Should you buy a Toyota SUV now or wait for the redesign or facelift? Life cycles for the Toyota RAV4, Kluger, Prado, C-HR and more detailed

Buying a new SUV and then finding out it’s just about to be refreshed, redesigned or even completely replaced can be disappointing at best, and a bad financial move at worst.

Poorer resale and missing out on newer developments in safety and multimedia technologies can erode the joy of new-car ownership. Especially if you’re prone to the fear of missing out.

To avoid this, let’s investigate just how long popular Toyota SUVs like the current CH-R, RAV4 and Prado have left on the market, when their replacements are due and what these updates may bring.

Read More About Toyota Yaris Cross

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For this story, we’re overlooking minor specification updates that are often implemented annually, often called model year updates, and concentrating on bigger changes instead.

Such information can be helpful haggling a better deal too!

So, without further ado, here’s a brief summary of every current Toyota SUV model available in Australia, and what’s in store for each.

Toyota Yaris Cross

Launched: 2020, 1st-generation, all-new.

Pluses: Roomier, more practical Yaris with extra ground clearance so perfect for urban life.

Minuses: Odd proportions, guppy face and dead eyes on up-spec grades; long waiting lists.

Update due… Still years away though a minor facelift expected soon-ish (from 2024).

Verdict: Base SX Hybrid is all the SUV most people will ever need and exceptional value.

Our advice: Good to BUY!

Toyota C-HR

Launched: 2016, 1st-gen, all-new.

Pluses: Coupe-SUV with sophistication, refinement and class; nice turbo and hybrid choices.

Minuses: Manual gone, dreadful rear vision, gloomy back-seat feel, now getting expensive.

Update due… this year globally, 2024 for Australia, with expected broader electrification options.

Verdict: 2025 C-HR II expected to be roomier and airier, but still stylish and premium priced.

Our advice: Maybe WAIT

Toyota Corolla Cross

Launched: 2022, 1st-generation, all-new.

Pluses: Like a Corolla wagon on stilts, great hybrid with optional AWD, family focused.

Minuses: Huge waiting lists, up-spec grades expensive, lacks polish of RAV4 and C-HR.

Update due… Later this decade.

Verdict: Unexciting but fills the gap perfectly between Yaris Cross and RAV4.

Our advice: Good to BUY!

Toyota RAV4

Launched: 2019, 5th-gen, all-new.

Pluses: Australia’s favourite SUV for a reason; not a dud in the entire range.

Minuses: Manual gone, expensive, hard to get, is RAV4’s success making Toyota arrogant?

Update due… Recent midlife refresh could see next-gen redesign here from 2025.

Verdict: A great medium SUV buy but long waiting lists and premium pricing now tiresome.

Our advice: BUY – but redesign not too distant

Toyota Fortuner

Launched: 2015, 2nd-gen, rebody of 2004 original.

Pluses: Based on HiLux so tough and durable but…

Minuses: Has same diesel particulate filter reputation, crude, jittery suspension, awkward styling.

Update due… Next-gen Fortuner’s future in Australia rumoured to be up in the air.

Verdict: Off the pace so consider Prado, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Our advice: Maybe WAIT

Toyota LandCruiser 300

Launched: 2021, 6th-gen (of 4x4 wagons), all-new (largely).

Pluses: One of the world’s most capable 4x4 wagons with added Toyota reliability.

Minuses: People miss the old V8 diesel grunt, endless waiting lists, properly expensive.

Update due… Possibly not before the end of this decade.

Verdict: Toyota’s been making SUVs like this since the J50 LandCruiser of 1967 and it shows.

Our advice: Good to BUY!

Toyota Prado

Launched: 2009, 4th-gen, rebody of 2003 J120.

Pluses: Capable, durable, comfortable and somehow classless.

Minuses: Getting old, expensive and fitted with disliked DPF engine since 2015.

Update due… By the end of 2024 and not a moment too soon.

Verdict: J150 Prado remains a 4x4 favourite and it’s easy to see why but now getting old.

Our advice: Maybe WAIT

Toyota Kluger

Launched: 2021, 4th-gen, all-new (V6s aside).

Pluses: Switch to TNGA platform fixes unsettled ride; hybrid the only economical choice.

Minuses: Dreary cabin presentation, dull steering and high prices make Kluger hard to love.

Update due… V6 ousted by 2.4L turbo in 2023 but otherwise a facelift is likely years away.

Verdict: USA-focused and made big SUV far better than before but not as handsome.

Our advice: Good to BUY!