Safety boost for 2017 Toyota RAV4

Toyota has expanded the availability of advanced safety features including autonomous braking to eight of its 10 RAV4 models.

Mid-range GXL variants have also been upgraded with the addition of satellite navigation# as standard, along with Toyota Link connected mobility and digital (DAB+) radio.

The safety technology is available as an option for the first time on automatic GX variants while remaining optional on GXL and standard on top-of-the-line Cruiser.

Buyers of automatic petrol GXL variants who select the safety pack can also specify dual-tone paint that adds a contrasting silver accent to the bumpers, wheel arches, door sills and side mirrors.

As part of the RAV4 changes, Cruiser all-wheel-drive (AWD) petrol and diesel variants gain the convenience of ambient lighting in the foot well and a two-position memory function for the leather-accented driver’s seat.

RAV4’s latest changes follow a substantial update late last year that included sleeker and more dynamic exterior styling, refreshed interiors, Euro 5 engines and the adoption of trailer sway control.

The suite of high-tech safety features includes a forward collision warning system that can automatically apply the car’s brakes, even if the driver takes no action.

It also comes with active cruise control, automatic high beam, lane departure alert with steering assist, rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors and a sway warning system to aid when towing.

When applied to automatic GX variants, the safety equipment is combined with upmarket features from the GXL. These include satellite navigation, 4.2-inch colour multi-information display, upgraded instrument cluster, digital (DAB+) radio, dusk-sensing headlights, fog lights and revised front bumper. The option price is $3,800 for the GX.

For GXL grades, standard fitment of satellite navigation results in an option price of $2,500 which also includes blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. The contrasting silver paint, available on petrol variants from $1,000, is accompanied by black trim for the headliner and pillars.

Price rises for the latest upgrade range from $560 for the 2WD GX 2.0-litre manual to $1,560 for the AWD GXL diesel automatic – the latter taking into account the additional standard features including satellite navigation.

Read ForceGT’s Toyota RAV4 Review

The RAV4 range includes three four-cylinder engines, starting with a 107kW 2.0-litre petrol for 2WD variants. 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 2.0-litre GX is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox or the option of Toyota’s Multidrive S continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT automatic is standard on the 2WD GXL.

Petrol AWD variants are all fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. Diesel AWD RAV4 is offered with manual or automatic transmissions for the GX and is automatic-only for GXL and Cruiser.

Toyota has deleted two low-volume manual GXL grades, retaining the six-speed manual solely for the 2.0-litre petrol two-wheel drive (2WD) and the 2.2-litre diesel AWD.

2017 Toyota RAV4 Pricing and Options