyota RAV4 in Australia. Available in both petrol and diesel engines, the new model is priced from $27,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level, front-wheel drive GX petrol.

The 2015 RAV4 adopts a sleeker and more dynamic styling, with a larger lower grille and slimline LED projector headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.

The restyled front and rear bumpers add 35mm to the RAV4’s overall length, while new wheel-arch mouldings and rocker panels is said to sharpen the sides and contribute to a more flowing profile. The rear taillights are now LED.

There are also new wheel designs for the mid-range GXL, which gains larger 18-inch black alloys, and range-topping Cruiser and a standard shark fin antenna on all grades.

Inside, Toyota says it has made the interior quieter with expanded insulation and thickness.

There is new matte black trim with contrasting silver accents. The centre console has been redesigned so the front cup holder can accommodate mugs with handles. A 12-volt accessory socket in the second row (in addition to two in the front) and a new holder for sunglasses have also been adopted.

GXL and Cruiser gain a new two-dial instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch colour TFT (thin-film-transistor) multi-information display. GXL is now fitted with an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror. RAV4 Cruiser’s interior, including its leather-accented seats, can be specified in black, tan or beige depending on the exterior colour.

Three new colours have been added to the range: Deep Red mica metallic, Hazel and Blue Gem.

Ride comfort and driver involvement have been improved with measures including a more rigid rear body shell that contributes to greater driving stability and improved ride quality.

Shock absorbers and coil springs have been revised to give a flatter, more comfortable ride and to enhance straight-line stability.

The range-topping Cruiser now includes Pre-Collision System with forward collision warning and automatic emergency brake, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and front parking sensors and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. These are available as an optional technical pack for the GXL with CVT or automatic transmissions.

RAV4 is offered with three four-cylinder engines, starting with a 107kW 2.0-litre petrol for the two-wheel drive (2WD) variants.

All-wheel drive (AWD) versions can be specified with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that develops 340Nm of torque, or a 2.5-litre petrol engine that develops 132kW.

The 2WD RAV4 is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox or Toyota’s Multidrive S automatic transmission.

Petrol AWD variants are fitted with a six-speed multi-mode sequential-shift automatic while diesel AWD RAV4 offers the choice of the six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

A feature of the range is Toyota’s advanced all-wheel drive technology, Dynamic Torque Control AWD. It uses information from speed, steering-angle and yaw-rate sensors to control torque transfer between the front and rear wheels.

2015 Toyota RAV4 pricing (Excl. on-road costs):

Options:

Premium paint: $550

Full-size spare (GX): $300

Technology Pack (GXL): $2,500