GAC Toyota has officially launched the all-new Wildlander Air SUV in China, setting a competitive starting price of approximately $20,000. This vehicle, essentially a localized version of the RAV4 tailored for the Chinese market, features a fresh exterior design and offers a versatile range of three powertrain options: a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a 2.0-liter hybrid, and a more powerful 2.5-liter hybrid system.
Design and Market Positioning
The new Wildlander Air is built on the same platform as the globally recognized Toyota RAV4 but is produced and sold exclusively in China through the GAC Toyota joint venture. It sports a distinct design with a honeycomb-style grille, sharp C-shaped headlights, and blacked-out taillights, giving it a modern and slightly more aggressive look than its international counterpart. The dimensions of the GAC Toyota Wildlander are 4600 mm in length, 1855 mm in width, and 1680 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2690 mm, positioning it firmly in the compact SUV segment.
Powertrain and Performance
The Wildlander Air offers customers a choice of three distinct powertrains. The standard 2.0-liter gasoline engine produces 171 hp. The hybrid options, part of Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, are designed for enhanced efficiency and power. The 2.0-liter hybrid system delivers a combined output of 195 hp, while the top-tier 2.5-liter hybrid, available with the E-Four all-wheel-drive system, produces a total of 236 hp. This advanced AWD system can direct up to 80% of the torque to the rear wheels for improved handling and stability. The entry-level hybrid boasts impressive fuel economy, with a consumption of just 4.59 L/100 km.
Advanced Technology and Interior Features
A significant upgrade for the new Wildlander is the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) suite as a standard feature. This advanced driver-assistance system includes features like an enhanced Pre-Collision System with improved pedestrian and cyclist detection, Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), and Road Sign Assist (RSA). The interior has been completely revamped and is dominated by a large 14-inch central touchscreen (with some sources mentioning up to 15.6 inches on higher trims), a digital instrument cluster, and support for Apple CarPlay and Huawei HiCar. Standard amenities in the Air version are generous, including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED automatic headlights, 50W wireless fast charging for mobile phones, a digital car key, and multi-color adjustable ambient lighting.
Future Outlook
The launch of the Wildlander Air at such an aggressive price point demonstrates GAC Toyota’s strategy to capture a larger share of the highly competitive compact SUV market in China. By offering a vehicle with the trusted Toyota DNA, advanced hybrid technology, and a comprehensive suite of modern features, the Wildlander Air is well-positioned to challenge established rivals. This model represents a key part of GAC Toyota’s intellectual transformation strategy, blending a new multimedia platform with the latest in safety technology to meet the demands of modern Chinese consumers.
