Upcoming Enhancements for Toyota RAV4 Amidst Anticipation of Next Generation

As anticipation builds for a next-generation Toyota RAV4, currently Australia’s best-selling non-ute vehicle continues to receive significant updates.

Toyota Australia recently announced the adoption of wireless Android Auto across new RAV4 models, enabling owners of both upcoming and recently acquired vehicles to connect their smartphones without the need for cumbersome cables.

While the RAV4 gained wireless Apple CarPlay in mid-2023, it’s notable that this feature was first made available abroad in 2022, alongside the integration of wireless Android Auto.

Currently, a myriad of new car deals can be accessed through CarExpert, presenting an opportunity for consumers to secure competitive offers.

In addition to enhanced tech features, the RAV4 has transitioned from the previous "Hybrid" nomenclature to "HEV" (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) badges. This change follows Toyota’s recent policy shift to phase out petrol-only versions of models equipped with hybrid technology, including the RAV4. Prior to this decision, hybrids made up more than 90 percent of RAV4 orders.

Toyota is also moving away from the blue accents previously used on hybrid badging, a strategic effort to blur the lines between hybrid and non-hybrid models.

Remarkably, these updates have been made without any adjustments to pricing.

Recently, a grainy image of the next-generation RAV4 surfaced, showcasing what appears to be a US-market version clad in heavy camouflage. Early reports suggest the new model will feature design elements inspired by Toyota’s latest offerings, including the ‘Hammer Head’ front styling seen in the latest Camry and Prius. Notably, subtle adjustments to the beltline differentiate it from the current iteration.

Despite these updates, the masked vehicle’s angular wheel arches and the creasing along the door bottoms are reminiscent of the existing RAV4, suggesting a substantial but not entirely new redesign.

The new Camry offers a glimpse into the updates we might expect for the RAV4, including enhanced hybrid technology. This system boasts a lighter transaxle and a more powerful electric motor, resulting in a total system power increase to 170 kW—an uplift of 10 kW. Moreover, Toyota claims an 11 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, alongside gains in performance and noise reduction.

The RAV4 is becoming increasingly pivotal for Toyota. Last year, it was the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and according to JATO Dynamics data, when combined with the Wildlander—a slightly modified version for the Chinese market—it emerged as the second best-selling vehicle worldwide, trailing only behind the Tesla Model Y.

In Australia, the RAV4 has recently eclipsed the HiLux in sales and is well-positioned to claim the title of the brand’s, if not the market’s, top seller in 2024.

MORE: Comprehensive Insights on the Toyota RAV4
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Source:www.carexpert.com.au