Latest news with #RAV4s
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New Toyota RAV4: boxy looks, tech upgrade and PHEV-only in UK
Toyota has lifted the covers off the sixth-generation RAV4, with the family SUV bringing a striking new look and a generational upgrade in on-board tech. The car's dramatic styling is said to reference the off-road credentials of earlier RAV4s, with a boxier – almost Land Cruiser-like – silhouette and chunkier wheel arches. The new hammerhead lights front and rear bring its looks into line with those of the latest Prius and C-HR. Inside, the RAV4 gets a new 12.9in infotainment touchscreen that is the first to run on Toyota's new Arene operating system. Like Google's Android or Apple's iOS, it is a standard platform that will be rolled out across all future Toyotas, to enable quicker and easier development of new features. This, Toyota said, will allow it to develop new and more powerful safety and entertainment systems and introduce new functions through over-the-air updates rather than requiring prospective buyers to wait for a new model generation. At the RAV4's launch, for example, the Arene platform will arrive with new safety features, such as a rear-approach monitor devised to help drivers merge onto motorways. In the longer term, the brand has previously mooted functionality such as downloadable performance packs that replicate the dynamics of different Toyotas: drivers could, for example, choose a GR86-inspired chassis set-up for a spirited drive, before switching to more Lexus-like damping for the journey home. The new RAV4 will be offered exclusively with plug-in hybrid powertrains in the UK. Exact specifications have yet to be confirmed, but in Europe there will be a choice of 264bhp front-wheel-drive and 300bhp four-wheel-drive powertrains. The most powerful PHEV is capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 5.8sec, and it can drive under electric power alone for up to 62 miles. Its 22.7kWh battery can be topped up at up to 50kW on a DC connection, taking 30 minutes to go from 10-80%, or at 11kW on AC. In Europe there will also be a choice of 181bhp and 188bhp regular hybrids, with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive respectively. Also on offer will be a GR Sport variant with a focus on handling and featuring lightweight 20in alloy wheels, a 20mm-wider track, different dampers and stiffer springs. Inside, the GR Sport will get bucket-like sports seats, aluminium pedals and an abundance of GR badging. Pricing has yet to be confirmed but is expected to represent a small step up from the current RAV4 PHEV's starting price of £44,120. Deliveries are set to begin next spring, but an exact date has yet to be fixed. ]]>
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Is This the Best RAV4 Yet? Toyota's 2026 Redesign Revealed
To say that the Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular cars on the road is an understatement. Save for pickup trucks like the Ford F-Series and the Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota's humble crossover was the bestselling car in the United States last year, as 475,193 units made their way onto driveways across America. In lieu of this, the last time the RAV got some major updates in the looks department was back in 2021, while the platform it rides on dates back to 2018. However, for 2026, Toyota is rolling out a new, redesigned RAV4 with futuristic and bold new looks, new technology, and new, electrified hybrid powertrains under the hood for maximum efficiency and performance. The most significant change from the 2025 to 2026 model year RAV4 is under the hood, where Toyota followed the same steps as the midsize Camry sedan and ditched the gas-only 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engines that powered previous models for a selection of new hybrid powertrains. The conventional RAV4 hybrids have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder equipped with Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, which makes 226 horsepower in its new front-wheel-drive configuration and 236 horsepower with all-wheel-drive. This translates to 23 more horsepower from the outgoing gas-only front-wheel drive model, 33 more from the outgoing gas-only all-wheel-drive model, and 17 more horses from the outgoing all-wheel-drive hybrid. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article However, plug-in hybrid versions get Toyota's sixth-generation plug-in hybrid system, which consists of two electric motors and a bigger battery pack with new silicon-carbide semiconductors for improved efficiency, power delivery, and available fast charging capabilities. Exclusively offered in AWD, the new RAV4 PHEV cranks out 18 more horsepower than the outgoing one, for a total of 320 combined horsepower and 50 estimated miles of all-electric range, 8 more than the 2025 model. Though the new RAV4s are hybrids, they are still capable of towing. All-wheel-drive RAV4s have a maximum 3,500-pound towing capacity, while front-drive RAV4s have a towing capacity bump from 1,500 pounds to 1,750 pounds. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Apart from its new electrified heart under the hood, the 2026 RAV4's most significant change is its styling. While the overall shape of the 2026 RAV4 has not changed from the familiar short-tail, high-hood silhouette of the 2025 model, the new model features some design elements that keep the car up-to-date with contemporary styling trends. The new face of the RAV4 features sharp, C-shaped LED taillights similar to those on the Prius and Camry, as well as an expressive, oversized grille, and bigger intake holes on the sides for a tougher, more aggressive look in other drivers' rear-view mirrors. The side profile remains virtually unchanged and still features trapezoidal wheel arches, while the back gets a bold, new treatment with new Lexus-style LED taillights and a prominent tailgate spoiler. Toyota offers the 2026 RAV4 in three different varieties beyond its usual trim levels: Core Design, Rugged Design, and Sport Design, which offer different styling elements and personalities for various buyers. The familiar LE, XLE, and Limited trims are contained within the Core Design category and all come with the standard hybrid powertrain. The LE and XLE are offered in either FWD or AWD, while the Limited exclusively gets AWD. The Rugged Design category offers what the name suggests: it turns the RAV4 into a tough, rugged-looking all-wheel-drive hybrid on this side of a TRD Pro or Subaru Wilderness badge. The appropriately named Woodland trim gets a smattering of rugged goodies, including a revised split grille, front bumper-mounted LED light strips, roof rails, and a half-inch lift from the standard all-terrain tires. