[UPDATE] Toyota Europe provides us a glimpse of the inside with new teaser photographs.
Changing a vastly profitable product isn’t simple. Toyota offered 475,193 RAV4s in america final 12 months, securing the highest spot properly forward of the Camry and Corolla sedans. Regardless of its age, the compact crossover noticed a 9.3 p.c enhance in gross sales in comparison with the 12 months prior. It was the best-selling SUV in America for the eighth consecutive 12 months, so Toyota has to tread fastidiously when introducing a successor.
Though Toyota does not explicitly say that is the next-generation RAV4, teaser photographs seem to match a prototype noticed earlier this 12 months. A camouflaged take a look at car was seen in Detroit on the finish of January, that includes what appeared just like the manufacturing physique and closing lights. Having every little thing in place is usually an indication that an official debut is inching nearer. That reveal date is now confirmed for Could 20. Extra previews may arrive earlier than the total unveiling.
Photograph by: Toyota
Aerial pictures within the teaser spotlight the RAV4’s versatility, exhibiting it in a winter panorama, on a winding highway, and presumably performing school-run duties in a suburban neighborhood. Toyota says its bestseller is prepared for “city streets to outside retreats,” although the mannequin’s title isn’t talked about.
The sooner RAV4 spy pictures hinted at a barely bigger car with a extra upright silhouette, probably providing extra headroom and cargo capability. The design appeared to function cleaner strains and a flatter profile, although the camouflage may have distorted some particulars. The prototype confirmed a bigger quarter window and what appeared like C-shaped headlights to echo Toyota’s newest design language.
Toyota is reportedly protecting RAV4 manufacturing in america to keep away from the Trump-era tariffs. Whereas the unique plan concerned importing the mannequin from Canada and Japan, Reuters suggests manufacturing could proceed at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK). If that’s the case, output of the next-gen mannequin wouldn’t start there till 2027.
Photograph by: Toyota
Nevertheless, with the official debut set for subsequent week, the redesigned RAV4 may arrive within the U.S. as early because the 2026 mannequin 12 months. When Motor1 requested Toyota about manufacturing plans, a spokesperson declined to remark. We should always know the place the U.S.-bound autos will come from when the brand new mannequin is revealed per week from tomorrow.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variations are a given, however it stays to be seen whether or not Toyota will drop the bottom gas-only variant within the U.S. In that case, count on a better entry value. The bottom 2025 RAV4 Hybrid presently begins at $33,695, round $3,000 greater than the ICE mannequin.
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Supply: KGP Pictures
The RAV4 may not be essentially the most thrilling automotive in Toyota’s lineup, however its large success helps bankroll enjoyable tasks just like the GR86 and GR Corolla. With out well-liked SUVs like this, Toyota wouldn’t be capable to tease followers with the attainable return of the Celica or promise to maintain the Supra title alive past the present BMW-esque technology. For that alone, fans have good motive to understand the RAV4’s reputation.
