Background car news

Toyota RAV4: a success number

More than 15,000,000 units of the Toyota RAV4 have been sold worldwide since its introduction in 1994, including 2.5 million units in Europe. As recently as 2024, the RAV4 celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Dimensions

The exterior dimensions of the new RAV4 are similar to those of the highly successful previous model. We are now talking about a length of 4,600 mm and a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. Because the roofline continues longer than that of the current model, more cargo space is created.

In the Netherlands only as a plug-in hybrid

The new generation Toyota RAV4 is available in the Netherlands exclusively as a plug-in hybrid. So people who prefer not to plug in will have to store elsewhere. A missed opportunity by Toyota? Let us know in the comments! The new RAV4 comes as a RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid 270 and as a RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid 300 AWD-i. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid 270 delivers a total power output of 200 kW (268 hp) versus 304 hp for the top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive version.

“If you look at CO2 emissions, the PHEV is a more logical choice,” said Guido Roozekrans, spokesman for Toyota Netherlands. Hybrid technology is available, but not in the Netherlands. Or you have to go get one from abroad. The Hybrid has 183 hp or 191 hp if you go for the AWD version.

Larger battery for RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

Both PHEVs have a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 22.7 kWh, good for an electric range of 100 km according to the WLTP test standard. Finely, the plug-ins have a 50 kW DC on-board charger. So you can fast charge with this PHEV. This allows the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes, depending on conditions. Charging at home or charging with standard public chargers is also faster thanks to a new 11 kW AC charger that is almost twice as fast as the previous version and fully charges the battery in just three hours.

Geofencing

The new plug-in hybrid RAV4 makes smarter use of its electric range with geofencing technology, which automatically optimizes EV driving to be ready for whatever the journey brings. By combining real-time road and traffic data from cloud navigation with insights from the driver’s usual routes and driving style, the system can automatically switch between hybrid and electric modes to optimize range. If the destination is in a low-emission zone (LEZ) or requires driving through an LEZ, geofencing ensures there is enough charge to drive fully in EV mode.  

Electric motor of Toyota RAV4

Toyota combines the new battery pack with an improved front electric motor that now delivers 150 kW, an increase of 16 kW. The version with AWD sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. This top-of-the-line version also has a braked towing capacity of up to 2,000 kilograms. For the front-wheel drive only version, we are talking about a braked towing weight of 800 kilograms. That’s quite a gap with the plug-in.

Power Control Unit

In addition to advances in performance and charging, the new generation of plug-in hybrid systems also contributes to improved driving dynamics via a lower center of gravity and greater body rigidity, thanks to the location of the battery under the floor. This has been achieved by incorporating the DC converter into the Power Control Unit (PCU), which has been downsized and integrated into the transaxle.

Arene: the new OS from Toyota

Well, what else does the new Toyota RAV4 have to offer? At least Toyota is introducing the new software development platform Arene in the RAV4. This is the first step toward fully software-defined vehicles that allow the creation and application of smart safety and entertainment features in a digital environment. Arene drives Toyota’s state-of-the-art safety technologies, which debut in the all-new RAV4, significantly improving safety and adding new advanced driving and parking assistance features. Toyota’s latest multimedia system also makes its global debut, offering enhanced connectivity, navigation and safety tools, all faster than ever before thanks to Arene.

Multimedia System

The new RAV4 also debuts Toyota’s latest multimedia system. The new multimedia system is faster, more compact and is part of the new digital ecosystem driven by Arene. The system is clear and uncluttered and has higher resolution for all graphics. It uses Google Points of Interest and real-time navigation details such as speed cameras and low-emission zone (LEZ) warnings to help drivers comply with traffic rules. The integration of the navigation map combined with the three-dimensional lane assist in the driver’s instrument cluster reduces potential distractions and makes directions easier to follow.

New home screen for RAV4

A new home screen gives drivers all relevant information at a glance. The intuitive, user-friendly design – with customizable shortcuts, a quick settings menu and various data privacy features – makes personalizing and navigating the in-car digital environment easier than ever. A responsive and precise voice assistant can help control navigation, media, in-car temperature and vehicle settings. With over-the-air updates, features are constantly being improved.

Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT

The all-new RAV4 also comes as a GR SPORT version. This version features a different grille, a modified front and rear bumper and special 20-inch alloy wheels. A 20 mm wider tread is combined with a high-performance damper design, strengthened rear suspension and special suspension and power steering tuning.

As GR SPORT, the RAV4 features console knee pads, aluminum brake and gas pedal pedals and a sport-inspired seat to enhance the sporty driving experience. The interior is predominantly black, with subtle GR logos and striking red accents on the steering wheel, knee pads and seats, among others. These are upholstered in a combination of synthetic leather and suede – a finish exclusive to the GR SPORT trim.

Toyota Safety Sense

Several driver assistance systems are also available in the RAV4, of course. Think collision prevention system with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, front and rear cross-traffic alert system, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, fatigue recognition, traffic sign recognition and more. Similarly, the RAV4 has a Panoramic View Monitor and over-the-air updates.

Toyota RAV4 available in early 2026

The all-new Toyota RAV4 is expected in the Netherlands in the first quarter of 2026. Closer to market launch, full technical details and prices will be announced.

Toyota RAV4 in a nutshell

Technic

• New high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrains with choice of front-wheel drive with 268 hp and AWD with 304 hp
• Latest, sixth-generation, plug-in hybrid technology
• 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with powerful electric motor(s)
• AWD-i version may tow up to 2,000 kilograms (+500 kg over current RAV4)
• Battery of 22.68 kWh, some 4.5 kWh more than the current RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
• EV range up to 100 km WLTP (preliminary figure), some 25 kilometers more than the current RAV4
• AC charging with 11 kW and DC charging with 50 kW
• Geofencing for low-emission zones
• Improved body stiffness
• Improved AWD capabilities

design

• Tough and modern design and, thanks to Hammerhead front, instantly recognizable as a new Toyota
• Looks more adventurous and robust and, as before, is truly a versatile and practical SUV
• Roofline extends longer than current model: more cargo space
• Exterior dimensions nearly identical to current RAV4: 4,600 millimeters long, wheelbase of 2,690 millimeters
• Unique design for GR SPORT variant, with different grille front and rear bumper and special 20-inch alloy wheels

Interior

• Spacious and uncluttered interior, with clear physical buttons
• First car with latest-generation Arene OS software platform for Toyota multimedia system: faster, more powerful and more features
• Lots of all-round visibility due to larger window area and larger rear window
• Lots of things standard: 2-zone Climate Control, seat heater, steering wheel heater, power driver’s seat
• GR SPORT gets unique sporty interior with different upholstery, steering wheel and aluminum pedals
• Standard 12.3-inch large digital instrument cluster
• Standard 12.9-inch large screen for multimedia system

Safety

• The first car with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0)
• TSS 4.0 can recognize more dangerous situations and react to them even faster
• Blind Spot Monitor standard, where more means of transportation and objects can be recognized