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Sport Design category, however, offers the sport-inspired SE, XSE, and GR Sport trims, which inject a bit of boy-racer attitude into the otherwise pedestrian family hauler. The SE trim comes in hybrid or plug-in powertrains in front-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations, while the XSE exclusively gets AWD on either powertrain. The highlight of the Sport Design category is the GR Sport (think BMW M-Sport, or Kia's GT-line), a performance-oriented model that features a stiffer chassis, unique suspension and steering tuning, and a whole host of Gazoo Racing-branded goodies including a GR Corolla-style grille, special 20-inch wheels, a bigger rear roof spoiler, and a GR-branded red and black interior with suede and faux leather accents. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Like most modern car interiors, the RAV4's interior is defined by its technology. Screens are king in the 2026 RAV4 dashboard, and up front, drivers get a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a giant infotainment screen smack dab in the middle of the dashboard that ranges from 10.5 to 12.9 inches, depending on trim level. Higher trim levels can also get an optional heads-up display. Toyota says that the new infotainment screens can be used with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are powered by its new in-house software called Arene. The new software not only houses its updated Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 driver-assist system and a new version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia System, but also collects data and uses AI to personalize vehicles to their owners. However, one potential drawback of the big screen is that physical climate controls have been replaced with digital versions permanently displayed at the bottom of the display. New RAV4 drivers also get more practical interior features, including a new center console with bigger cupholders, extra storage cubbyholes, and increased trunk storage for extra shopping. In addition, optional interior extras on specific models add unique touches to the RAV4's interior; for instance, Woodland models get a special Mineral color and all-weather floor mats, while some trims can be equipped with a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system. Toyota says that the 2026 Toyota RAV4 will arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2025, with the new, updated model being available to customers in 180 countries and territories globally. Pricing will be revealed closer to the official launch. Though this is a major redesign rather than a whole new model, the hybrid-only powertrains, new styling, and updated tech signal that Toyota is keeping its thumb on the pulse of the buying public. Although significant questions remain to be answered, such as EPA fuel economy numbers and pricing, one thing is sure: as one of the bestselling cars in the world, it will be everywhere, doing everything from hauling families to New York City taxi duty. Is This the Best RAV4 Yet? Toyota's 2026 Redesign Revealed first appeared on Autoblog on May 22, 2025
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota Redesigns America's Best-Selling RAV4 SUV to be Fully Hybrid
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) has declared that it will only sell its updated 2026 RAV4 SUV as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, doing away with conventional gas-powered models. America's best-selling SUV, the RAV4, will continue to use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with hybrid technology. Workers assembling a car in a modern manufacturing plant, emphasizing the company's sense of progress. Strong consumer demand was mentioned by David Christ, head of Toyota North America, who noted that in 2024, hybrids will account for 44% of RAV4 sales and plug-ins for 6.5%. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) has not yet revealed the price of its upcoming U.S. sales. In 2024, the company's RAV4 sales increased by 9.3% year over year to about 475,200 vehicles. The firm's electrified vehicles made up 43.1% of its 2.3 million U.S. sales the previous year. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM)'s decision to switch to hybrid-only RAV4 models coincides with rising tariffs and a slowdown in the uptake of all-electric vehicles under President Donald Trump's administration. Trump's 25% tariffs have raised concerns about costs because 84.3% of RAV4s sold in the United States are now imported, primarily from Canada and Japan. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM)'s COO, Mark Templin, hinted that the company would boost RAV4 production at its Kentucky facility, but he did not disclose plans to mitigate tariffs. According to Cox Automotive, the RAV4 continues to be one of the best-selling cars with just 29 days of inventory and high demand. Additionally, the switch to a hybrid-only model complements Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM)'s expanding lineup of seven other hybrid-only vehicles. While we acknowledge the potential of TM to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TM and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this READ NEXT: and .
