A new-generation Toyota RAV4 is reportedly just around the corner, but Australia’s best-selling vehicle that isn’t a ute continues to be given upgrades.
According to Toyota Australia’s website, the RAV4 recently scored wireless Android Auto, with owners of future and recently-delivered examples no longer having to plug their smartphones in to mirror its screen.
The RAV4 didn’t gain wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity in Australia until mid-2023, though the upgrade which brought the function was announced overseas in 2022, and included wireless Android Auto.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
In addition to the minor cabin tech change, the RAV4 now sports ‘HEV’ (for Hybrid Electric Vehicle) badges rather than the ‘Hybrid’ lettering which has featured on corresponding models since the powertrain technology first launched in 2019.
Earlier this year, Toyota announced it would cease selling petrol-only versions of models which had a hybrid powertrain available, which included the RAV4. Prior to this decision, hybrids accounted for more than 90 per cent of RAV4 orders.
Toyota has also moved away from the blue accents on the badges of its hybrid models, again to end the differentiation between those with and without the fuel-saving technology.
It appears there have been no price changes to coincide with the equipment tweaks.
As reported earlier this month, a single image of the next-generation RAV4 was reshared by Coche Spias, appearing to show a US-market model in heavy camouflage.
The new RAV4 is expected to wear design cues from Toyota’s latest models, adopting the same ‘Hammer Head’ front styling of Toyotas like the latest Camry and Prius, while the belt line appears to have been tweaked compared to the current SUV.
However, the camouflaged vehicle’s angular wheel arches and the creasing at the bottom of the doors closely resemble those of the existing RAV4, suggesting it could be a heavy update of the current model rather than a ground-up redesign.
This was also the case for the new Camry, though under the skin it also gained Toyota’s latest technology.
This could mean adopting the new Camry’s upgraded hybrid system, which features a lighter and more compact transaxle than before, as well as a more powerful electric motor.
The new Camry’s design is expected to be adopted by the RAV4
Total system power for the 2.5-litre hybrid four-cylinder powertrain was increased by 10kW to 170kW, with Toyota claiming an 11 per cent reduction in fuel consumption plus improvements in both performance and noise suppression.
The RAV4 is a crucial vehicle for Toyota.
Last year, it was Toyota’s best-selling vehicle in the US, and JATO Dynamics data said that combined with the Wildlander – a lightly restyled version for the Chinese market – it was the world’s second-best selling vehicle behind only the Tesla Model Y.
This year, it has overtaken the HiLux in Australia and could be the brand’s best seller – if not the market’s overall – in 2024.
MORE: Everything Toyota RAV4
MORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4: Is this the next generation of Australia’s most popular SUV?
