New RAV4s Take "Stylish and Rugged" Concept to Higher Level

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION'S redesigned RAV4 L and RAV4 J sports utility vehicles (SUVs) preserve the best of the original smart-looking urban SUV concept, then venture out into new dimensions of design, performance and safety excellence. The new models were released today through Toyota Corolla and Netz dealers nationwide.

Toyota launched the RAV4 L and RAV4 J in 1994. These SUVs achieved dazzling popularity for their combination of performance demanded for the great outdoors with city driving sophistication. The RAV4 L and RAV4 j were created for looks, ride and enjoyment.

While keeping alive the original concept, the new RAV4 L and RAV4 J, with "stylish and rugged" their key theme, have been redesigned as high-prestige small SUVs that will set standards in all areas for the 21st century. With newly developed features from the platform up, they offer more sophisticated styling and ample interior space in a compact body. The engine and suspension have been completely updated for dramatic improvements in power, driving performance and quietness. Safety performance has been raised and environmental standards improved to meet the needs of the next generation.

Tasteful interior and exterior design: functional, comfortable and roomy for high-quality feel

The wide and low exterior combines curves and straight lines and features large-diameter tires and a short overhang.

The front makes a strong, individual statement, with an imposing grille and uniquely-shaped multi-reflector headlights that wrap around to the side. At the rear, the spare tire cover blends into the surrounding back door, and the combination lamps wrap around to the sides, for a stable, sure-footed look.

The profile of the three-door model has lines that run from the flowing front fender to the forcefully projecting rear fender, creating a sporty feeling. Meanwhile, the five-door model has a dynamic profile achieved by a combination of a powerful front/rear fender design with character lines created by cutaway surfaces.

The instrument panel is easy to read and use, with switches and other controls positioned on molded parts that flow to the left and right from a center cluster that has a strong design theme. It also features three stylish raised readout meters in white.

Sporty door trim uses metallic colors and dimples. Raised fabric ornamentation encompassing door grips and arm rests add a touch of class.

Although the three-and five-door models are only 45mm and 30mm longer than their predecessors, respectively, their wheelbases have been extended by 80mm, creating a roomy interior space, while the minimum turning radius has been reduced for enhanced mobility.

Front seats have a 240mm slide mechanism and a 45mm vertical lifter that can be adjusted to suit each rider's physique, offering more comfort. Rear seats have a 150mm slide mechanism, and can be folded down to create the largest luggage space in this class of vehicle. One or both of the rear seats can be folded down or removed, allowing a variety of configurations for a number of applications.

Body rigidity has been increased, and damping and sound-proofing materials used in various parts of the vehicle result in outstanding quietness.

The variety of storage compartments includes a console box that can hold up to 12 CDs, an overhead console box for sunglasses, a storage space below the floor of the rear deck, accessory holders handy for tickets or cards, and cup holders. Additionally, a handy package tray enables the luggage space to be divided into an upper and lower compartment (standard on principal grades of the five-door version). There is also an accessory plug that can be used for electric appliances of up to 12 VDC/120 W.

A Multi-AV Station II (option) can be installed in the top section of the center cluster, ensuring high visibility and ease of operation.

Latest in advanced safety features: handling/driving stability ensures high level of danger avoidance

Outstanding braking performance has been achieved by distributing the braking force to the front/rear wheels to precisely match changes in load due to load shifting or deceleration. Standard features on all models include ABS, with EBD, and a brake assist function that increases ABS effectiveness. ABS with EBD has various functions to help maintain vehicle stability during cornering or emergency maneuvering.

Rain-clearing door mirrors and water-repelling front door glass are standard on some grades. The rain-clearing door mirrors make water droplets cling to the surface as a film, so that visibility is not impaired. The mirrors also have a photocatalytic effect that breaks up organic matter to prevent surface dirt buildup. The water-repelling front door glass improves lateral visibility.

All models use the latest collision-safe GOA bodies, and have passed increased-speed collision tests: 64km/h for the 40% lap offset front collision test, and 55km/h for the full lap front collision test and side and rear collision tests.

Standard features on all models include driver seat and front passenger seat SRS air bags and seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, as well as warning indicators that flash when seat belts are not properly fastened.

Collision-absorbing ribs in pillars and roof side rails ensure interior safety equal to that outlined in U.S. head impact protection standards.

Front seat design incorporates the WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) concept, lessening the shock to occupants' necks during a collision from the rear.

A specially designed underbody and brake pedal attachment help prevent the brake pedal being forced back into the vehicle interior during a front-end collision, thus reducing shock to the driver's legs.

Flexible Welcab Features

As the first SUV Welcab models, the Lift-Up Front Passenger Seat Models (Type A, Type B), have been added to the lineup. These have a passenger seat which can be rotated 100 degrees, and a switch that raises and lowers the front passenger seat outside the vehicle, enabling easy ingress and egress.

On Type B, a power storage device for loading and unloading a wheelchair to and from the luggage space is standard.