New RAV4 - Little details that no one likely cares about

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
08/24/2018 at 13:26 • Filed to: Toyota, Rav4

except me I guess. I mean I don’t plan to buy one but im very interested to see what Toyota does with it. There are some things I see here that I like

First and foremost I think we need to give credit where its due, toyota claims to have put bigfoot detectors on the tires, which is a feature thats...frankly...long overdue.

They’ve also added Lift-up, which I assume is the new !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! I’ve been hearing about that is supposed to support, lift and separate.

An interesting thing is the reversible deck board. It’s an interesting thought but truthfully has water been getting on the deckboard been a problem for anyone...ever? I guess the slick surface would be good for loading heavy gear and crap to preserve your carpets.

What I DO like and I think is important and a deeply underrated feature, Toyota has made conscious efforts to increase visibility by lowering door lines, and moving mirrors.

Oh, plus its got one of these things...which is probably pretty cool.

On the hardware side we know 3 things:

1. A dynamic Force 2.5 liter engine.

2. An 8 speed non-cvt transmission

3. “Dynamic torque vectoring”

For 1, we know its the A25A-FKS, found in the camry. Its capable of over 200 hp in that configuration and 40% thermal efficiency...which is nutty. Sounds like it could be a great engine.

In regards to #2 its the Aisin AWF8 and it’s also a crazy cool design, it has 8 distinct ratios from 2 planetary gearsets and is SMALLER and lighter than the outgoing 6. Its got very low 1st gear ratios but in AWD applications doesn’t seem to be geared for a lot of fun. 5.25:1 first gear but only 3.0:1 final. There is a version with a 3.2:1 final which would be great for the adventure model, but even still a 16.8:1 first gear is far off the pace of the already insufficient 20.9:1 in the Jeep single speed trailhawk models. Expect so/so results in terms of any kind of crawling ability.

3. This one’s a mystery, but from the looks of the RDM, it looks to be real torque vectoring. By the fact that they say it decouples I would bet its a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! or something like it. It’s like Honda’s i-VTM4 and it’s probably going to underwhelm.

It looks like Toyota finally figure out how to do exhausts though, so they aren’t hanging down and getting smashed into stuff. A full undercover means a nice smooth off road slate to avoid smashing low hanging bits. finally.

On the topic of off-roadiness, it now comes with the trendy “dial-a-terrain” systems for “enhanced escapability”...Neat... I suspect it’s just a matter of throttle and brake traction intervention logic and neither of them will work terrible well compared to just turning off the TC and sending it, which being a Toyota will be an insanely difficult prospect to accomplish on account of their “no TC off for you!” policy.

Last but not least, Toyota wisely bought stock footage from Utah to use in their promo. Good job (White rim, Hogback road, near hanksville respectively)

This is the end of the words I’ve written.

DISCUSSION (52)

Wacko > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 13:36

so the rav4 is now a clone of a Jeep Cherokee, and the CH-R is a Juke clone.

HammerheadFistpunch > Wacko
08/24/2018 at 13:39

yes. Though the Cherokee is still a little bigger and more...er

LOREM IPSUM > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 13:41

Save me from googling please. What on Earth are "Bigfoot detectors"?

fintail > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 13:43

Awesome, faux floating C-pillar, I can’t get enough of that!

HammerheadFistpunch > LOREM IPSUM
08/24/2018 at 13:43

The tires glow blue in the presence of Bigfoot, the legend ary wood ape.

7:07 > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 13:44

I wonder if the 8 speed Aisin is the transmission used in the newest Kia Sedona.

Also, never thought I would see Hanksville mentioned here. Lived there for a few months and now understand why they sell “Where the hell is Hanksville” shirts at Blondie’s.

HammerheadFistpunch > fintail
08/24/2018 at 13:44

I don’t even hate it. The overall effect is SOOO much better than this its hard to put into words.

Kinja'd!!!

HammerheadFistpunch > 7:07
08/24/2018 at 13:47

why the hell did you live in hanksville?

Also...It doesn’t like it but its used elsewhere

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AWF8F35

fintail > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 13:48

Yeah, the upkick at the end of the beltline is a Toyota fad they’ve ran with for nearly a decade, and can’t go away soon enough. (I won’t even start on the leering face).

Just like the faux floating pillar, which is making stylists really look like copycat sycophants.

LOREM IPSUM > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 13:52

So exactly what I assumed then!

Arrivederci > Wacko
08/24/2018 at 13:53

This styling seems like a mashup of all the Jerps - the Renegade, Compass and Cherokee.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > 7:07
08/24/2018 at 13:54

I’m sorry.

7:07 > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 13:55

Was trying to buy a business out there many many years ago, we moved there to prove to the bank we knew what we were doing. Glad it all fell apart - that was a difficult few months. 2.5 hour drive to Richfield to deposit a check (these were the days before mobile deposit) or go to Home Depot? No thanks.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 13:55

But all the new RAV4s will be glowing constantly up here. That’ll get annoying.

HammerheadFistpunch > 7:07
08/24/2018 at 13:57

Great place to visit... Would be hell to live there

Under_Score > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 13:57

A lot of these are gonna be FWD, so a lot of that stuff is gonna go to waste. However, that’s a huge step up from 4WD third gen models; all they had was a big, black Lock button. If only they had a system that was always on like my mom’s AWD CR-V.

