The new Toyota RAV4 goes beyond a simple full model change, achieving dramatic advancements in design, powertrain, and user interface (UI), establishing its position as a next-generation SUV. The official release date is set for fiscal 2025, and it’s expected to be released around December 2025. The three models available to meet diverse needs—Core, Adventure, and GR Sport—as well as a significantly improved hybrid system and the intuitive connectivity provided by the Aline system, clearly demonstrate how the RAV4 will lead the way in future mobility.
Toyota’s new RAV4: Summary of major evolution points
Overall evolution
- It has undergone significant evolution in three areas: design, powertrain, and UI/connectivity, establishing itself as a next-generation SUV.
- Front face adopting Toyota’s latest design language “Hammerhead”
Three different models available
- Core : Urban and sophisticated design, featuring a new “SUV hammerhead” design, honeycomb grille and narrow fenders, available in both hybrid and PHEV form factors.
- Adventure : Inheriting the off-road image of the previous RAV4, it features wide plastic parts, powerful aluminum wheels, and sturdy roof rails.
- GR Sport : A sporty design, featuring a functional matrix grille, gloss black accents and a sporty spoiler.
- The headlight design is the same for all models and uses a new approach of placing the headlamp units between the LEDs.
- The rear design also differs for each model, expressing each individuality.
Significantly evolved powertrain
- Equipped with a 6th generation hybrid system , it has achieved a smaller size, lower profile, improved efficiency, and a stronger motor.
- The battery capacity of the PHV model has been increased by 30% compared to the previous model, significantly increasing the EV driving range from 85km to 150km , making it possible to cover most daily driving needs using EV driving.
- The engine’s efficiency has also been improved, resulting in a 12% increase in power output, a 15% reduction in height, and an 18% reduction in weight.
- It supports DC fast charging and also has V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) functionality.
- In addition to increased motor torque, quietness has also been improved.
New UI and connectivity features
- We have adopted the new system “areen” and revamped the UI to make it intuitive and easy to use, just like a smartphone or tablet.
- Widget display and quick controls (such as drive mode selection) are possible.
- The integration between the multimedia display and the meter display has been strengthened, allowing navigation information and other information to be displayed full-screen on the meter display.
- It also comes equipped with emotional features such as a display that changes depending on the drive mode selected.
- Many of the charging settings, driver assistance settings, and vehicle settings can be controlled on the screen.
- The voice recognition function has been improved, and now you can open and close the sunshade, operate the wipers, windows, air conditioning, and more by saying “Hey Toyota.” The response time has been reduced from 3.5 seconds to 1 second.
- The voice recognition system also takes safety into consideration, such as recognizing the speaker’s location and only accepting instructions from the driver’s seat.
- The performance of the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) has been improved, allowing for smooth image display, zooming, and horizontal movement.
- The new CPU makes the graphics look better.
- It supports OTA (Over-The-Air) updates , allowing for updates and addition of functions such as safety support functions, keeping your vehicle always up to date.
Interior design and practicality
- The interiors are also differentiated between models.
- Adventure : A playful design with orange accents and seats made of easy-to-wipe material.
- Core : A basic and calm atmosphere. Equipped with a horizontal dashboard, large LCD monitors (12.3-inch meter, 12.9-inch center), seat ventilation, two chargers, and two USB-C ports (45W). The seats are two-tone and made of ultra suede material. The rear seats have space for more than two fists and are also equipped with seat heaters and USB-C ports.
- GR Sport : A design that expresses the world of GR, including red stitching and embroidered sports seats.
- The basic design is the same, and features include a newly designed steering wheel, horizontally-oriented instrument panel, and a thick console.
- The luggage space is as spacious and practical as the previous model, and is equipped with an electric tailgate, so you can load a golf bag sideways or even a bicycle by folding down the rear seats.
Three models developed to suit individual customer needs
One of the greatest features of the new RAV4 is that it comes in three models: Core, Adventure, and GR Sport, which can be chosen to suit a variety of customer lifestyles and preferences. Each model has a distinct personality in its exterior design, embodying the image that users desire.
