Toyota’s popular SUV, the RAV4, will undergo its first full model change in six years in December 2025. The new RAV4 was announced on May 21, 2025, and is attracting a lot of attention.
For those currently considering purchasing a RAV4, an important decision point is whether to wait for the release of the new model or buy the current model. In this article, we will thoroughly compare the details of the new RAV4 and the features of the current model to help you make the best decision.
New RAV4 release schedule
Release details
- Announcement : May 21, 2025 (Completed)
- Release in Japan : December 17, 2025 (hybrid vehicle), March 2026 (plug-in hybrid vehicle)
- Price announcement : expected around October 2025
The new RAV4 has already been announced and is scheduled to hit the Japanese market in about four months. The current RAV4 was released in November 2018, and it has been about six years since then, so it is time for a full model change.
Main changes to the new RAV4
1. Powertrain Renewal
The biggest change to the new RAV4 is the elimination of gasoline-powered vehicles and the shift to hybrid-only vehicles.
New powertrain:
- 2.5L Hybrid System (HEV)
- System output: FF 229ps, E-Four 239ps
- 0-100km/h: 8.1 seconds
- Fuel economy: WLTC mode 22.5km/L (improved)
- 6th generation plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
- System output: 324ps (+18ps compared to previous model)
- Battery capacity: 22.7kWh (previous model 18.1kWh)
- EV range: 150km (significantly longer than the previous model’s 95km)
- 0-100km/h: 5.8 seconds (reduced from the previous model’s 6.0 seconds)
- Fuel economy: WLTC mode 23.5km/L
- DC fast charging compatible (approximately 30 minutes to 80% charge)
Discontinued powertrains:
- 2.0L gasoline engine (lowest-priced grade of current model)
2. Three new model types
The new RAV4 will be available in three model types depending on the application.
RAV4 CORE:
- Urban and sophisticated design
- Compatible with both HEV and PHEV
- Positioned as a base model
RAV4 ADVENTURE:
- Design that emphasizes off-road feel
- Wider tread and wheel arch moldings
- New color “Urban Rock” added
RAV4 GR SPORT:
- PHEV-exclusive sports model
- Wider tread (+20mm)
- Dedicated lightweight wheels and suspension tuning
- Front and rear spoilers
3. Adoption of the latest technology
The new RAV4 is equipped with many of Toyota’s latest technologies.
Software/UI:
- “Arene” software platform (first installed on Toyota)
- New generation multimedia (10.5 inch/12.9 inch)
- 12.3-inch digital meter
- Improved response speed and understanding accuracy of voice recognition
Safety equipment:
- Latest Toyota Safety Sense
- Driver emergency response system (with roadside evacuation function)
- 3D panoramic view monitor
- Sudden acceleration suppression function is standard equipment
4. Body size and design
The body size of the new RAV4 will be slightly changed from the current model.
| item | New RAV4 | Current RAV4 | difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,600-4,645mm | 4,600-4,610mm | +0 to +35 mm |
| Overall width | 1,855-1,880mm | 1,855-1,865mm | +0 to +15 mm |
| Overall height | 1,680-1,685mm | 1,685-1,690mm | -5 to 0 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690mm | 2,690mm | No changes |
Cargo capacity:
- 733L → 749L (+16L improvement)
- Flatter when rear seats are folded
Price comparison and forecast
New RAV4 expected price
The price of the new RAV4 is expected to increase from the current model.
| grade | New RAV4 (prediction) | Current RAV4 | Price difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CORE HEV E-Four | 4.2 million yen | 3.86 million yen (HEV X) | +340,000 yen |
| CORE PHEV E-Four | 6 million yen | 5.66 million yen (PHEV Z) | +340,000 yen |
| ADVENTURE HEV | 4.5 million yen | 4.33 million yen (HEV Adventure) | +170,000 yen |
| GR SPORT PHEV | 6.7 million yen | – (New) | – |
Factors driving the price increase:
- Cost of adopting the latest technology
- Dedicated to hybrid
- Enhanced safety equipment
- Rising raw material costs
Current RAV4 price (reference)
Gasoline vehicles (scheduled for discontinuation):
- X (4WD): From 3,237,300 yen
- Adventure (4WD): 3,713,600 yen
Hybrid vehicles:
- X (E-Four): From 3,859,900 yen
- Adventure (E-Four): 4,331,800 yen
Plug-in hybrid vehicles:
- Z: 5,661,700 yen
Should I wait for the new model or go for the current one?
Who should wait for the new RAV4?
