The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 has been revealed today in Tokyo. Toyota has brought the SUV in line with its latest design language, introduced a new GR Sport version, improved on the hybrid powertrains, and put in a new infotainment system with a next-gen operating system.
- New Toyota RAV4 looks more upright than its predecessor
- Debuts Toyota’s new Arene infotainment operating system
- New RAV4 GR Sport also revealed
New Toyota RAV4 exterior design
‘Hammerhead’ lights at the front and rear; boxy, Land Cruiser-like styling
The new RAV4 sports the same ‘Hammerhead’ design for the headlights and tail-lights as seen on the latest Camry. The overall silhouette is almost Land Cruiser-like than the outgoing model, which is accentuated by thicker wheel arches that's said to reference the off-road credentials of its predecessors. Depending on the market, 17-, 18- or 19-inch wheels are on offer.
New Toyota RAV4 interior features
New 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system gets new operating software
Compared to its predecessor, the new RAV4 gets a significantly revamped interior, from the dashboard design to the steering wheel and AC controls. The biggest change, though, is the new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment (up from the 12.3-inch one available on the outgoing model), which debuts Toyota’s new Arene operating system. Like Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS, it is a standard platform that will be available on all future Toyotas (in international markets), to enable quicker and easier integration of new features.
The Japanese brand says it will be able to introduce new safety and entertainment functions through over-the-air (OTA) updates rather than requiring buyers to wait for a new model. Among the new safety kit is the rear-approach monitor that is said to help drivers merge onto highways. Toyota claims that in the future, it will be able to download performance packs that replicate the setup and potentially the performance of different models from the brand and Lexus cars.
New Toyota RAV4 powertrain options
New RAV4 PHEV will be offered in FWD and AWD form
Depending on the market, the new RAV4 will have petrol, strong-hybrid and new plug-in hybrid powertrain options. The 268hp front-wheel drive and 304hp AWD plug-in-hybrid options are new, with the latter having a claimed 0-100kph time of 5.8 seconds. The 22.7kWh battery used in the RAV4 PHEV has an all-electric range of 100km (WLTP), and is claimed to take 30min to charge from 10-80 percent on a DC fast charger.
The strong hybrid RAV4, which is going to European markets, comes in 183hp front wheel drive and 191hp AWD form, while the Japanese market will also get a 171hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine with AWD standard.
New Toyota RAV4 GR Sport revealed
Some markets get RAV4 Adventure and GR Sport versions
Toyota has also introduced a sportier GR Sport version for the new RAV4, which comes with larger lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels, a 20mm wider track, different dampers and stiffer springs. The brand says the RAV4 GR Sport's focus is on handling. Inside, the sporty version of the SUV gets bucket-like sports seats, aluminium pedals and GR badging. Select markets also get a RAV4 Adventure version, which also features a wider track, a more upright front grille design, and different wheel arch cladding.
Although the sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 is not expected to come to India, its predecessors were under evaluation to make an entry. The SUV was also spied testing on our roads back in 2021.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