RAV4 CORE exterior
The CORE boasts a sophisticated design that blends seamlessly into the city. The clean honeycomb grille, the new Toyota logo placed at hood level, and Toyota’s new “SUV Hammerhead” design language create a striking urban impression. Narrow plastic fenders, urban-style wheels, and low roof rails create a clean, modern atmosphere reminiscent of an electric vehicle. The CORE model is available with both hybrid and PHEV powertrains, making it the core of the new RAV4 lineup and designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users.
RAV4 ADVENTURE exterior
The Adventure inherits the powerful off-road image established by the previous RAV4, and its wide plastic parts, muscular aluminum wheels, and sturdy roof rails symbolize its adventurous spirit. For those familiar with the RAV4 to date, this is the most approachable model yet one that also feels like an evolution.
RAV4 GR SPORT exterior
As its name suggests, the GR Sport is designed for customers who pursue sporty driving. The functional matrix grille, gloss black accents, and sporty spoiler make the car appear wider, visually expressing its high performance.
The headlight design is the same for all models, but a new approach has been adopted that differs from previous Toyota models, with the headlamp unit placed between the LEDs. The rear design also has a different look for each model, highlighting their individuality.
New 6th generation RAV4 body size
| size | CORE | Adventure | GR SPORT |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,600mm | 4,620mm | 4,645mm |
| Overall width | 1,855mm | 1,880mm | 1,880mm |
| Overall height | 1,680mm | 1,680mm | 1,685mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690mm | 2,690mm | 2,690mm |
Dramatically evolved powertrain: Achieving both high levels of environmental friendliness and driving performance
The new RAV4 is equipped with a sixth-generation hybrid system , a significant evolution of its powertrain. This new system is smaller, lower profile, and more efficient, while also increasing motor output.
Of particular note is the evolution of the plug-in hybrid ( PHV ) model. With a battery capacity of 22.7 kWh, a 30% increase over the previous model, the EV driving range has been significantly extended from the previous 85 km to an astonishing 150 km . This means that most everyday driving can be covered by EV driving, enabling environmentally friendly driving while reducing gasoline consumption. The engine’s efficiency has also been improved, with a total system output of 324 hp for the E-Four, a 12% increase in output, while innovative improvements have been made to reduce height by 15% and weight by 18%. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is now 5.8 seconds for the E-Four.
The hybrid model delivers a combined maximum output of 229 PS in the front-wheel drive version and 239 PS in the all-wheel drive version , combining powerful driving with excellent fuel economy. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 8.1 seconds. The all-wheel drive model features an advanced AWD system that uses a third electric motor mounted at the rear to drive the rear wheels as needed, improving off-road capability.
Furthermore, support for DC fast charging and the inclusion of a V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) function that can supply power from the vehicle to a home in times of disaster suggest that the new RAV4 offers new value beyond simply being a means of transportation. In addition to increased motor torque, the interior has also been made quieter, providing a more comfortable and high-quality driving experience.
A new dimension of UI and connectivity that blends people and cars: Innovation brought about by the Aline system
One of the most innovative aspects of the new RAV4 is the dramatic evolution of its UI and connectivity functions , thanks to the new Arene system . This system redesigns the UI to be intuitive and easy to use, similar to a smartphone or tablet. It enables quick controls such as widget display and drive mode selection, allowing users to operate the vehicle more smoothly.
The collaboration between the multimedia display and the meter display has been dramatically strengthened, and by showing navigation information and other information on the entire meter display, the driver can minimize eye movement and continue driving more safely. Emotional functions such as changing the display by selecting the drive mode are also available, creating a visually pleasurable driving experience.
Many vehicle settings, such as charging settings, driver assistance settings, and headlamp adjustment, can now be controlled on the screen, allowing users to customize their vehicle more seamlessly. While the main air conditioning functions remain as physical buttons, many settings can now be controlled on the screen, achieving a balance between advanced technology and ease of use.
The voice recognition function has also been significantly improved, allowing you to open and close the sunshade, operate the wipers, windows, air conditioning, and more, simply by saying “Hey Toyota.” The response speed has been improved from previous models, with processing times reduced from 3.5 seconds to just one second, an astonishing improvement. Careful consideration has also been given to safety, with voice recognition identifying the speaker’s location and only accepting commands from the driver’s seat.
The shift panel also aggregates the shift, electric parking brake (EPB), and brake hold switch, minimizing eye movement and movement while driving. Shift-by-wire is used, achieving a simple and clean design, and the piano black finish enhances the quality.
