When Toyota first lifted the curtain on the RAV4 back in 1994, it was a curious cocktail of part SUV, part hatchback.
Fast forward to today, and that cocktail’s been stirred, shaken, and now garnished with digital wizardry and electrified punch. Enter the sixth-generation RAV4, a heady mix of rugged charisma and family-friendly practicality.
The new RAV4 retains the purposeful, athletic stance we’ve come to love, but with a dose of visual muscle that hints at its newfound cleverness.
A bold new grille, chiselled lines, and a redesigned logo treatment let everyone know this isn’t your neighbour’s grocery-getter anymore.
Inside, it’s equal parts family cruiser and digital command centre. Drivers get a more intuitive cockpit, while passengers enjoy more space, better comfort, and premium finishes that give this SUV a sense of class that stretches beyond its price tag (we hope).
Beneath the skin, Toyota’s new Arene software platform enables everything from next-gen safety systems to smarter multimedia, and even remote-controlled parking.
Arene is scalable too. Future features can be added over the air, meaning your RAV4 could literally be more advanced a year after you buy it.
Toyota is doubling down on its multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality. That means almost every new RAV4 comes either as a plug-in hybrid or a full hybrid. No petrol-only variants.
The new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version isparticularly interesting. With a 22.7 kWh battery, it boasts an all-electric range of up to 100 km (WLTP), more than enough for the average daily drive. It charges quickly too, with DC fast-charging topping up 80% in just 30 minutes, or a full charge at home in under three hours.
The AWD-i version punches out 304hp, sending the RAV4 from 0-100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. Not bad for a car you can take camping with the kids.
For those wanting something simpler, the full hybrid variants offer Toyota’s latest tech updates with better efficiency, smoother response, and up to 191hp of total system power.
Thanks to geo-fencing, the RAV4 can switch between electric and hybrid drive modes based on where you’re headed. Going through a Low Emission Zone? The RAV4 will preserve battery to get you there in silent, emissions-free grace.
Of course, no Toyota line-up would be complete without a little GAZOO Racing magic. The RAV4 GR SPORT is the suit-and-sneakers version of the SUV, dressed to thrill with a widened track, retuned dampers, performance steering, and slick 20-inch twin-spoke alloys.
Inside, GR logos, aluminium pedals, and sporty seats trimmed in suede and synthetic leather remind you that practicality doesn’t mean boring.
Overall, I think the best piece of news we’ve received is that, thankfully, the new Toyota RAV4 will not be exclusively electric. And if these images are anything to go by, it would be quite the car once it arrives.
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