The Toyota RAV4 didn’t just help define the modern SUV segment—it’s also one of the best-selling vehicles in key markets like the United States. Now, the RAV4 is stepping into its sixth generation with a significant update. Those looking to buy a used RAV4 may start monitoring prices in the used car market, as previous SUV generations start losing their value.
The Indiana used car dealership experts from Indy Auto Man note that Toyota appears to be following the same strategy here as with the latest Camry. Instead of designing an all-new vehicle, they’ve focused on a thorough modernization. The new RAV4 is still built on an upgraded version of the previous generation’s platform.
The redesign brings a refreshed look, modern technology, and a full electrified lineup—including both hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. And surprisingly, there’s a sporty GR Sport trim for those craving a more dynamic ride.
Fresh, Yet Familiar Styling
While Toyota didn’t overhaul the RAV4’s exterior, the updates are enough to give the crossover a contemporary feel and leave behind its main competitor, the Nissan Rogue. The body shape is immediately recognizable, enhanced by subtle, stylish details.
The model lineup is organized into three main stylistic themes: Core, Sport, and Rugged—each with its own trim levels. The Core includes LE, XLE, and Limited; The Rugged introduces a new Woodland trim; The Sport features SE, XSE, and the GR Sport.
At the front, sharper LED headlights, a body-color grille, and larger air intakes give the RAV4 a more aggressive stance. The side profile retains its distinctive trapezoidal wheel arches and signature body lines, now more defined than before. The window line has been straightened out for a cleaner look. Wheel options range from 17 to 20 inches, depending on trim.
The rear end has a new LED taillight spanning the width with a darkened strip, a beefier tailgate, and a larger spoiler. The GR Sport adds a more aggressive spoiler and a sport-tuned grille, while the Woodland receives a reinforced front grille, extra LED lights in the bumper, chunky roof rails, and off-road tires that boost ground clearance by about half an inch.
Color choices mix familiar single- and two-tone options with fresh hues like Meteor Shower, Everest, and Storm Cloud. The Woodland trim sports a unique Urban Rock color, and the GR Sport boasts an exclusive Supersonic Red with a black roof.
Dimensions mostly carry over from the outgoing model, emphasizing this is more evolution than revolution. Length ranges from about 181 to 182 inches, while the wheelbase remains unchanged at 106 inches. Height has grown slightly, from roughly 66.4 to 67.8 inches.
More Tech, Fewer Buttons
Inside, the RAV4’s cabin has been revamped for greater usability without sacrificing style. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now comes standard. Based on the trim, you can opt for a “floating” multimedia display—either 10.5 or 12.9 inches. Higher-level trims also offer a head-up display.
A key improvement is Toyota’s new Arene software platform—the company’s first move toward “software-defined vehicles.” It powers the updated Toyota Audio Multimedia system and supports Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, now available on the RAV4 for the first time.
Traditional climate control buttons are replaced by digital controls permanently visible at the bottom of the central touchscreen, right next to the Home button. The center console has been redesigned with two cup holders, additional storage, and a more compact gear selector on models with the shift-by-wire system. Thanks to a redesigned rear seatback, cargo capacity has increased from 25.9 cubic feet to 26.4 cubic feet.
Interior materials range from durable fabric to SofTex and perforated Ultrasuede. Specific trims feature unique touches—for example, Woodland offers water-resistant mats and Mineral upholstery, while GR Sport includes Gazoo Racing logos and aluminum pedals. Music enthusiasts can opt for a JBL Premium audio system with nine speakers instead of the standard six.
Upgraded Platform and Electrified Powertrains
The RAV4 continues on the updated TNGA-K platform. However, Toyota has reinforced the chassis and suspension mounting points and applied a special high-performance adhesive to reduce micro-vibrations and road noise.
The GR Sport features a stiffer chassis and unique suspension and steering calibrations developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. Whether these changes will deliver a noticeably sharper driving experience remains to be seen.
The biggest change under the hood is the complete shift away from traditional gasoline-only engines. All new RAV4s will be hybrids (HEV) or plug-in hybrids (PHEV), each powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The standard hybrid models produce 226 horsepower in front-wheel drive and 236 horsepower with all-wheel drive—17 horsepower more than the previous model.
The plug-in hybrid now delivers 320 horsepower and is offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, an 18-horsepower increase. Power gains come from an updated transmission, a revamped control unit, a larger battery pack, and the use of silicon carbide technology in the front electric motor.
The PHEV’s all-electric driving range has improved by about 8 miles, now around 50 miles on electric power alone. For the XSE and Woodland trims, fast DC charging is available via a CCS port, taking the battery from ten percent to eighty percent charge in roughly 30 minutes.
Payload capacity ranges from approximately 1,750 pounds in front-wheel-drive versions to 3,500 pounds in all-wheel-drive models.
Sales of the refreshed Toyota RAV4 are to begin in late 2025, with a global rollout planned across more than 180 countries and regions. So those planning to sell their used models have a couple of months left before customers turn their interest to the novelty and prices on previous generations go down.
