Complete redesign, better quality, and more hybrid powertrains seem to be the focal points of the next-generation Toyota RAV4.
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The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 has been around since the 2019 model year. Fast-forward to 2024 and Toyota is almost ready to introduce the next generation of the popular Japanese SUV. The RAV4's sixth generation is said to be unveiled as early as late in 2024, but it is much more likely we are going to see it in 2025.
Radical new design for the next-generation RAV4, but neo-retro design is unlikely
So far, there is no definitive answer to what the sixth iteration of Toyota's RAV4 would look like. Insiders suggest the 2025 Toyota RAV4 would be a radical redesign. I doubt it would be a neo-retro-inspired look since, unlike the name hasn't existed nearly as long as, let's say, the Land Cruiser, which for 2024, adopted a Land Cruiser 70-inspired retro-futuristic design.
Still, given Toyota's latest trends in its SUV models, the new RAV4 could be stylistically inspired by the 1994 original. Long story short, do not expect the new RAV4 to look like a scaled-down 2024 Land Cruiser.
Revamped interior and a step up in quality
Although the current Toyota RAV4 is still a solid pick, the model was known to suffer from a few things. Among the fifth-generation Toyota RAV4's problems were complaints about the build quality, ergonomics, subpar rubber seals, and clogged drain plugs, which led to water leaks.
Overall, the interior of the Japanese SUV features a lot of “okays”. It's functional, but that alone is no longer enough, considering some of the competition from Mazda and Honda have come up with more contemporary designs.
Among the expected changes are new digital instruments and Toyota's latest infotainment, as seen on the new Land Cruiser. This would suggest a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the higher trims and an 8.0-inch screen for the base models.
Toyota RAV4 will become hybrid-only
Insiders suggest that the upcoming Toyota RAV4 will be a hybrid-only model, at least for the North American market. But what powertrains can we expect?
The base 2.5-liter variant will continue to serve as the base powertrain, but will, likely switch to Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid powertrain, found in Toyota's Camry and some Lexus models. This will translate to a slight bump in power thanks to beefed-up electric motors. We are, likely, looking at around 236 horsepower, judging from what the updated Camry has.
The highly versatile Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-road trim is also expected to make a comeback, and will likely feature one of the less powerful engine options.
A new Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid will also be available
Not much is said about the next iteration of the RAV4 Prime, although Toyota might give it the more powerful, 80kW eAxle at the rear instead of the current model's 54 kW hardware.
Will the 2025 Toyota RAV4 come with i-Force Max powertrains?
It is highly unlikely that the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 would feature the i-Force Max hybrid powertrains. Those were specifically developed for the bigger Toyota models such as the Land Cruiser and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner redesign.
More extensive electrification for the upcoming RAV4 could mean that a front-wheel-drive-only variant will no longer be available for the RAV4.
About the author
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
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