New Toyota RAV4, the debut: everything you need to know

Toyota launches the RAV4. And it is a breakthrough that was not expected. Toyota's suv debuted in 1994 as a two-door only B-suv and then went on to larger dimensions in the next four generations up to the extra-large of the current one. Today, however, the new RAV4, the fifth generation of which will go on sale at the beginning of 2026 or a little later, revolutionises the look while maintaining similar dimensions to the previous model with a more imposing front end, a much more elegant side silhouette and a new logo at the rear, all details that change the SUV's aesthetic connotations and raise its level compared to its competitors.

A package of innovations also made possible by the new Arene software development platform introduced by Toyota, which is to be considered the first step towards fully software-defined vehicles, paving the way for an evolved digital ecosystem in terms of advanced safety and even entertainment functions. In addition to the safety solutions already introduced by the brand, it adds those of the new RAV4 such as smartphone parking. It also debuts a multimedia system with faster connectivity and navigation as well as improved performance.

Inside, the cabin has been completely redesigned, the feeling is of more space available on board as well as a higher rate of hitech solutions. Debuting, for example, is the new next-generation multimedia system that, again thanks to the new connectivity platform, offers navigation and safety tools that are faster as well as more powerful than ever. Starring Google and the integration of navigation in the 12.3-inch instrument panel that makes maps and road news easier to follow. And the customisation rate has also been raised, which is much more manageable.

The more intuitive design of the on-board functionality, then, makes customisation and navigation much easier to manage, among other things enhanced by the voice assistant capable of rendering both navigation and media, as well as interior temperature and vehicle control. The system will, of course, be upgradeable in over-the-air mode to make timely use of all the improvements in the various functionalities. And again, thanks to the MyToyota app, it will be possible to personalise the new Smart Digital Key+, the voice agent, a driving recorder and music streaming.

On the other hand, the new RAV4 confirms a hybrid DNA that does not currently include a battery solution. It does, however, offer a dual variant, the more practical full hybrid and the more sophisticated plug-in hybrid, which now has a range of up to 100 km thanks to a 30% greater battery that can be recharged from 10 to 80% in thirty minutes. For the first time, the plug-in hybrid version offers a front-wheel drive variant with a power output of 286 hp and 304 hp for the all-wheel drive, while the full hybrid variant increases power to 183 hp for the front-wheel drive version and up to 191 hp for the four-wheel drive.