New Toyota RAV4 revealed: the world’s most popular SUV gets a major overhaul
May 21, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
It gets a more boxy look, an improved hybrid system and an all-new infotainment system.
- New Toyota RAV4 revealed
- The world’s most popular hybrid SUV gets a complete redesign
- More rugged-looking exterior
- Improved plug-in hybrid tech
- All-new interior
- On sale next year
This is the new Toyota RAV4, and it has some massive shoes to fill. The current model is the biggest-selling petrol-powered SUV on earth, only beaten by the Tesla Model Y, and it’s been given a thorough going over.
Just like the current RAV4, it’ll only be offered in the UK as a plug-in hybrid. There’s also a GR Sport version for the keen drivers out there, and the design is all-new as well.
New Toyota RAV4 design
The outgoing Toyota RAV4 was starting to look a little bit dated compared to cars like the Peugeot 3008 and Renault Austral, but this new one certainly has more personality.
Starting up front you’ll notice a much more rugged-looking design. It has an upright, body coloured grill and C-shaped headlights which look similar to the ones you’ll find on the bZ4X.
From the side you’ll notice that it’s much more boxy than before. The old RAV4 had a sporty, sloping roofline, but this one almost looks like a mini Land Cruiser. Go for the GR Sport version and you get black 20-inch alloys, a more aggressive-looking bodykit and mesh grilles up front.
Moving to the rear, there’s something about that taillight design which might remind you of the Nissan X-Trail. You also get RAV4 spelled out across the tailgate now.
New Toyota RAV4 engine and hybrid system
The Toyota RAV4 gets a totally new plug-in hybrid system with better range and charging speeds than the outgoing car, thanks in part to technology borrowed from its electric cars.
It has a 23kWh battery which will deliver a claimed 62 miles on electric power alone, up from 46 miles in the outgoing RAV4 plug-in hybrid. It’s still 13 miles shy of the MG HS though. Still, thanks to 50kW DC charging you can go from 10-80% in just 30 minutes, or three hours from an 11kW home wallbox.
The plug-in hybrid system uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired to an electric motor, and there are two power outputs to choose from. The all-wheel drive model has 304hp, and there’s also a front-wheel drive model with 270hp.
There’s also a self-charging hybrid RAV4. You won’t be able to cover significant distances without the engine, but it’ll shuffle along in traffic using only electric power. You can have it either with all-wheel drive and 191hp or front-wheel drive with 183hp, unless you live in the UK, because we’re only getting the plug-in hybrid. For now at least.
For the keen drivers among you there’s a GR Sport version of the new RAV4, which gets a 20mm wider track than the standard car (that’s the distance between the rear wheels) to make it more stable through the corners.
It also has additional bracing, tuned suspension and lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels – it’s a pretty comprehensive upgrade for a family SUV.
New Toyota RAV4 interior and infotainment
The interior has been given a similarly dramatic overhaul to the exterior, because the latest RAV4 has an all-new dashboard design.
Sat at the heart of this cabin is a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complimented by a 12.3-inch digital drivers display. These both get over the air updates, a first for Toyota, which can continuously improve your software without the need to visit a dealer.
The rest of the interior has a pretty rugged-looking design, with plenty of straight lines and boxy elements. Go for the GR Sport version and you also get bucket seats with plenty of red accents.
How much is the new Toyota RAV4?
The new Toyota RAV4 will go on sale next year, possibly in the spring. It’s a bit early to put a price on this car just yet, but you can expect it to fetch a premium over the current one.
As it stands the RAV4 starts from around £44,000 in the UK, so expect a figure of around £50,000 for this all-new version.
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