Toyota Japan has revealed an updated RAV4 with new cabin displays and more driver-assist functions – which we expect will apply to Australian-market models soon.
Toyota Australia said back in April that it would launch a revised RAV4 in the second half of 2022 with new multimedia and driver assist features, and that’s precisely what’s detailed here.
The Japan-market updates follow those detailed for Europe earlier in the year.
Japanese RAV4’s new displays 
Outgoing Australian RAV4
The top-selling medium SUV gets a new 10.5-inch touchscreen display with connected navigation, USB-C plugs, and WiFi hotspot function, running the company’s new ‘T-Connect’ software.
A new touchscreen unit is a much-needed addition to the RAV4 range, with the current 8.0-inch display feeling quite dated against the competition.
There’s also a new higher resolution 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster with lookalike analogue gauges and various menus to scroll through.
European RAV4’s new instruments 
Outgoing Australian RAV4
The Toyota Japan release also mentions the addition of Lexus’ latest ‘nanoe X’ air purifier system, and a digital rear-view mirror with drive recorder.
Finally, a few new ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ driver-assist aids will be added, including pre-collision safety that detects oncoming vehicles when turning right at intersections, and pedestrians crossing the road when turning – often called Junction AEB.
We also expect to see some new colours, and potentially two-tone options.
Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said earlier this year that the impending upgrades to the RAV4 would boost its appeal – hard to do considering the wait times on RAV4 Hybrids goes well beyond one year.
“Toyota is always keen to provide the latest safety, connectivity and multimedia technologies that customers want and as soon as they are available for our market, we make them available for our customers,” Mr Hanley said.
“This latest round of upgrades for the RAV4 will make what is already the most popular medium SUV even more appealing.
MORE: 2023 Toyota Corolla – Japan updates detailed, Australia’s come soon
“Toyota will continue to keep our customers updated on upgrades and future models and we encourage our customers to speak with their preferred Toyota Dealer about these upgrades,” he said.
Various upgraded features will be applied to “certain models and grades” within the 2WD and AWD RAV4 range and pricing changes – increases, let’s be honest – will be confirmed closer to their introduction.
The Toyota RAV4 updates are expected to arrive around the same time as the MY23 Corolla updates detailed here.
MORE: Everything Toyota RAV4
MORE: Toyota dealers warn of multi-year wait times on key models
