Australia's next top models! Toyota RAV4 and Corolla updated for Japan, Australia next in line for facelifted vehicles

Toyota this week revealed updates for both its RAV4 and Corolla ranges for the Japanese market, giving an indication of what Australia might be able to expect for a local update.

Toyota has already confirmed Australia will not only receive updated versions of the Corolla, Yaris, Yaris Cross, C-HR, Camry, and GR Supra by the end of the year, but has given brief preliminary details of some upgrades the Corolla range will be bestowed with.

The Corolla updates revealed in Japan match up with the expectations set earlier this year by Toyota Australia, meaning the images released from Japan could be what we should expect here.

In terms of functionality, the Corolla’s drivetrain for 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid variants is upgraded to produce a total of 98kW, more than before, though no word on torque changes from the current 142Nm.

Toyota’s new multimedia system will also feature, replacing the long-serving system still found in some Toyota models. An 8.0-inch or 10.5-inch (for higher variants) display will replace the old, if the Japanese updates make it to Australia, while smartphone mirroring can be used wirelessly.

Visually, headlights are updated, the front lower grille is modified, and some more exterior paint colours are available. Expect more colours also available for Yaris Cross, Yaris hatch, C-HR, and Camry.

Toyota also adds features from its ‘Connected Services’ such as automatic collision notification, SOS emergency call and stolen vehicle tracking.

Japanese pricing for the Corolla won’t directly correlate with the Australian market, but expect prices to rise slightly, particularly for hybrid variants, when the updated models arrive.

Though not yet confirmed for this year in Australia, the RAV4 also appears due for an update soon based on the Japanese market.

Though minor, the changes include similar multimedia upgrades as the Corolla with a larger screen and connectivity updates, while pre-collision safety which “detects oncoming vehicles when turning right at intersections and pedestrians crossing the road” is implemented.

In Japan, Toyota has released an Adventure variant (pictured) too, which gets matte paint on the “front bumper, door mirrors, and other parts” while more plastic cladding gives it more rugged practicality.

Whether this variant or anything similar comes to Australia isn’t clear, though the slightly more adventurous Edge variant already sits atop the Australian range.

Pricing for the RAV4 is likely to be bumped up slightly when updates do eventually arrive.

Toyota hasn’t given further details on timing short of promising all these models aside from RAV4 will be updated by the year’s end.

In a statement earlier this year, Toyota Australia’s Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said more information about future products will surface in due course.

"Toyota will continue to keep our customers informed on key changes to our significant line-up and we encourage our customers to speak with their preferred Toyota Dealer about these enhancements," he said.