After two rounds of teasers, Toyota has revealed the all-new 6th-generation RAV4 SUV: the first major change since the current model was released in 2018 (launched in New Zealand 2019).
RAV4 is the big one for Toyota NZ: a consistently popular model and year-to-date, the top-selling new vehicle of any kind in NZ, despite its 6 years in the market. And it's won our Car of the Year People's Choice prize so often, it's getting boring.
The 6th-generation RAV4 gets a full exterior and interior redesign, improved hybrid electric-petrol powertrain, upgraded safety technology and new multimedia.
The model range has diversified: as with its other new-gen SUVs like the Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota has aimed to give each version of the RAV4 a distinct visual and dynamic character.
The mainstream model wears styling cues that align it more with Toyota's angular EVs and even some Lexus product (note the deep body-colour grille).
The Adventure is now much more differentiated, with unique frontal styling, larger wheels and chunkier body addenda. Toyota has promised the new model will have improved rough-road ability compared to the outgoing version.
And yes, there is now a RAV4 GR Sport, with yet another different look. This is not a full GR model in the vein of the GR Yaris or GR Corolla, but Toyota says it spent 70,000 hours developing the new RAV4 flagship, which is slightly lower and wider than the mainstream models.
The RAV4 GR Sport has a wider track, retuned suspension and lightweight wheels.
Neither Toyota globally or Toyota NZ have shared much specific technical detail at this stage, beyond saying the RAV4 powertrains are... better. But expect a development of the existing 2.5-litre hybrid configuration, and we'd be surprised if it doesn't move to lithium-ion battery technology (the current model is one of the few Toyotas to still have old-school Nickel-Metal Hydride). The electric motor's power has increased by 12%.
Toyota NZ has confirmed we'll still see the RAV4 in both 2WD and AWD versions. And yes, NZ is a starter for the GR Sport - which will also mark the introduction of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for the Kiwi lineup, a first.
The technology has been available for some time in other markets, and RAV4 PHEV models have appeared here as used imports. But the 6th-generation model has been substantially upgraded to the point where Toyota boldly claims it's the most efficient PHEV powertrain in the world, with up to 150km EV range.
At the launch of the new model, Toyota chief branding officer and head of design Simon Humphries revealed that the top GR Sport PHEV would boast up to "320hp" (239kW). Total claimed range for petrol and electric combined is 1350km.
The PHEV will have DC fast charging, which should allow a charge to 80% in half an hour. It will also offer vehicle-to-load charging (meaning you can power external devices with the car).
Exterior size has remained roughly the same, but cargo capacity has been increased from 733 to 749 litres. Toyota also claims improved visibility for the drive thanks to a 40mm-lower dashboard.
The new RAV4 is due in NZ in the first half of 2026.
“From its inception in 1994, the RAV4 has been an outstanding expression of a crossover SUV, bred for both city and country use," says Tatsuya Ishikawa, chief executive officer of Toyota NZ. Since then, through five generations, the RAV4 has evolved into an important model loved in 180 countries and regions, responding to various lifestyles that have changed with the times.
“With the RAV4 we aim to offer a companion that fits all lifestyles, whether in urban living or outdoor adventures."
