Huge power shift coming for next-gen Aussie favourite? 2025 Toyota RAV4 could score turbo-petrol hybrid engine following new Harrier SUV - report

Toyota’s latest investment in combustion engines could take shape in the next generation RAV4, but it’s not a sure bet. 

Reports from Japanese publication BestCar suggest the next-generation Toyota Harrier will transition to downsized turbo-petrol four-cylinder engines with hybrid assistance. 

The Harrier is a premium, coupe-like version of the Toyota RAV4 sold in Japan only. It is currently based on the same GA-K platform as Australia’s favourite SUV, so the next-gen RAV4 could potentially follow the Harrier's lead with more efficient turbo powertrains. 

For the Harrier at least, BestCar is reporting a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder is most likely as it will be used for ‘D-segment’ models – what we call medium SUVs and cars in Australia. 

The Toyota Harrier and RAV4 both use 2.0- or 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engines, either with or without hybrid technology. Like existing tech, the new petrol engines will be allied with hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric boost, continuing Toyota’s long-standing electrification strategy. 

Downsizing engines and adding turbos is not exactly a new strategy, with Volkswagen and other European manufacturers having made similar decisions in the mid 2000s and 2010s as they typically emit less CO2 and drink less fuel. 

No details on power or efficiency have been revealed for Toyota’s new engines, though we know they will be physically shorter than existing units and comply with strict Euro 7 emissions standards.

Additionally, Toyota (and other carmakers involved in the Multi-Pathway Workshop, including Subaru and Mazda) have also developed the new engines to interface with carbon-neutral fuels. 

Along with the Harrier, this new 1.5-litre petrol powertrain is expected in the next generation Toyota Corolla hatch, though sans-turbo in the smaller car. Both models could use plug-in hybrid technology, which Toyota is reportedly developing in collaboration with BYD, says China’s Caijing. 

Both Harrier and Corolla are due in 2026. That’s after the expected debut of RAV4 (the current model was launched in late 2018) which is up for replacement by late 2025. 

Given the global importance of the RAV4 it seems unlikely Toyota would rush a new generation to market without the latest and greatest technology. Strangely, BestCar’s story ignores the popular Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 rival for now.  

As for other Toyota products, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is expected to power larger models, potentially including the next-gen Kluger. The turbo-petrol engines are also earmarked to feature in rebirthed sports cars such as the MR2, Celica and more in Toyota’s future.