New Toyota Rav4 revealed with promise of overhauled driving experience

Toyota has revealed the all-new Rav4 SUV, which gets a rugged new look and sits on the firm’s latest vehicle platform.

Revealed at the New York International Auto Show, the latest generation of the 4×4 credited with starting the family SUV craze back in 1994, gets one hybrid powertrain and one petrol engine, with no diesels in sight.

No performance figures have been revealed for either engine yet, but expect both to improve on those in the existing models. That means an improvement on current fuel economy of 55mpg and emissions of 115g/km for the hybrid, and 43.5mpg and 152g/km for the petrol.

Toyota claims that its new vehicle platform, which is called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), gives the SUV “significant benefits in ride, handling, safety and driver enjoyment”.

This new platform has allowed the Rav4 to remain the same length as before, but with a longer wheelbase, which should mean better stability at high speeds and in corners. This has also improved cabin space, so passengers have more leg room and luggage capacity.

The SUV gets a blocky, muscular stance aided by shorter front and rear overhangs and chunky, wide wheelarches that are a stark departure from the tamer styling of the outgoing model.

The new Toyota Rav4 will be introduced in the UK in early 2019. Prices are yet to be revealed, but expect a modest increase on the existing model’s £27,450 starting point.