✅Those who value the latest technology and equipment
- Arene software, large display, and other cutting-edge features are attractive
- High expectations for the high performance of the 6th generation PHEV system
✅Those who prioritize environmental performance and fuel efficiency
- The PHEV range of 150km (55km more than the previous model) is a significant improvement
- Fast charging for improved convenience
- Hybrid fuel economy also improved to 22.5km/L
✅Those looking for driving performance
- GR Sport’s full-scale sports specification
- PHEV: High output of 324ps (+18ps compared to previous model)
- High acceleration performance of 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds
✅Those who intend to use it for a long period of time
- The latest platform is future-proof
- Supports OTA updates for function updates
Who should choose the current RAV4?
✅Those who value cost performance
- Approximately 300,000 to 500,000 yen cheaper than the new model
- Well-established technology with high reliability
- There is room for price negotiation
✅ Those who want a gasoline car
- Gasoline vehicles will be discontinued in the new model
- Simple structure reduces maintenance costs
- Just fill up at a gas station
✅ Those who want early delivery
- New models face a risk of delivery delays due to a concentration of orders in the early stages of release
- Current models can be delivered in a relatively short period of time.
✅Those who want to keep their budget low
- The entry grade “X” starts at 3.23 million yen
- The new model is expected to cost at least 4.2 million yen
Comparison with rival cars
Comparisons with the new RAV4’s main competitors are also an important factor in determining the car.
| Car model | Price range | Main powertrain | fuel economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| New RAV4 | 4.2 million to 6.7 million yen | 2.5L HEV/PHEV | 22.5-23.5km/L |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2.81 to 4.22 million yen | 2.0L/2.5L/2.2L diesel | 13.0 to 17.4 km/L |
| Nissan X-Trail | 3.15 million to 5.04 million yen | 1.5L e-POWER | 18.1 to 19.7km/L |
| Subaru Forester | 3.06 to 3.7 million yen | 2.0L/e-BOXER | 13.6-14.0km/L |
| Honda ZR-V | 2.94 to 3.93 million yen | 1.5L VTEC TURBO/e:HEV | 15.6 to 25.0 km/L |
The new RAV4 is priced on the higher side of the market, but its PHEV range of 150km is significantly better than other vehicles.
Market trends based on 2024 RAV4 sales
Current RAV4 sales figures
RAV4 sales in 2024 were approximately 30,599 units, with the following trends:
- Sharp decline in sales since November : Impact of new model announcement
- PHEV sales continue to be strong : Monthly average of 100-170 units
- Hybrids are the mainstay : accounting for approximately 50-60% of the total
Due to this trend, the current model is in the clearance period, which may give you an advantage in negotiating a discount.
Final Criteria
Cases where you should wait for the new RAV4
- Emphasis on the latest technology : Latest equipment such as Arene, 6th generation PHEV, and 3D PVM are essential
- Environmental performance is important : Want to take advantage of the PHEV’s 150km range and quick charging function
- Long-term use : I want to use it for 10 years or more and take advantage of the latest technology.
- Flexible budget : Able to accept a price increase of around 500,000 yen
Cases where you should choose the current RAV4
- Cost-effective : Want to acquire mature technology at a low price
- Want early delivery : Want to avoid the risk of delivery delays for new models
- Gasoline car preference : Simple structure and low maintenance costs
- Budget constraint : I want to keep the purchase budget under 4 million yen
Decision points
- Current car condition : inspection due date, repair needs
- Budget readiness : Possibility of additional budget for new model
- Usage environment : Availability of charging infrastructure (if PHEV desired)
- Waiting period : Can you wait about four months until December 2025?
Summary: Which is the best choice for you?
The new RAV4 has certainly evolved, with a 150km range achieved by the 6th generation PHEV system and the adoption of the Arene software platform. On the other hand, price increases are unavoidable, and the discontinuation of gasoline vehicles will narrow the options available.
Those who should wait for the new model:
- Emphasis on the latest technology and environmental performance, and a price increase of around 500,000 yen is acceptable
- There is an environment in which the PHEV’s cruising range of 150km can be utilized.
- Assuming long-term use of 10 years or more
If you should choose the current model:
- Emphasis on cost performance, mature technology is sufficient
- Seeking the simplicity and economy of a gasoline-powered vehicle
- Want to receive the car early and avoid the risk of delivery delays for new models
No matter which you choose, the RAV4 is an excellent SUV with solid performance and practicality. Choose the option that best suits your lifestyle and values.
