Toyota Jamaica debuted the 2027 RAV4 SUV to the general public at a test drive event dubbed RAV4 Experience held on Saturday, April 18, at its Old Hope Road showroom in St Andrew.

“We are extremely happy to have the all-new 2027 Toyota RAV4 for our Jamaican customers. I think persons have been waiting on it all this time, and now it’s here and they’re really happy with it. They’re coming in, looking, feeling, and test driving,” Howard Foster, branch manager, Old Hope Road, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

Kirk Williams, general sales & marketing manager, Toyota Jamaica, echoed the positive sentiments on the day.

“The feedback from the customers is that they love the new RAV4. Our pre-orders are through the roof, and I’m looking forward to seeing the sales figures over the coming months,” shared Williams.

Now in its sixth generation, the original RAV4 is considered ground zero for the original mid-sized crossover SUV.

“The RAV4 is our top seller, so we’re very happy about its track record in our market, and we’re looking forward to this sixth-generation model,” said Williams.

Foster was also keen to highlight the importance of the model to the company.

“It is our most important model,” he said.

The most obvious change is the looks, with the front fascia following Toyota’s hammerhead design language, and sharper, sportier lines within the same basic dimensions. It retains the interior passenger space that RAV4 buyers love, with slightly more cargo space when the rear seats are folded down.

The 2027 Toyota RAV4 is available in five trims spread across two engine and drivetrain options. Things begin with a 2-litre four-cylinder engine in both LE and XLE trim levels. For the fuel efficiency-minded, there is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid option, also available in the LE and XLE trims. Front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic CVT transmission are standard. All-wheel drive is only currently available in the highest trim, GR Sport, which is hybrid only.

Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s performance division, has put its touch on the RAV4 for the first time in the model’s history. On the exterior, the differences are immediate, with a different grille, side skirts, 20-inch wheels, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and smaller body accents. Inside, there is plenty of GR badging, suede inserts on the more aggressively bolstered seating, red contrast stitching across the main surfaces, and a few other small sporty touches.

But it’s not all cosmetic. The GR Sport rides 15mm lower on a suspension tuned specifically for the trim level, via the springs, damping rates, and added reinforcement to the rear. The power steering is also tuned to take full advantage of the extra handling.

“The GR Sport now adds a whole heap more to the RAV4. It is a beautiful car,” Foster said.

The rest of the line-up has not been neglected, with improvements across the board for driving and cabin refinement, plus the expected technology upgrades for modern use. For example, all trim levels get Toyota’s Safety Sense 4.0, their most advanced suite of safety systems to date. Infotainment screens range from 10.5 inches to 12.9 inches with a 12.3-inch driver’s multi-function display. Options across the trim levels include 18-inch wheels, while wireless and high-powered USB charging, a power tailgate, auto headlights, and wipers are a few of the available convenience features.

“The RAV4 is one of those vehicles that is ingrained in the fabric of the Jamaican transport landscape. We imagine that it will continue, more so with the new RAV4. We understand that the market is more competitive than ever, but the Jamaican public has given us the feedback that they love the RAV4, and they want to continue driving the RAV4 for as long as they can,” said Williams.

A plug-in hybrid version will be on showroom floors later in the year.

For those watching fuel prices the 2027 RAV4 can be had in 2.5-litre, hybrid, front-wheel configuration for maximum miles per gallon. (Photo: Rory Daley)

National Commercial Bank’s Nadia Nichols reviews the interior comforts of the 2027 Toyota RAV4.Rory Daley

The 2027 RAV4 retains its ability to comfortably handle passengers and cargo. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The interior of the 2027 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport comes trimmed in materials befitting its more performance-oriented abilities. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The 2027 RAV4 can be had in five trim levels across two engine and drivetrain options, beginning with a 2-litre engine and two-wheel drive. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Kirk Williams, general sales & marketing manager, explains the new features of the 2027 Toyota RAV4. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Howard Foster, branch manager, Old Hope Road, with the 2027 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport. (Photo: Rory Daley)