Toyota Motor has launched its all-new RAV4 SUV in Japan, which the automaker says is designed to match diverse lifestyles through enhanced “diversification, electrification, and intelligence.”
Toyota said the 6th-generation RAV4 comes in three distinct styles, including the “sophisticatedly styled” Z variant, the Adventure model designed for off-road driving, and the GR Sport performance model, which is scheduled to be released by the end of March 2026, or the end of the 2025 fiscal year (FY25).
The new RAV4 line-up is initially available with the company’s Series Parallel Hybrid System (HEV) powertrain, while models featuring the newly developed plug-in hybrid system (PHEV), which the company says delivers the “seamless acceleration and powerful performance unique to electrified vehicles,” are scheduled to be released by the end of FY25.
The HEV system features a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, with a power output of up to 177 kW (240 hp), an electric continuously variable transmission, and the company’s E-Four driveline which controls front/rear driving force distribution between 100:0 and 20:80, providing “high levels of acceleration from start and cornering stability.”
The new RAV4 was developed using the ‘Arene’ software development platform for the first time, which helped shorten the development cycle by enabling key software to be installed more quickly, including the Toyota Safety Sense advanced safety and security user interface (UI) software, and cockpit systems featuring enhanced voice recognition. The company said that “moving forward, we aim for further evolution, including enabling simultaneous updates of multiple functions.”
An initial monthly production of 3,000 units has been scheduled for the HEV models, split between the Takaoka and Nagakusa plants. The Z variant in Japan is priced at JPY 4,900,000 (US$ 31,430), including taxes, while the Adventure model costs JPY 4,500,000 (US$ 28,865).
