All-New 2013 Toyota RAV4 Debuts in LA

November 28, 2012

The all-new 2013 Toyota RAV4 was just unveiled at the 2012 LA Auto Show. The fourth-generation RAV4 debuts with all-new more aggressive styling, only a four-cylinder engine and finally ditches the old four-speed automatic.

On the outside, the 2013 RAV4 gets an exterior that is more aggressive than the outgoing model and now has a level of style that brings it more on par with the styling of other crossovers like the Escape and CX-5. Outback the besides the new styling, buyers will now notice that the tailgate now lifts up rather than out. The spare tire has also been relocated to underneath the vehicle.

Under the hood, buyers will only have one engine choice. THe 2013 RAV4 is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft. of torque. The V6 option on the outgoing RAV4 is gone. The four-cylinder is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. RAV4 front-wheel-drive models have received EPA- estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 24 mpg city/31 highway, while all-wheel-drive models are EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway. In both front- and all-wheel drive RAV4’s Sport Mode sharpens shift timing, throttle response and steering response. When down shifting the RAV4 six-speed automatic transmission in “S” Mode, engine revs rise with a clearly audible “blip,” adding to the driving experience.

Inside the 2013 RAV4 has room for five passengers and gets a Display Audio with a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen. It includes a backup camera and Bluetooth. The 2013 RAV4 also gets new technology like a Spot Monitor system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. RCTA which uses the Blind Spot Monitor radar sensors at the lower rear bodywork of the vehicle. When backing up, the RCTA senses vehicles approaching from either direction and provides an audible warning combined with a flashing indicator in the appropriate outside mirror.