Next-gen Toyota RAV4 leaked ahead of debut

The Toyota RAV4 SUV is due for a full model change later this year. A leaked image has surfaced online from China, showing the new RAV4’s final design in its production avatar.

1. New RAV4 could debut as Wildlander in China first
2. It will continue to sit on the TNGA-K platform
3. Expected to get enhanced plug-in hybrid, petrol hybrid setups

New Toyota RAV4 global debut later this year

The single image surfaced on the Chinese social media network Weibo; multiple users posted it as the production RAV4, which is slated to debut this year. The car was displayed at a Toyota dealer meet. Toyota builds the RAV4 in China with its partner GAC and markets it as the Wildlander SUV, which will make its local debut in China in April this year.

The final design of the SUV seen in the leaked image matches the recent sightings of new RAV4 test mules; there’s the Camry-like grille and headlamp design, the glasshouse area and the window line that raises slightly towards the rear.  

As far as underpinnings go, the new RAV4, like the Camry, will continue to sit on the modular TNGA-K platform. However, there will be more petrol hybrid powertrains along with enhanced plug-in hybrid setups that offer a higher electric-only range than the outgoing model. 

Toyota RAV4 India launch details

Even though it has never been officially sold in India, the RAV4, thanks to its overseas popularity, is a known model in the market. Toyota has evaluated the SUV for an India launch many times, with the last one being as late as 2021. The brand has also tested the current-gen RAV4 across the country with a petrol-hybrid powertrain, but it has not been launched yet.    

As far as Toyota’s India SUV line-up goes, it sells the Hyryder, the Fortuner and the Land Cruiser LC300 in our market. The Land Cruiser Prado is expected to come to India, and the Fortuner is due for a major update. Additionally, Toyota will have an all-new SUV that will sit below the Fortuner in India.

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