UMW Toyota Motor’s return to the mid-size SUV game is finally taking shape. The company recently opened the order books for the fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 (UK spec pictured), adding yet another credible Japanese name to an extremely competitive market already consisting of the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail and Mazda CX-5, among others. 

Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the new RAV4 is slated to arrive in Malaysia later this month with two Dynamic Force engines; a 2.0L base variant and a 2.5L range topper. 

Among the features confirmed by UMWT for the Malaysian-spec RAV4 is the Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Automatic High Beam (AHB). A “Kick Sensor Power Back Door” is also listed, though it remains to be seen if these features will be standard across both models or reserved for the pricier of the two. 

Speaking of prices, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 won’t be the cheapest SUV in its class. Prices start from RM203,880 for the 2.0L, with the 2.5L commanding RM20k more, indicating that it’s likely a CBU, for now at least. These figures have not taken into account the sales tax exemption that goes into effect next week – UMWT estimates that the prices should be around the RM196,500 (2.0L) and RM215,7000 (2.5L) marks after the adjustments are made. 

Are you willing to fork the difference over, say, a Mazda CX-5 2.5L Turbo? We think the bigger question is whether you should just top up a bit more for a Toyota Harrier if you’re already shopping in that price range…