The Toyota RAV4, a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), made its debut in 1994 as the world's first urban SUV with a monocoque body. Since then, it has sold over 15 million units, cementing its position as the best-selling SUV globally. This success can be attributed to its proven powertrain durability and impressive fuel efficiency. Notably, the RAV4 has maintained its top spot in the U.S. SUV market for nine consecutive years since 2017.

However, the Korean market has been a different story. In 2022, the RAV4 sold only 2,378 units, ranking 18th among over 70 imported SUVs in the country. Despite its solid foundation, the RAV4 struggled to fully capture the preferences of Korean consumers, who prioritize a combination of convenience features, safety technologies, digital experiences, and driving enjoyment.

The launch of the all-new sixth-generation RAV4 this month could be a game-changer. The latest model boasts improved fuel efficiency and increased electric driving range, further reducing operating costs. Toyota has also introduced the GR Sport variant, which enhances driving pleasure by incorporating motorsport elements. The previously lacking in-car infotainment services have been significantly upgraded through a partnership with LG Uplus.

On June 19, at the All-New RAV4 Media Test Drive event hosted by Toyota Korea, there was an opportunity to drive the new RAV4 for about 130 km (about 80.8 miles) through urban, highway, and coastal roads in Incheon, including Yeongjongdo, Songdo, and Muido. The test fleet included three all-wheel-drive (AWD) models: the HEV LIMITED, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) XSE, and the GR Sport. There was also a chance to drive the front-wheel-drive (2WD) HEV XLE model.

HEV Model Achieves 63% Electric Driving, Minimizing Engine Noise; PHEV Enables Gas-Free Commuting

The fuel efficiency of the HEV LIMITED model was truly impressive. During a 50 km (about 31.1 miles) drive in HEV mode through Songdo's urban roads, the Incheon Bridge, and Yeongjong Coastal Road, it achieved an average fuel economy of 19.1 km/L (about 45 mpg). The electric driving ratio reached an impressive 63%. The gasoline engine only engaged during uphill climbs and acceleration, while the electric motor handled most of the driving, including downhill and steady-speed segments.

The EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the HEV LIMITED model is 15.6 km/L (about 36.7 mpg), a 10% improvement over the previous generation (14.1 km/L or 33.2 mpg). This boost in efficiency can be attributed to the battery upgrade. The new lithium-ion battery, which replaces the previous nickel-metal hydride unit, has significantly improved overall efficiency. With increased reliance on the electric motor, engine noise and vibrations have been notably reduced, resulting in smoother acceleration from a standstill.

The PHEV model's electric driving capabilities were equally impressive. The PHEV XSE was solely driven in EV mode for about 50 km (about 31.1 miles) through the Incheon Bridge and Songdo urban areas, with approximately 35% battery charge remaining at the end. With an actual driving efficiency of 4.4 km/kWh (about 2.73 miles/kWh), which could have traveled an additional 27 km (about 16.8 miles) on electric power alone. In fact, the electric range of the new RAV4 PHEV has increased by 22% compared to its predecessor, now reaching 77 km (about 47.8 miles).

Considering that the average one-way commute in the Seoul metropolitan area is about 19 km (about 11.8 miles), a single charge could potentially allow for two days of round-trip commuting without using any gasoline. This essentially makes the PHEV RAV4 function like a pure electric vehicle (BEV) for daily use. If the battery depletes to a point where EV mode is no longer available, drivers can simply switch to the gasoline engine, eliminating the range anxiety often associated with BEVs.

GR Sport Model Hugs Road with Lowered Center of Gravity; Built-In Navigation Offers Intuitive Guidance

The newly introduced PHEV GR Sport allows drivers to experience Toyota's motorsport DNA on public roads. Despite being an SUV, it feels as nimble as a sport sedan, hugging the road with impressive grip. Even on challenging curves and ramps, such as those on the Incheon Bridge, the vehicle showed minimal body roll or tilting. This enhanced stability is the result of GR Sport-specific components and reinforced dampers that lower the center of gravity and improve overall handling.

The GR Sport also features distinctive interior and exterior designs. Toyota's Gazoo Racing (GR) logo adorns the seats, scuff plates, and steering wheel, setting it apart from other RAV4 models. Unlike the standard versions that have color-matched grilles, the GR Sport sports a black grille for a more aggressive look. Interestingly, ventilated seats and a head-up display (HUD) are not available on this trim, seemingly emphasizing a focus on pure driving enjoyment.

Across all trims - HEV LIMITED, PHEV XSE, and GR Sport - Toyota has significantly upgraded safety features and in-car infotainment. New additions to the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) include a Driver Monitoring Camera (DMC) that tracks the driver's face to warn of inattentiveness or drowsiness, and Forward Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA) that detects oncoming vehicles at intersections to prevent potential collisions.

Through collaboration with LG Uplus, the built-in navigation system has been optimized for South Korean roads. It now provides intuitive graphics indicating optimal lane choices and clear directions at complex junctions. Additionally, the partnership brings LG Uplus IPTV content into the vehicle through Toyota TV, allowing passengers to enjoy various video entertainment on the go. For music lovers, the Essential feature offers curated playlists for different moods and situations, eliminating the need to manually select tracks while driving.

The Toyota RAV4, a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), made its debut in 1994 as the worl …

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