Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) unveiled its new RAV4 to the world on 21 May 2025, with plans to launch the model in Japan before the end of FY2025.
The RAV4 originated in 1994 as a pioneer of the crossover SUV genre, evolving through five generations to meet modern lifestyles. The fifth-generation, launched in 2019, was designed on the concept of a “Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4 Wheel Drive,” employing the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) for enhanced driving performance.
The sixth-generation RAV4 embraces the “Life is an Adventure” ethos, further improving the unique driving experience with a new hybrid system for better acceleration. With advanced functionality and the Arene software platform, Toyota aims to enhance safety and enrich the mobility experience. The new RAV4 will be available in over 180 countries and regions worldwide.
The details of the new RAV4 are as follows.
- Powertrain
- Design
- Three styles
- Intelligent technologies
Vehicle details
1. A car that feels like it can go anywhere thanks to a powertrain that leads the way in electrification
The new RAV4 is available in PHEV and HEV models. The PHEV models include a new Plug-in Hybrid System that features a high-capacity battery and a powerful charger, both compatible with Toyota’s sixth-generation hybrid system.
PHEV
- Improved BEV cruising rangeThe front axle employs silicon carbide power semiconductors to reduce size and improve efficiency.
In addition to improved fuel economy achieved by reducing power loss, the drive transmission system offers a BEV cruising range of 150 km*1, increased from the previous 95 km, thanks to a higher capacity battery. - Unique RAV4 off-road driving performanceA combination of the latest hybrid and electronic braking systems aims to deliver customer satisfaction because it is an electrified vehicle, not despite being one.
With 12% higher motor output, the new RAV4 delivers unique off-road performance for a more exciting drive. - Improved performance as a power supplyThe new RAV4 offers improved convenience with vehicle-to-home (V2H*2) support to supply electricity in a range of living scenarios.
It also comes with an added DC rapid charging system that charges the battery to 80% of capacity in around 30 minutes*3.
*1 Development target
*2 A system that enables the car’s battery to be used as a power source for the home.
*3 Internal measurement values. Charging time when using fast charging of 50 kW (maximum 125 A) or more.
Actual charging time may vary depending on factors such as the remaining capacity and temperature of the drive battery, as well as the outside temperature.
HEV
Improved motor performance comes from upgrades to the transaxle, power control unit, battery, and other parts.
The new RAV4 offers smooth acceleration, better agility when starting, and quick response for direct driving.
2. A design that embodies the feeling of “RAV4-ness”
Exterior design
The new RAV4 design focuses on three key elements: (1) “Big Foot” with large tires, (2) “Lift-up” for great off-road ability, and (3) “Utility” for convenient cargo space. Together, these elements capture the unique character of the RAV4, making it feel ready for any adventure.
Interior design
An interior design based on SUV functionality creates spaces for ease-of-use and an entertainment experience.
Specific value proposition
- Outstanding visibility and easy driving achieved by lowering the top surface of the instrument panel by approximately 40 mm.
- Evolved and optimally located digital devices with extensive connectivity for smartphones.
- Improved ease-of-use through storage spaces and other functionality with a modern and simple design.
- Interior concept
- Island architecture
Island architecture groups functions like displays and controls together, resembling islands. It features a horizontal instrument panel that helps maintain balance in an SUV. This design enhances usability by arranging the navigation system, meters, and other elements to minimize eye movement and by placing controls within easy reach.
- Island architecture
- Various tools designed to enhance usability and quality
- Console
The console’s design enhances usability with the thoughtful placement of fast-charging smartphone pads and USB ports. It also comes with a reversible console box that can normally be used as an armrest but can serve as a tray when flipped over. - Gearshift panel
The gearshift panel brings together the gearshift lever, electric parking brake (EPB), and brake hold switch in a way that minimizes operations and eye movement while driving. By adopting shift-by-wire technology, the design achieves a simple and clean design, while the piano black finish adds a touch of elegance. - Luggage
While the vehicle size remains the same, the trunk capacity has been expanded from the previous 733L to 749L. By making the rear seatbacks even flatter when folded, the ease of storage for longer items has also been improved.
- Console
Three styles that satisfy the diverse needs of customers
Core: featuring a refined design that stands out in urban settings
- Expressing toughness through a hammerhead design with a powerful, solid form.
- 3D expression of advanced technology and strength through an integrated bumper and grille.
ADVENTURE: Emphasizing ruggedness that arouses a taste for further adventure
- An expression of SUV-like strength through widened tread, special wheel arch moldings, and a large, relatively tall grille that stands out despite its simple form.
- An off-road feel is emphasized by raising the hammerhead nose peak.
RAV4 ADVENTURE (Prototype)
GR SPORT: Expressing functionality together with the fun-to-drive character of the model
The GR SPORT leverages knowledge acquired through motorsports to create a design focused on functional beauty, with enhanced suspension tuning and body rigidity. The result is a sporty model that can be driven with confidence on a wide range of roads, from urban settings to the highway and winding country roads, while also delivering pure driving enjoyment.
- Adopting Evolved Functional MATRIX Grille*4Â for the front design.
- Adopting front and rear spoilers and a wheel design that improve aerodynamic performance and handling stability.
- Achieving excellent handling stability through adoption of a wider tread (+20 mm), exclusively tuned suspension and electric power steering (EPS), and lightweight aluminum wheels, etc.
*4 Adopts a shared GR grille design with a hexagonal mesh pattern inspired by the letter “G.”
A car that feels like it can do anything thanks to intelligent technologies
The new RAV4 features the Arene software development platform for the first time at Toyota, enhancing its shift towards software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Toyota envisions SDVs providing not just entertainment and convenience, but also a safe future with zero traffic accidents. Arene has introduced two leading functions that enhance mobility and car enjoyment.
New-generation multimedia system used for the first time by Toyota
The new-generation multimedia system comes with a customizable home screen for improved operation tailored to each individual. It also includes faster and more accurate voice recognition for more comfortable interactions.
Latest Toyota Safety Sense package
Toyota Safety Sense offers advanced functionality with improvements and additions to enable more enjoyable driving with peace of mind.
Improved functions (example)
- Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS)
- In the event that a driver becomes incapacitated due to sudden illness or other reasons while driving, the system automatically slows down and stops the vehicle. By using sensor information to identify a safe place on the road shoulder to pull over, the system has been improved to slow down and guide the vehicle to that safe area.*5
*5 This applies when driving in the first lane on a highway or a road designated for automobiles.
Additional functions (example)
- Sudden acceleration suppression
- The sudden acceleration suppression system limits acceleration if it detects too much or accidental input on the accelerator, regardless of obstacles. Plus Support, which was previously a dealer option, is now improved and included as standard in Toyota Safety Sense.
In the future, Toyota will use Arene to make development more efficient and quickly improve safety technologies with software updates.