Toyota has broadened the appeal of its RAV4 range by launching two-wheel drive (2WD) variants that save customers money and fuel.

Toyota's 2WD RAV4 models, available in CV and Cruiser grades, are priced $3,000 below their equivalent all-wheel drive models.

The manufacturer's list prices start at $28,990* for the 2WD CV model with manual transmission.

Fuel economy is also a major benefit with the new 2WD variants - slashing at least half a litre from the consumption of their all-wheel-drive counterparts.

Automatic 2WD models use just 9.1 litres/100km** (down from 9.6) while manual versions achieve 8.4 litres/100km**, an improvement of 0.7 litres/100km.

Powering RAV4 2WD is a 2.4-litre VVT-i equipped four-cylinder engine that delivers 125kW of power and the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

The transmissions are exclusive to RAV4 2WD, with revised internal and final-drive ratios to suit the new models.

Two-wheel drive RAV4 has virtually identical specification levels to the all-wheel-drive 2.4-litre models.

Standard equipment in both 2WD models include standard equipment vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-skid brakes, dual front SRS airbags, 17-inch wheels, electric power steering, air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment, rear spoiler, USB/Bluetooth compatible audio and (on automatic transmission models) Downhill Assist Control.

The 2WD CV model is offered with an option pack that adds front-seat side airbags, side curtain-shield airbags and driver's knee airbag, and front dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning.

RAV4 2WD Cruiser has the five additional airbags as standard equipment.

It also gains five-spoke alloy wheels, over-fender flares, roof rails, foglamps and rear and rear side quarter privacy glass.

Inside, it has additional features including 6-CD audio system with colour LCD screen (in lieu of single CD), dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning with push-type heater control panel and footwell illumination.

RAV4 2WD CV and Cruiser are each offered with nine exterior colour choices.

RAV4 2WD PRICES*
CV manual $28,990
Cruiser manual $33,990
Options
Automatic transmission $2,000
Metallic paint $350
Enhanced safety pack (CV only) $1,250

* All prices quoted are Recommended Retail Prices and include LCT and GST, but exclude all other costs including stamp duty and registration.

** Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR81/02 combined cycle.