2013 Toyota RAV4 Shows Off Stylish New Sheetmetal and Cabin – 2012 L.A

2013 Toyota RAV4 Shows Off Stylish New Sheetmetal and Cabin – 2012 L.A The 2013 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most significant vehicles the automaker will release next year and we just got our first glimpse of the new crossover at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show. Bill Fay, Toyota’s Vice President and General Manager,  barked off a few interesting stats during the press conference. Since the first-gen model was introduced to the U.S. market in 1995, Toyota has sold about 1.6 million copies, with 80 percent of them still on the road. Impressive numbers indeed, but as our month sales reports have showed, the RAV4's dominance has given way to competitors like the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape. The fourth-generation RAV4 attempts to regain its sales supremacy with all-new sheetmetal, more standard features, and a revised powertrain. Will it be enough?

2013 Toyota RAV4 Shows Off Stylish New Sheetmetal and Cabin – 2012 L.A

2013 Toyota RAV4 Shows Off Stylish New Sheetmetal and Cabin – 2012 L.A

 2013 Toyota RAV4 Shows Off Stylish New Sheetmetal and Cabin – 2012 L.A

2013 Toyota RAV4 Shows Off Stylish New Sheetmetal and Cabin – 2012 L.A

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2013 Toyota RAV4 Shows Off Stylish New Sheetmetal and Cabin – 2012 L.A

Let’s start with its looks. Judging by the reaction on the floor, most people seem to like the new styling. From some angles (especially up front), the 2013 RAV4 shows hints of the Lexus RX, which is not a bad thing considering it’s one of the most popular luxury crossovers on the market. The rear is significantly different from the outgoing model as the side-hinged doors give way to a more traditional lift tailgate. The RAV4 has traditionally had vertically oriented taillights, but designers have stuck horizontal units on the new model to help give it a wider-lookin stance. Also impressive is the interior. Toyota showed off higher trim levels which were fitted with the new SoftTex seating surfaces with French stitching. The treatment also carries over to the dashboard and door panels, for a very high-end look. The 2013 RAV4 ditches the third-row seat option, which means passenger capacity goes down to five, much like the rest of the competition. Toyota, however, points out the 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which the automaker claims is best in class. Also class leading is the RAV4's eight standard airbags.
Read our complete First Look article on the 2013 Toyota RAV4 HERE.One of the biggest knocks against the outgoing model was its antiquated four-speed automatic transmission mated to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Now, the RAV4 is fitted with a six-speed gearbox. The four-cylinder engine is essentially a carryover and produces 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, but the new transmission does help improve fuel economy. The front-drive model carries an EPA estimated rating of 24/31 mpg city/highway, which improves on the outgoing model’s 22/28 mpg rating. The 268-hp 2.5-liter V-6 is no longer offered as an option.
Other mechanical highlights includes an all-wheel drive system with Dynamic Torque Control, which Toyota says is a first for the automaker. The system will split power between the front and rear wheels depending on driving conditions for maximum traction. Additionally, a Sport mode improves driving dynamics during spirited driving. Toyota hasn’t released pricing and will probably wait to do so closer to its on-sale date early next year.