NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: More power for new Toyota RAV4

Toyota has lifted the lid on its fifth-generation RAV4 ahead of its world debut at this week’s New York motor show and its Australian release early next year.

To be publicly unveiled in the Big Apple alongside direct mid-size SUV rivals like the all-new Subaru Forester and facelifted Hyundai Tucson, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 rides on the Japanese giant's new TNGA K platform.

A variation of the same architecture that underpins Toyota’s new Camry, C-HR and Corolla, it brings multi-link rear suspension, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) driver aids, Apple CarPlay Compatibility and more powerful and efficient powertrains – all wrapped in a fresh design.

Chief among the new powertrains is a new 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system, which will be offered for the first time in Australia. The new Toyota RAV4 hits US showrooms late this year, followed in early 2019 by the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Australian details are yet to be confirmed, with all information released relating to the North American market, where the RAV4 is Toyota’s top-selling model and "the best-selling non-pickup-truck in the country".

Presenting a bolder, more aerodynamic new body design that’s lower, longer, wider, a claimed 57 per cent more rigid and rides on wheel sizes up to 19-inch, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 rides on a longer wheelbase and wider wheel tracks.

The new Toyota RAV4 measures 4600mm long (up 5mm), 1855mm wide (up 10mm), 1700mm high (down 10mm) and rides on a 2690mm wheelbase -- 30mm longer than before.

Toyota claims the bigger footprint is accompanied by more than half an inch of extra ground clearance, and that the new IRS reduces cabin noise and improves ride comfort.

Meantime, relocated door mirrors, a lower belt line and larger rear three-quarter glass is said to improve outward vision.

Under the bonnet – at least in the USA – will be Toyota’s new 2.5-litre Dynamic Force inline four-cylinder engine with VVT-iE, as seen in the Camry.

In the US Toyota RAV4, it's mated to an eight-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission (with torque converter), which provides direct lock-up in all but first gear and may bring improved performance over the current model’s CVT and six-speed auto.

The same engine is hooked up to an ‘ECVT’ and electric motor in the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II), which like the Camry Hybrid is claimed to offer 41 per cent thermal efficiency.

A new 2.0-litre petrol engine will also be available, with the choice of manual and automatic transmissions, and will again drive only the front wheels in entry-level models, which currently start at $29,450.

Toyota claims its new RAV will also bring “true off-road capabilities” thanks to the availability of Multi-Terrain Select, while on-road performance and efficiency is aided by the Toyota-first Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive system with Rear Driveline Disconnect.

Comprising "world-first" ratchet-type dog clutches on both the front and rear wheel shafts, Toyota says the AWD system can send up to 50 per cent of engine torque to the rear wheels, and distribute it to the left or right rear wheel for improved handling. When AWD isn’t required (on the freeway, for example), the Rear Driveline Disconnect feature helps reduce fuel consumption.

The all-new AWD system will be one of three available on the new RAV4 is the US, where the AWD-i system will be available on hybrid grades and the standard (non-Dynamic Torque Vectoring) AWD system will be offered on mainstream models.

New RAV4 equipment will include projector-beam LED headlights for some models, and a new top-shelf XSE Hybrid variant brings piano-black accents on the front-end, mirror caps, wheel-arches and lower body rockers, plus two-tone paint with a black roof.

North America’s Toyota RAV4 Adventure variant, meantime, brings high-rise roof rails, large over-fenders, more aggressive grille and fog light designs, and unique wheels. Like all AWD petrol models, it will come standard with Multi-Terrain Select.

Rounding out the US line-up will be the RAV4 Limited with 19-inch alloys, chrome accents, front-row moonroof, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a new 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) and, for the first time, a Digital Display Rearview Mirror.

New US RAV4 options will include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic moonroof, Qi wireless phone charger, up to five USB ports, premium 800-Watt 11-speaker JBL audio and a hands-free power liftgate.

Inside the new RAV4 interior is a new 7.0-inch touch-screen, repositioned standard Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), larger centre console with more storage, in-dash tray, new controls and more rear leg and hip room.

Rounding out the changes is the availability of a new safety suite comprising Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Road Sign Assist (RSA).

Over the past 24 years, Toyota has sold more than 290,000 RAV4s in Australia, where sales continue to hit record levels this year despite newer arrivals like the second-generation Mazda CX-5.