The great Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu once wrote a famous line: "Only the new bride’s laughter is heard; no heed is paid to the old wife’s tears."
When viewed in its original context, this verse strikingly mirrors China’s current automobile market, particularly the segment of traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Once the top choice for car buyers, fuel cars are gradually being relegated to an alternative option. Yet against this market backdrop, one legendary model from the joint-venture camp consistently competes head-to-head with popular new energy vehicles in its class — the all-new Toyota RAV4 Rongfang, which recorded monthly sales exceeding 13,000 units in June.
Premium Intelligent Features Come as Standard
Many readers may wonder: how does the RAV4 Rongfang maintain robust sales amid the dominance of new energy vehicles?
The reasoning is straightforward. If you cannot beat your rivals, join them. While domestic Chinese brands wage fierce price wars, the RAV4 Rongfang has followed suit by slashing prices, bringing the on-the-road price below 150,000 RMB. When it comes to intelligent configurations — a major selling point of domestic EVs — the RAV4 Rongfang keeps pace with market trends and comes fully equipped. It boasts nearly every feature available on rival new energy SUVs in the same segment.
Facts speak louder than words. Let us start with the intelligent cockpit, highly valued by younger consumers. The RAV4 Rongfang features a 15.6-inch central control screen, full LCD instrument cluster, 50W wireless phone charging, cabin ambient lighting and built-in vehicle fragrance system. Underpinning these devices is the high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P chip. Its robust cockpit hardware matches domestic new energy SUVs at the same price bracket, delivering responsive operation and reserving sufficient hardware capacity for future OTA upgrades.
Powerful hardware is complemented by well-rounded software functions.
The RAV4 Rongfang’s intelligent infotainment system integrates precision navigation that supports group travel real-time location sharing and seamless phone-vehicle synchronization. It also features an intelligent voice interaction system capable of four-zone recognition, full-scenario command execution and dialect recognition. In addition, it supports WeChat for vehicles and a wealth of commonly used applications and ecosystem services. In terms of both function range and practicality, it holds its own against domestically built EVs renowned for smart technology.
That is not all. Even advanced driver assistance, a core highlight of domestic EVs, is offered as standard equipment on the RAV4 Rongfang priced at roughly 150,000 RMB. The factory-fitted L2-level intelligent driving assistance package includes DRCC Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with active corner deceleration, LTA Lane Tracing Assist with follow-drive function, DOW Door Opening Warning, collision pre-warning, assist lane change and multi-scenario automatic parking. The system eases driving burdens and enables buyers of this joint-venture fuel SUV to experience smart mobility comparable to segment new energy models.
Three Powertrain Options for All Scenarios
Moving on to powertrains, a key concern for many customers. Although the new RAV4 Rongfang does not offer plug-in hybrid or fully electric variants like competing domestic new energy SUVs, it provides three powertrain alternatives: a proven conventional fuel powertrain and two self-charging hybrid systems balancing reliability and fuel efficiency. For regions lacking public charging infrastructure or households without private chargers, the RAV4 Rongfang stands out as an appealing choice. It requires no charging, suffers no winter range degradation and eliminates worries over battery damage risks.
Here is a breakdown to help buyers select the right powertrain. First, the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine paired with a CVT transmission delivers a maximum output of 171 PS and peak torque of 206 N·m, with a combined fuel consumption of approximately 6 L per 100 km. While fuel costs are higher than electricity bills, the setup offers outstanding long-term dependability that often surpasses electric vehicles for over a decade of use.
Second are the self-charging hybrid Dual Engine variants. Two options are available for the RAV4 Rongfang: the 2.0L Dual Engine with fuel consumption as low as around 4 L/100 km, and the more powerful 2.5L Dual Engine. Consumers prioritizing efficiency can opt for the former, while those seeking stronger performance may choose the latter.
Notably, FAW Toyota invested heavily in the chassis to elevate comfort and driving dynamics for the new RAV4 Rongfang. It adopts upgraded front MacPherson struts and rear double-wishbone independent suspension for stable handling during cornering. Equipped with ACA Active Cornering Assist, the vehicle delivers responsive, linear steering, greatly improving ride comfort for all occupants.
It is now clear why the RAV4 Rongfang remains a bestseller in the new energy era. At around 150,000 RMB, it offers the intelligent cockpits and driver assistance systems found on competing domestic new energy SUVs. Coupled with three versatile powertrains suitable for all usage scenarios and the trusted build quality of FAW Toyota, these strengths lay solid groundwork for its monthly sales exceeding 13,000 units.
