[UPDATE] Toyota Europe provides us a glimpse of the inside with new teaser photos.

Changing a massively profitable product isn’t straightforward. Toyota offered 475,193 RAV4s in the US final yr, securing the highest spot effectively forward of the Camry and Corolla sedans. Regardless of its age, the compact crossover noticed a 9.3 p.c enhance in gross sales in comparison with the yr prior. It was the best-selling SUV in America for the eighth consecutive yr, so Toyota has to tread rigorously when introducing a successor.

Though Toyota does not explicitly say that is the next-generation RAV4, teaser photos seem to match a prototype noticed earlier this yr. A camouflaged take a look at car was seen in Detroit on the finish of January, that includes what regarded just like the manufacturing physique and ultimate lights. Having every part in place is often an indication that an official debut is inching nearer. That reveal date is now confirmed for Could 20. Extra previews may arrive earlier than the complete unveiling.

Picture by: Toyota

Aerial pictures within the teaser spotlight the RAV4’s versatility, exhibiting it in a winter panorama, on a winding highway, and presumably performing school-run duties in a suburban neighborhood. Toyota says its bestseller is prepared for “city streets to outside retreats,” although the mannequin’s identify isn’t talked about.

The sooner RAV4 spy pictures hinted at a barely bigger car with a extra upright silhouette, presumably providing extra headroom and cargo capability. The design appeared to function cleaner strains and a flatter profile, although the camouflage may have distorted some particulars. The prototype confirmed a bigger quarter window and what regarded like C-shaped headlights to echo Toyota’s newest design language.

Toyota is reportedly retaining RAV4 manufacturing in the US to keep away from the Trump-era tariffs. Whereas the unique plan concerned importing the mannequin from Canada and Japan, Reuters suggests manufacturing might proceed at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK). If that’s the case, output of the next-gen mannequin wouldn’t start there till 2027.

Picture by: Toyota

Nevertheless, with the official debut set for subsequent week, the redesigned RAV4 may arrive within the U.S. as early because the 2026 mannequin yr. When Motor1 requested Toyota about manufacturing plans, a spokesperson declined to remark. We must always know the place the U.S.-bound autos will come from when the brand new mannequin is revealed every week from tomorrow.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variations are a given, nevertheless it stays to be seen whether or not Toyota will drop the bottom gas-only variant within the U.S. In that case, anticipate a better entry value. The bottom 2025 RAV4 Hybrid at the moment begins at $33,695, round $3,000 greater than the ICE mannequin.

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Supply: KGP Pictures

The RAV4 won’t be probably the most thrilling automobile in Toyota’s lineup, however its huge success helps bankroll enjoyable tasks just like the GR86 and GR Corolla. With out widespread SUVs like this, Toyota wouldn’t have the ability to tease followers with the doable return of the Celica or promise to maintain the Supra identify alive past the present BMW-esque era. For that alone, fanatics have good purpose to understand the RAV4’s recognition.