Toyota has finally revealed the all-new 2013 RAV4 at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The SUV was introduced after a lot of leaks and it looks pretty amazing. This is Toyota's fourth-generation RAV4, the world's original crossover sport utility vehicle. It will hit the market in the beginning of the next year.

There are a lot of upgrades as well as completely new exterior, but some of the most interesting are a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new 6-speed transmission, two-row seating for 5, and a host of available in-cabin technologies,

The new RAV4 offers a good balance of performance and all-around capability, including class-leading cargo capacity, striking design, class-leading 8 standard airbags, and a compelling array of standard extras.

2013 RAV4 will be available in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited.

The exterior boasts nice and sporty appearance with rounded front fascia, a slopping roofline and distinctive rear quarter windows. There is also a roof-hinged liftgate, which is expected to be more convenient than the previous side-hinged door.

As on other recently introduced Toyota models, RAV4 engineers paid special attention to aerodynamics, the most obvious detail being small vortex generators molded into the taillight cases and near the base of the A-pillars. Less obvious are the aerodynamic undertrays beneath the passenger cabin that help smooth and control airflow.

The interior boasts an interesting asymmetrical dashboard featuring ambient lighting, a lot of controls and a big 6.1" touchscreen display. There is also a multi-functioning three-spoke steering wheel. A lot of metallic accents and circular air vents give additional cosiness. The high-end trim levels come with leather seats, an Entune Infotainment system and an 11-speaker JBL GreenEdge premium audio system.

The new 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine is able to return 24 mpg in city and 31 mpg on highway with FWD and 22 mpg in city and 29 mpg on highway with the optional AWD system. The engine delivers 176HP (131 kW) and 233Nm (172 lb-ft) of torque.

The all-wheel drive system offers three different modes: Auto, Lock and Sport.

Like every Toyota, RAV4 will feature the Star Safety System, which includes Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology.

So, this is 9 years of evolution... pretty good!

Toyota RAV4 (2013)
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2013 RAV4 SPECIFICATIONS:

POWERTRAIN 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine Horsepower: 176 @ 6,000 RPM Torque:  172 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 RPM Transmission: Six-speed ECT-i Drive System:  Front- and All-Wheel-Drive

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches) Overall Length:             179.9 Overall Width:                 72.6 Overall Height:                65.4 Wheelbase:                   104.7 Ground clearance:             6.3 Wheels:                            17-inch steel wheels (LE) 17-inch alloy wheels (XLE) 18-inch alloy wheels (Limited)

Tire Size:                         17-inch:  225/65R17 (LE and XLE) 18-inch:  235/55R18 (Limited)

Towing Capacity:             1,500 lbs.

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches) Head Room:                   39.8 (Front) 38.9 (Rear) Leg Room:                      42.6 (Front) 37.2 (Rear) Shoulder Room:              57.3 (Front) 55.4 (Rear) Hip Room:                       54.3 (Front) 48.9 (Rear) Cargo Volume:                73.3 (Behind first row) 38.4 (Behind second row) Seating Capacity:           5

Source: Toyota