PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

It would be awesome if the had 4-cylinder, V6, hybrid, and electric variations. It would dominate the cute-ute demographic.

With that roof spoiler, I doubt it.

It will most likely continue to have its "signature" rear door. Hopefully, Toyota will offer a right-side facing one for right-hand-drive markets.

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

the 3.5 v6 and 5 speed auto in the current RAV4 is comparable to the last gen CRV in terms of mpg. so drop in a 6 speed auto it'll be a close comparison against the new CRVs.

pbm317

While I agree it may continue with the swinging door... I feel like i see two hinge bumps at the top of the door line in that rear picture. But it could just be wishful thinking.

Sulu

Shown in these pictures is a SUV/CUV (RAV4) not a car (Matrix). The body is taller than a Matrix and the ground clearance is also higher than the Matrix. The rear bumper also looks very similar to the bumper on the existing RAV4 and not the Matrix. Cars (especially in North America) require strong bumpers, whereas “trucks” do not; the bumper in those photos would not meet passenger car standards, in my opinion.

I have been wondering (and hoping) if Toyota would finally relent and turn the RAV4 into the true tall-wagon that all of its competitors (like the Honda CRV) have become – switch to a swing-up rear hatch and remove that outside-mounted spare tire.

I too thought I saw two hinge bumps on top of the rear spoiler (or maybe that is for the hinges for a separate swing-up rear window)? Also, does that rear window wrap around into the D-pillar? If it does, could that indicate that it will be a real rear hatch instead of a door? If it remained a door, I am thinking that the sides of the door would have to be straight vertically (sides of the bottom metal part in line with the top glass portion of the door), as the picture below.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

MotorTrend Link



The 2013 Toyota RAV4 will enter a reinvigorated compact crossover scene once it hits showrooms, likely in the fall of this year. And when it does, don’t be surprised to see the swift RAV4 V-6 variant dropped, potentially bringing the Toyota SUV more in line with the popular Honda CR-V, which has only ever had one four-cylinder engine option in the U.S.

These renderings preview what we might see from the 2013 Toyota RAV4, which should join newly redesigned vehicles like the 2013 Venza and 2012 Camry in featuring a stretched grille connecting refreshed headlights. New wheel options will freshen the profile view, but it’s inside compact crossover customers should be in for a major update. While the 2012 Toyota RAV4 already offers the automaker’s connectivity system, Entune, the redone 2013 model will showcase the system in an interior with improved materials.

What’s unclear at this point is whether the RAV4′s third row of seating will remain on the options list. The Ford Escape and Honda CR-V — two class leaders by volume — make do without it, though a third row could distinguish the Toyota from others in the class.

Otherwise, expect minor tweaks to the carryover platform. Currently, a 2012 RAV4 with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is good for 179 hp at 6000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque…and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. With a more modern transmission, the 2013 RAV4 should easily cross 30 mpg highway in EPA testing; the 2012 model in front-drive form is rated 22/28 mpg city/highway.

The future of a potential 2013 Toyota RAV4 hybrid model is uncertain. One source suggests such a model will debut this fall alongside the regular 2013 RAV4 while another wonders why Toyota would debut a RAV4 hybrid before a Venza hybrid, which could command higher prices. Until we get official details on the 2013 Toyota RAV4, however, take a closer look at these renderings and let us know what you want to see from the revised RAV4 crossover.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

LOL at the rendering. ILX tails and Yaris nose on the current Rav4?

I would be surprised to see them drop the V6 as it has been extremely popular. The 6AT will be the best addition to both powertrains, and is sorely needed IMO. I hear that a hybrid will definitely be coming quickly, and of course it makes sense for the Rav4 to have it before the Venza - it's much higher volume.

I'm interested to see what the new interior looks like. The current one is not particularly high quality, so I'd like to see an update there.

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

So they're stealing Acura tail lights? That's a pretty bad rendering

RX_330

I thought everybody would learn from Mazda by now that fish grilles don't work.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

- The rear end of the rendering looks really bland IMO
- Would like to see the 6-speed automatic across the board (no more 4)
- Hope the interior is miles better than current
- The current V6 gets 1 less mpg than the 4 on the highway, I don't want to see it leave

mmarshall

No, I'd say it pretty much has to be a RAV-4. A Matrix, even with AWD, wouldn't have that kind of ground clearance or tire-profile.

mmarshall

Sure hope so. The right-hinged, right-opening back door was never modified for left-hand-drive markets like America. The JDM, right-hand-drive versions, of course, have the hinges on the opposite side, as they drive and park on opposite sides of the street. That forces you to stand out in the street, near oncoming traffic, loading and unloading things in back. The spare tire, of course, hung on the rear door, made it even more bulky. But, to its credit, at least the old RAV-4 offered a real spare.....most vehicles these days don't.

spwolf

Rav4 has 6 speeds only in Europe for (6) years now :-).
It is question of marketing, not technology - ie price vs performance.

Rendering is bad, but it does add grille and rear lights from the spy shots...

Fizzboy7

Goodness, I hope that's not it. The rear end is hideous, with everything pushed up too high. Taillights are also straight off of an MDX or last gen A4. None of this would make sense.

gsrthomas

iTrader: (1)

Looks very similar to the current RAV4 with Audi A4 tails and Acura's "parrot beak" grill.

I hope the sport model comes with a spare tire. I really liked the sport model RAV4 but the new ones only come with RFT's with no spare. Having a spare was a must for me. So I choose it over the 2012 CRV.

psixtc

Trust me, the actual RAV looks better than the renderings.