Toyota launches new RAV4 SUV

The all-new sixth gen Toyota RAV4 hybrid SUV has been launched in Japan and will be offered in three distinct grades: Z, Adventure, and GR Sport, with the latter scheduled for release by March 2026 latest.

Its exterior has been designed based on three key elements: Big Foot, emphasing large-diametre tyres; Lift-up, evoking nimble off-road performance; and Utility, ensuring an easy-to-use cargo space capable of handling anything.

The sixth gen RAV4 has been developed around the keywords Diversification, Electrification, and Intelligence

Inside, the RAV4 adopts an island architecture in which various functions such as displays and shifts are grouped together and arranged like islands. In addition to a horizontal instrument panel that makes the vehicle's SUV-like sense of balance easy to grasp, this architecture offers improved usability by arranging the navigation system, metres, and other elements to minimises eye movement, and the air conditioning vents are positioned to be instantly reachable.

The SUV also features several advanced equipment (a first for Toyota). These include an angled colour heads up display offering three display modes: Full, Standard, and Minimum, that allows drivers to adjust the information volume to their preference. A one-direction shift-operation system integrates the gearshift lever, electric parking brake, and brake hold switch into a functional cluster that minuses driver operations and eye movement while driving.

The RAV4 adopts an island architecture in which various functions such as displays and shifts are grouped together and arranged like islands

The advanced Toyota Safety Sense and critical UI software, such as the cockpit, utilise the Arene platform that is expected to enable simultaneous updates of multiple functions as well as customisation tailored to each individual customer in the future.

In addition, a 12.9-inch central display with a large touch panel comes standard on all models and will offer enhanced, rich graphics and customisable views tailored to the user's preferences, enabling more intuitive operation. And with response speeds approximately three times faster than before, the system responds within about one second after the user speaks, enabling more comfortable operation of the navigation and air conditioning even while driving.

Toyota has said that the RAV4 will continue leveraging its Arene platform to develop various functions and services to reflect the diverse needs of each region

While the vehicle size remains the same, the sixth gen RAV4's boot space has been increased to 749 litres (up by 16 litres from its predecessor). Underneath its bonnet, a 2.5-litre, inline four-cylinder engine combines with an electric motor to deliver a maximum system output of 177kW (237bhp).

Toyota has also said that a PHEV model of the RAV4 is scheduled to launch within FY2026.