Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) unveiled its new RAV4 on May 21. The model will be launched in Japan before the end of the fiscal year 2025. It’s the sixth generation of a car that debuted in 1993 and has sold 15 million units worldwide, 2.5 million of which were sold in Europe.
“Under the concept ‘Life is an Adventure’, this sixth-generation RAV4 seeks to become a vehicle that allows any driver to enjoy an active lifestyle. The unique driving experience of the RAV4, which was further improved in the 5th generation, has been advanced with a newly developed hybrid system that enhances acceleration,” says the press release.
“The result is an evolved RAV4 that feels like it can go anywhere and do anything, with functionality and cutting-edge intelligent technology focused on ease-of-use for the driver. The key to advancing vehicle intelligence is Arene, Toyota’s first software development platform. By utilizing Arene, Toyota aims to achieve a greater level of safety and peace of mind and enrich the mobility experience to make the new RAV4 a companion that fits seamlessly into various lifestyles, whether in urban living or outdoor adventures,” Toyota continues.
Optimized powertrains
The new RAV4 is available in PHEV and HEV models. The PHEV models feature a newly developed Plug-in Hybrid System that combines a high-capacity drive battery and high-output charger compatible with Toyota’s latest sixth-generation hybrid system, making its first use of the system. In Europe, RAV4 will only be available as a PHEV.
The new PHEV now has a 22.7 kWh battery pack, providing 100 km (WLTP combined) of pure electric driving. Apart from the new 11 kW onboard AC charger, the new RAV4 can now also fast-charge (DC charging) up to 50 kW, providing a battery upload from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The new battery pack is combined with a more powerful front motor (150 kW) for better acceleration, resulting in a total power output of this all-wheel-drive vehicle of 224 kW /304 hp. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph now takes 5.8 seconds. The battery has been repositioned to achieve a lower center of gravity and better driving characteristics. A GR Sport version is now also available, providing a more sporty feeling and look.
A FWD version of the plug-in hybrid is also a newcomer. This RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid 270 has a front motor delivering 197 kW/268 hp to the front wheels.
Safety and comfort of use
The software platform Arene enables new safety technologies as a software-defined vehicle. The new generation of Toyota Safety Sense gets over-the-air (OTA) updates to remain as up-to-date as possible.
A new multimedia system is also debuting on the RAV4, as part of the Arene digital ecosystem. The driver has a 12.3-inch combi meter in front of him, and the central screen has been newly conceived for European customers. It wants to be more intuitive and user-friendly with adaptable shortcuts and a clear menu structure.
When the new RA4 will arrive in Europe hasn’t been revealed yet.
