Next-Generation Toyota RAV4 Teased, Revealing High-Tech Interior

The current generation of the Toyota RAV4 has been in the market for about six years now, which means that it’s time to give Toyota’s ever-popular crossover SUV a major update. Thankfully, you won’t have to wait any longer for it to be revealed, because the next-generation Toyota RAV4 is set to make its global debut on May 21.

In 2024, the Toyota RAV4 was the third best-selling car in the world, with demand largely driven by North America. In fact, the RAV4 dethroned the Ford F-150 pickup in 2023, which was America’s best-selling vehicle for more than 40 years. To say that the RAV4 is an important vehicle for Toyota is an understatement. No pressure, then.

But what do we know so far about the next-generation Toyota RAV4? Well, details are scarce at the moment, but rumors suggest that it won’t be a complete redesign in the traditional sense. That’s because, just like the new-generation Camry, the RAV4 will still utilize the current TNGA-K platform, but with major improvements. Yes, the new Camry may look drastically different from before, but there are design hints, particularly with its A-pillars, that suggest that it’s still using the previous Camry’s platform.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing in our book, since there’s a huge leap in terms of interior feel and tech for the new Camry. If the next-generation Toyota RAV4 follows suit, then we also expect big changes, and then some. The teaser photos showcasing the new RAV4 from a top-down view, which came from Toyota Motor North America, reveal little to no details about its design. Thankfully, however, Toyota’s European division had something much more revealing, showcasing what its interior will be like.

Dominating the dash is a pair of freestanding displays–one as the driver’s display and the other being the main infotainment system. The software running these two screens also seems to be an improvement over what’s being offered in the new Camry, so it’s interesting what kind of software features Toyota is set to introduce in the new RAV4. Toyota also revealed a teaser shot of what looks like an electronic gear lever, as well as its front seats.

If the rumors are indeed true, then we can expect the next-generation Toyota RAV4 to utilize a purely hybrid setup, just like in the Camry. Well, at least in the North American market. With the Camry and RAV4 utilizing the same TNGA-K platform, it’s safe to expect that the new RAV4 will get Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system (THS V), consisting of a lithium-ion battery and stronger electric motors. In the Camry, this 2.5-liter engine and two electric motors produce 225 horsepower, up from 211 from the outgoing model. Adding AWD traction boosts the Camry’s power output to 232 horsepower, and in North America, the RAV4 Hybrid is being offered solely with AWD.