Spy shots have given us our first glimpse of the next-generation Toyota RAV4 hybrid in camouflage.
The RAV4 is a huge deal for Toyota, being one of its biggest sellers globally. In Australia, it is poised to overtake the HiLux this year and challenge the Ford Ranger for top honours in 2025.
This first spy picture suggests Toyota isn’t going to mess with the recipe too much. Expect the hybrid powertrain to be the only offering in Australia, with a potential new-gen petrol-electric plug-in hybrid that’s likely to boost driving range over 1000km.
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The United States is the RAV4’s biggest market, so it is likely to shape the next gen RAV4. It’s expected to be revealed in late 2025 ahead of a market launch in 2026.
Expected to retain the same TNGA-K underpinnings as the current car, we’re imaging a similar change for the RAV4 as took place to Camry. More of a deep facelift with powertrain updates than a whole new car.
The RAV4’s current shortcomings are mainly related to in-car technology integration, with the driving experience, hybrid efficiency and cabin space still competitive, if not best-in-class.
Visually, the RAV4 spy picture reveals that the front bumper is in for a big change. Shaped like the new Camry’s, it appears to have small perforations in a painted panel, similar to the Crown SUV, for a more streamlined appearance.
Even the new headlights appear to sit in the same spots, with a familiar outline. This may be a trick of the camouflage of course, and Toyota is certain to update the LED running light signature. The bonnet creases also appear to be more pronounced.
It looks to have the same pinched metal detail on its lower third, just behind the B-pillar. The door handles and windscreen look very similar, too. The new RAV4’s wheel arches are more pronounced, but that may just be the camouflage.
Where you can detect the biggest difference in body shape is at the rear. The roofline plunges a little more readily, and the belt line kicks up at the rear quarter window, shrinking visual bulk.
The vehicle is pictured at a petrol station towing a trailer of some sort. This may be stress testing; it could also hint to Toyota boosting the RAV4’s braked towing capacity beyond the current 1500kg limit.
The new-gen RAV4 is mooted to get new powertrains announced at Toyota’s multi-pathway workshop earlier this year, likely a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder with hybrid boost making up to 200kW. A punchier 2.0-litre turbo could be on the cards, too.
Expect a larger battery and more efficient electric motor, helping lower fuel use compared to the current RAV4 AWD’s 4.8 litres per hundred kilometres figure from its 2.5-litre hybrid system.
Toyota USA has shown an interest in a hardcore off-road variant, too, claiming the RAV-X concept shown at SEMA is more than just a styling exercise.
Perhaps a sand-bashing Toyota Bronco Sport rival is just what the new RAV4 needs to stand out against rivals such as the Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Tucson.
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