New Toyota Rav4 Launched in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE - Al Futtaim Motors unveiled the new Toyota Rav4 on Sunday, 13th January at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. The event was attended by over 100 people, including journalists, PR professionals, and management officials from Al Futtaim Motors and Toyota Middle East Representative Office.

We were escorted from Al Badia Golf Club in Dubai in shiny Land Cruisers to the launch event. The event featured brief presentations and a Q&A session with the senior management, after which the Rav4 was unveiled.

Major Changes

The fourth generation Rav4 has undergone significant technological and design changes, both in the interior and exterior. Below are three key changes to note:

• The engine is now available in only one option: a 2.5L 4-cylinder.
• The rear trunk door has transitioned to a liftgate style instead of a side-opening door. The previous spare tire, which used to be on the door, is now located under the boot cargo space, aligning with current SUV trends.
• It now features a 6-speed transmission, an upgrade from the earlier model's 4-speed transmission.

First Impressions

1. The exterior styling from the front is significantly improved compared to the last generation, offering a much sportier design.
2. Interior minimalism is evident; there are fewer buttons, creating a simpler and more streamlined control layout.
3. While the "maximum cargo space" with all seats folded is advertised as class-leading at 2,075L, the exact cargo space with all seats folded remains to be confirmed.
4. The rear passenger "knee room" has increased by 9mm, though the impact on legroom is still unknown.

Check Out

Explore complete specifications, features, and prices for all 2013 Toyota Rav4 trims available in the Middle East and GCC market!

Also, check out our Toyota Rav4 2013 First Drive.

Don't miss the Toyota Rav4 2013 Launch Event Road Trip.