New year, new ride: next-gen Toyota RAV4

The current version of the Toyota RAV4 in the Philippine market has been around for quite some time now. Its initial global launch was back in 2018, while its local introduction was in 2019. The latter took place six years ago. 

With that said, the locally-available Toyota RAV4 is due for a full model change or at least a heavy update. Toyota, of course, is well aware of this; as such, it launched the all-new, sixth-generation model in Japan back in May 2025. 

For now, however, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has yet to announce if it will bring in the all-new Toyota RAV4. Then again, a handful of reports (and wishful thinking) indicate that it may be arriving on local shores this year. It even made it to Zigwheels Philippines’ list of cars we want to see in the local scene for 2026. 

So, what can be expected from the all-new, sixth-generation Toyota RAV? Let’s check out its Japan-spec version to find out. 

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Next-gen Toyota RAV4: specs

Key to the all-new Toyota RAV4 is an improved hybrid engine with a beefier engine output. Specifically, it saw upgrades for its power control unit, battery, transaxle, and many other components. 

In its most powerful form, the hybrid crossover can produce up to 319 horsepower out of its 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid engine. On the new Gazoo Racing (GR) Sport variant, the said mill was likewise paired with a wider tread for improved handling, as well as tuned suspension and electronic power steering systems. 

Depending on the variant, the sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 has a combined range of 1,350 kilometers (km). It also has an electronic-only range of 150 km. And yes, the GR Sport trim is available as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). 

Notably, the model utilizes an electronically-continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), with some trims equipped with the E-Four all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Versions with the said component have a variety of terrain modes, such as snow and trail. 

Interestingly, the next-gen Toyota RAV4 is still built on the TNGA-K platform. It also has the following measurements:

Length (in millimeters)	4,565-4,620
Width (in mm)	1,854-1,855
Height (in mm)	1,680-1,702
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,690
Ground clearance (in mm)	191 (GR Sport trim)

Styling cues for the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 will largely depend on its variant. In the Land of the Rising Sun, it is available as the Z, Adventure, and GR Sport. 

The Z is the base model, which gets the basic styling kit paired with the new model’s shark-looking front fascia and a very angular-looking side section. 

As the name suggests, the Adventure features a more rugged look, courtesy of its beefier front and rear bumpers and its higher “nose peak,” which has a straighter cut than the other two trims. 

The GR Sport, meanwhile, retains the sharpness of the core model but is enhanced with aggressive design cues. It has wider wheel arches, a set of 20-inch lightweight wheels wrapped in Dunlop tires, red brake calipers, a larger roof-mounted spoiler, and plenty of gloss-black accents. 

Similar to its locally available predecessor, the next-gen Toyota RAV4 has a five-seater layout. The Japanese brand, however, claims that it boasts more legroom and headroom. Plus, it has a default cargo space of 749 liters. 

For its on-board screens, the next-gen crossover features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a central display up to 12.9 inches. The said screen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Likewise present are USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a heads-up display. 

Other notable features of the Japan-spec sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Panoramic sunroof
• GR-badged leather steering wheel (GR Sport)
• Brin Naub suede-accented seats (GR Sport)
• Ventilated/heated seats
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Digital rearview mirror

Safety-wise, the Toyota RAV4 currently sold in Japan comes with features like a drive recorder, a panoramic view monitor, driver warning functionality, radar cruise control, obstacle recognition, pre-collision safety, advanced park assist, and front cross-traffic alert - among others. 

Final thoughts

The next-generation Toyota RAV4 ticks a lot of boxes overall. It has a beefier hybrid powertrain, more safety gear, and an abundant amount of creature comforts. Styling for the vehicle, particularly on the GR Sport variant, may also appeal to many who like their daily drivers to look aggressive or sporty. 

As mentioned above, however, TMP has yet to say if it’ll bring in the next-gen RAV4. Do remember, though, that the current one we have now is going up in age, so it’ll only be a matter of time before the tech-heavy sixth-gen version comes in. So, let’s wait for more updates from Toyota’s local arm. 

Also read:

New year, new ride: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

New year, new ride: next-gen Toyota Hilux

Zigwheels PH most viewed for 2025: Toyota Fortuner

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