Towing capacity of diesel-powered Toyota RAV4 models has been doubled, following approval from Toyota Japan.
Initially launched in February with a braked towing capacity of 500kg (550kg manual), the new 110kW/340Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel-powered Toyota RAV4 has had its towing capability boosted to 1000kg (braked), effective from July production.
Teamed with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, the new fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 diesel originally had its towing capacity held back as Toyota Motor Corporation was concerned Australia’s ‘extreme’ conditions could risk the reliability of the turbo-diesel unit.
Toyota Australia’s executive director of sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said the approved change would help to broaden the RAV4′s overall appeal.
“Our engineers here in Australia have worked closely with their counterparts in Japan to secure this increase,” Cramb said.
Exclusively available in all-wheel drive, the diesel RAV4 claims to deliver 5.6 litres per 100km fuel consumption as a manual and 6.5L/100km in auto form, with CO2 emissions of 149 grams per kilometre and 172g/km respectively.
New diesel RAV4 variants start at $35,490 – $7K higher than the entry-level petrol variant.
