Over the past few years, the Russian automotive market has noticeably fallen out of the global agenda: European, Japanese and Korean brands have left, and you have to focus mainly on Chinese novelties. Against this background, it is easy to miss important events that occur outside the country, even when it comes to truly mass models.
Meanwhile, the sixth generation Toyota RAV4 has already gone on sale since January this year. The previous generation lasted an impressive 8 years on the assembly line, since 2018, which looks almost like a record by today's standards. But for Toyota, such conservatism is the norm: the Japanese traditionally do not rush with frequent restyling and generational changes.
Of course, the RAV4 is not officially sold in Russia, but the car can be easily purchased through companies engaged in parallel imports. Crossovers are imported from Asia and other regions, offering ready-made options with turnkey design. Thus, the new RAV4 has become one of the few new models of non-Chinese origin available on the market here and now.
The sixth generation received the factory index XA60, which logically continues the line after XA50. In terms of class, it is still the same compact C-segment crossover. The dimensions remained quite familiar: length - 4595 mm, width - 1854 mm, height - 1702 mm, wheelbase - 2690 mm. Formally, the car did not become larger, but it is visually perceived as more angular and "technological".
The exterior is clearly made with an eye to an aggressive image. The front optics and bumper design look futuristic and evoke associations with science fiction. The interior, however, turned out to be noticeably calmer: a digital instrument panel and a large multimedia screen are combined with the usual physical buttons, which Toyota decided not to completely abandon. The transmission selector remained on the central tunnel, and did not move behind the steering wheel.
The engine range includes several options. The base is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine with a capacity of 171 hp. It is followed by a hybrid based on the same engine with a total output of 196 hp, while fuel consumption is reduced to about 4.5 liters per 100 km. Older versions are equipped with a 2.5-liter hybrid, developing from 226 to 320 hp, depending on the configuration.
The drive can be either front or all-wheel drive, and even the basic gasoline version is available with all-wheel drive. The gearbox in all versions is one - a variator. It is also used with hybrid installations, including the most powerful ones, which looks unusual, but for Toyota this is already a proven solution.
In terms of equipment, the RAV4 fully meets modern expectations: leather interior, panoramic roof, a complex of electronic assistants, all-round visibility, electric tailgate and advanced multimedia capabilities. In addition to the standard versions, there is also a GR Sport version with a stiffer suspension, modified design and improved structural rigidity of the body.
The price of the new RAV4 in Russia currently starts at approximately 4,190,000 rubles, which makes it one of the most affordable "non-Chinese" crossovers of the new generation on the market.