Adventure edition now gets petrol-electric and there’s a new XSE trim level. Plus there’s a family-wide headlamp update.

ADDITIONAL variants of a strong-selling hybrid are expected to lift its profile further.

The XSE and Adventure grade editions of the RAV4 Hybrid deliver with the same drivetrain, in identical tune, to the GX, GXL and Limited models that have been selling here for almost two years.

At $52,990, the XSE fits above the GX and GXL but below the Limited, with now co-shares range-topper positioning with Adventure, as the latter also costs $56,990.

Palmerston North-based Toyota New Zealand says the RAV4 has been a runaway bestseller since its local launch in early 2019. The new generation has sold 16,814 units since its launch, with 62 percent in the hybrid electric powertrain options.

The market leader says consumer recognition of the petrol-electric drivetrain for delivering better fuel efficiency and a CO2 output of just 110g/km has resulted in high demand from both private and fleet buyers.

It has previously said the RAV4 hybrid has been subject to long wait times, with some purchasers relating they’ve had to wait more than eight months for their choices to arrive in NZ from the assembly plant in Japan.

TNZ has not said if the new models will alleviate that.

It has also not shared volume predictions, though general manager of new vehicles and product planning Steve Prangnell has spoken positively about the additional trims, saying having five different options will do no harm.

Supplied comment from the brand says the XSE has been positioned at a lower price point than the Limited to provide further low emission choice.
 
Distinguished by a two-tone sporty exterior design, the XSE also adds gloss black finishes to its lower bumpers, front grille, wheels, roof, wheel arch mouldings and mirror covers. There are four exterior colour options – Crystal Pearl, Silver Sky, Graphite, and a new blue, Arctic Dawn, which replaces the former Eclectic Blue for all models.

The XSE interior has black synthetic leather seats with blue stitching accents, and a black headlining. The front seats are heated and have sports-style bolstering. The driver’s chair has 10-way power adjustment.

The Adventure grade was previously offered in pure petrol. The hybrid runs on 19 inch wheels with dark matte grey finishing. It’s the only RAV4 available in Safari Green.

Meantime, there’s an update for all RAV4s, with the 2022 models achieving a new projector LED headlight design, while front fog lights will change from halogen bulbs to LED across the full range.
 
An adjustment comes to the Limited grades, with the front passenger seat upgrading to eight-way power adjustment, front seat ventilation. Some models also achieve a digital rear-view mirror.