The changes to the RAV4’s powertrain should be much more evolutionary than those made to the crossover’s styling.The latest Camry sedan retained its optional six-cylinder engine instead of moving to a four-cylinder-only lineup. Therefore, we expect the RAV4 to keep its brawny six; the current base engine, a 179-hp, 2.5-liter four, should carry over as well. The current RAV4’s four-cylinder still utilizes a four-speed automatic—whew, that’s a lot of “fours”—and it’s possible that Toyota will drop in a six-speed to improve fuel economy. The same upgrade could be in store for the V-6, which presently backs up to a five-speed auto.