The performance of the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) has also been improved, with smoother image display, zooming in and out, and horizontal movement, making it easier to check for safety in SUVs with many blind spots. The adoption of a new CPU has made the graphics significantly clearer, and the visual information provided has also been refined.
Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) Vehicle Transmittance
The biggest advantage of adopting the Aleene system is that it allows for system evolution through OTA (Over-The-Air) updates . This allows for constant updates and additions to safety support functions, keeping the vehicle up to date and truly creating a “car that is constantly evolving.” Collected data can be analyzed and used to train safety controls, which can then be distributed via OTA, transforming the RAV4 into something more than just a means of transportation; it has become something like a personal assistant.
Unique interior design and excellent practicality
The interior design of the new RAV4 is also differentiated between models, highlighting each concept.
The basic design is the same, but the newly designed steering wheel, horizontally-oriented instrument panel, and thick console give a powerful impression, creating an atmosphere of strength and sophistication that is characteristic of the new RAV4.
RAV4 CORE interior
The interior of the core model is basic yet calm, offering a sophisticated space that is popular with a wide range of customers. It features a powerful horizontal design, and the adoption of a large LCD monitor has significantly advanced the digitalization. The driver’s seat features a 12.3-inch meter panel and the center monitor is a 12.9-inch, giving it a futuristic impression. The steering wheel design has been changed to a more angular center pad, and the dashboard is a clever combination of metal-look parts, soft pads, trays, and more.
The air conditioning vents and switches have a rugged design, with the switches on both sides arranged mechanically. Drive modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, and the meter changes color for visual enjoyment. Usability has also been carefully considered, with features like an EV mode switch, two on-the-go charging stations, seat ventilation, and two USB-C ports (45W) under the tray. The smart stick-type shift lever, equipped with a parking brake and hold button, features a sophisticated design unique to hybrid and PHEV models. The console box opens from both sides for added convenience. The seats are two-tone, with stitching and perforations on the headrests and center, and ultrasuede material in the center for a luxurious feel.
While the rear seat space remains the same as the previous model, there is now enough space for more than two fists, giving the impression of relatively spacious seating. The rear seats are equipped with heated seats and USB-C ports, improving rear seat comfort. The seatbacks are high, the armrests are equipped with horizontal cup holders, and the rear interior lights have been converted to LED. The rear seatbacks can be reclined in two stages, ensuring comfort even on long trips. The door handles are easy to operate, with a design that provides a good grip and wraps around the inside, providing space for storing items.
RAV4 ADVENTURE interior
The interior of the Adventure model features orange accents and seats made of material that is easy to wipe clean, creating a design that combines playfulness and practicality.
RAV4 GR SPORT interior
The interior of the GR Sport model features sports seats with red stitching and embroidery, fully expressing the GR worldview even inside the car and further enhancing the sporty driving experience.
The new RAV4 also maintains and improves its practicality in terms of luggage space . The luggage compartment capacity has been increased from the previous 733L to 749L. The rear seats fold down to a flatter angle, improving the storage capacity of long items. Equipped with a power tailgate, the spaciousness is large enough to stow a golf bag sideways, so the description of the new model as “capable of carrying a lot of luggage” is no exaggeration. Like its predecessor, the highly usable luggage space will be a big attraction for users with active lifestyles. The seatbacks are split 60/40, and folding the rear seats creates a spacious space large enough to stow a bicycle, just like before.
A word from the editorial department
The new Toyota RAV4 has arrived on the market as a dramatic evolution from the previous model in terms of design, powertrain, and advanced UI and connectivity features. Three different model options allow customers to choose the optimal option based on their lifestyle and preferences. The significant improvement in the range of the PHV model thanks to the evolution of the sixth-generation hybrid system, the intuitive and advanced UI of the Aleene system, and continuous feature updates via over-the-air (OTA) are the greatest attractions of the new RAV4 and are key factors in differentiating it from its competitors. These changes clearly demonstrate that the RAV4 has taken a big step forward into the next generation, and will further strengthen its presence in the SUV market.
Toyota News Release
https://global.toyota/jp/newsroom/toyota/42758102.html
Toyota RAV4
Toyota