HammerheadFistpunch > Under_Score
08/24/2018 at 14:02

Im Convinced the 4wd system in the rav4 has been in constant decline. 3rd Gen wasn’t too bad though, it was always on but like any in demand system ( including the crv) is more reactive. The lock button was a nice was to suggest to the computer it was time to get real.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 14:12

There is a very good chance this may be in the running for the next highlander car. I can’t afford a Highlander and it’s a big big for what I need.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > LOREM IPSUM
08/24/2018 at 14:16

I googled it and am equally perplexed.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
08/24/2018 at 14:17

If big foot existed there would be EVIDENCE. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE.

AestheticsInMotion > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/24/2018 at 14:17

I always forget the H ighlander exists. Along with the Sequoia.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > AestheticsInMotion
08/24/2018 at 14:19

The highlander, 4runner, and landcruiser are very popular here, the sequoia to a lesser extent. The highlander is really nice but no different than a tarted up AWD wagon.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 14:30

I honestly assumed that was a CHUUUR with a Tacoma grille photoshopped onto it.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 14:32

I think they have made good improvements. Not my type but the Hybrid version of this or the upcoming CR-V Hybrid AWD will possibly be my wife’s next car.

She didn’t like how the current Rav4 looked inside and out and I think this fixes it. As for “driving dynamics”, here’s a fun fact- Clearly aware of the Hybrid Synergy Drive’s boredom-inducing reputation, Toyota made it a to claim that the 2019 Rav4 XSE Hybrid will be the quickest and best-handling member of the lineup—a claim bolstered by its multi-link rear suspension.

It’ll probably be this blue which she likes as it “looks like a Subaru”

Kinja'd!!!

LOREM IPSUM > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/24/2018 at 14:58

But there are hints of possible wood ape collusion with the natives.

Textured Soy Protein > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 15:23

They really butched up the styling to look like a Tacoma crossover, which I’m not sure is really what RAV4 customers were asking for, but so be it. Camry customers weren’t exactly clamoring for gigantic grilles yet here we are.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/24/2018 at 15:31

S ASQUATCH HUNTING GROUPS REJECT YOUR LIES.

HammerheadFistpunch > Textured Soy Protein
08/24/2018 at 15:40

The non-adventure models are sedate enough for normal folk

Kinja'd!!!

certainly no worse than the outgoing model.

Tristan > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 16:06

A N G E R Y R A V.

Under_Score > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 16:12

I didn’t know much about it; thank you. I just know that’s the button because it’s a big blank button in my RAV4. The 500X I drove had rain and snow modes through the turn of a knob; this option is also on FWD models.

Textured Soy Protein > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 16:31

Ah so they’re going the route of the Camry with two wildly different front fascias depending on trim.

HammerheadFistpunch > Textured Soy Protein
08/24/2018 at 16:35

yup.

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 16:41

There’s nothing new about Bigfoot detecting tires, I’ve had them for years. They haven’t lit up yet, but the guy who sold them to me assured me they get real bright when there are Bigfeet around. Same guy also sold me my dragonsbreath proof paint coating and the salt water intake for when the Kraken wakes. I wanted to test that one by wading the truck but they say fresh water clogs it and then the engine will hydraulic.

All expensive investments, but you have to be prepared for the million to one chances - they happen 90% of the time.

CMOT Dibbler Auto Services on Threadneedle Street - I highly recommend them.

HammerheadFistpunch > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen
08/24/2018 at 16:48

good advice, I’ll have to check into them.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Arrivederci
08/24/2018 at 18:27

The rear screams Tiguan to me

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 18:29

Soon the Rav4 will resemble an explorer, and the explorer will resemble the old Excursion

vicali > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 18:38

I don’t hate it, and it looks better than the previous pointy Gen.. I would this before I did another Forester.

ThePlasticOne - no diggities expressed nor implied. > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 18:46

Interesting back-to-roots transition (the original RAV4 is actually quite respectable offroad)...or a shot across the bow at Subaru.

Spanfeller is a twat > HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2018 at 19:20

What the hell is a bigfoot tire?

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > HammerheadFistpunch
08/25/2018 at 00:27

Well I may get one to replace the CRV someday, used.

wafflesnfalafel > HammerheadFistpunch
08/25/2018 at 01:07

call me a prude but I am not comfortable having my torque dynamically vectored at this stage in my life

My citroen won't start > HammerheadFistpunch
08/25/2018 at 02:33

But does it have a blue analog Casio clock on the dash? This is the big question.

Nibby > HammerheadFistpunch
08/25/2018 at 08:37

Kinja'd!!!

quantum bigfoot

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > HammerheadFistpunch
08/25/2018 at 16:52

Actually, RAV4 just became interesting... after not having been for a long time.

from

Kinja'd!!!

Not bad for a mainstream vehicle, now. Was ugly as sin before... many generations before.

I used to have a Toyota Venza, and thought it was a bit underrated. Clean lines, nice interior, stone reliable, and easy to own. I didn’t like the Lexus RX, nor the Rav4 when Venza got cancelled. I still wonder if the RAV4 would fit me as comfortably as Venza’s interior did... (it was based on Highlander/Avalon, with a wider cabin than RAV4/Camry)

I would consider this new Rav4 as a sideline car, as something practical and inexpensive to own and run about in... especially if it allowed the rest of my budget to be applied to something fun, like a sports car.

Obviously it isn’t as capable as my Grand Cherokee.. but might actually be a competitor that could win a sale over the Cherokee or new Compass, and a bit more interesting looking than Escape or CR-V, etc...