2021 Toyota RAV4: Five Things To Expect Ahead Of Possible India Launch

Since last year, there has been speculation that Toyota is considering bringing in one of its popular global models, the RAV4, to India. The possibility has now grown stronger with the SUV recently spotted in the country. The five-seater SUV is likely to arrive with a single powertrain. Here are five things we can expect from the SUV which is likely to be launched in India by mid-2021:

Hybrid Powertrain

Toyota sells the RAV4 with three powertrains globally: a petrol-only version, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid model. We expect only the hybrid model to make it to our shores. This version is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine, which along with an electric motor, puts out 219PS. This is the same hybrid powertrain the Camry offers here. The SUV comes in both FWD (front-wheel-drive) and AWD (all-wheel-drive) versions, but whether Toyota will offer both drivetrains in India remains to be seen.

Underpinnings

The fifth-gen RAV4 is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture-K or the TNGA-K platform. This is the same platform that underpins the current-gen Camry. While the Camry is imported to India as a completely knocked down (CKD) unit and locally assembled here, the RAV4 is expected to arrive as a completely built-up (CBU) unit.

Interior

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Expect the RAV4 to come equipped with a decent amount of features. The India-spec model could get several features from the international version, including a 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, multiple drive modes, powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, 7-inch colour instrument display, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, eight airbags, and rear AC vents. 

Steep Pricing

Since the RAV4 could be imported as a completely built-up (CBU) unit, expect it to be priced steeply, around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV will be imported under the current homologation rules which allow the carmaker to import a maximum of 2,500 units.

Rivals

The RAV4 competes with midsize SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan overseas. In India, the Toyota RAV4’s pricing would put it in contention with other SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, Lexus NX, and Jaguar F-Pace. The only strong hybrid offerings here are the Lexus and Toyota, both of which use the same powertrain.