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2026 Toyota RAV4 design revealed: 4 big changes drivers will love
If you've been waiting for news on the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 redesign, you aren't alone. The compact little crossover SUV was actually the top-selling vehicle in America in 2024, dethroning the Ford F-150, which held that title for decades. The 2025 RAV4 ended up selling 475,193 units last year, even though it was in its sixth year of production without a major update since 2019. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Now, however, the 2026 RAV4 has finally been revealed in a late-night announcement on May 20. The 9 p.m. reveal showed some big changes are coming to America's favorite SUV, and consumers will hopefully be excited about all that this sixth-generation model offers. The single biggest change that Toyota rolled out with the 2026 RAV4 redesign is the elimination of a model with a gas engine. New RAV4s are available in only hybrid models, with two choices available to consumers: a hybrid model as well as a hybrid plug-in model. The engine specs remain unchanged, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine still standard, but the RAV4 will become the eighth model in Toyota's lineup with no traditional gas engines, joining the Sequoia SUV, Sienna minivan, and Camry and Prius sedans. Related: Toyota makes decision on popular crossover U.S. customers will love RAV4 hybrids already made up 44% of the crossover models sold last year, with plug-in models accounting for another 6.5% of sales, so consumers have shown enthusiasm for the switch to alternative fuel options and are likely to embrace this change. "The hybrid is faster turning; it has more sales orders on it, and the consumers and dealers are asking for it," David Christ, North American head of the Toyota brand, said at a Tuesday event at the company's North American headquarters. "It was pretty clear that the consumer is voting for the hybrid." You'll need to choose your model carefully if you're buying a new RAV4, as Toyota has three separate groupings: Core models, which are available in hybrid only and offer multiple trim levels, including LE, XLE, and Limited Rugged models featuring a Woodland Trim, which comes with the hybrid powertrain as a standard option, but allows an upgrade to the plug-in modelSport models, which offer hybrid or plug-in hybrid as an option for SE and XSE trim levels, plus a new GR sport model that comes standard with the plug-in setup. These models each have their own distinctive look, but there's an important functional change as well. Related: Toyota makes a disturbing announcement about tariffs In prior RAV-4 models, all-wheel drive was your only choice, regardless of model or trim level. Now, consumers have a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) on both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, depending on the trim level they select. Toyota's updates to the RAV4 also include some cosmetic changes. The new redesign is boxier, with fewer curves than the old model and a styling similar to the Grand Highlander and Camry designs on both the front and back ends. The length on most new RAV4 models is largely unchanged; however, the Woodland and GR Sport are both a little bit longer, with 2025 RAV4s coming in at 180.9 inches and the Woodland and GR Sport models measuring 181.8 inches in the 2026 lineup. Related: Ford announces desperate move to battle tariffs The Woodland model also has a higher ride height, a split grille that gives it a distinctive look compared with other models, and includes all-terrain tires, while the GR Sport model has stand-out 20-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires. Finally, the infotainment system is getting an upgrade with the 2026 RAV4 model. Toyota's 2026 RAV4 will include a 10.5-inch center touchscreen as part of its standard infotainment package, which is a decent upgrade compared to the 8.0-inch screen that came standard on the 2025 model. Those who want to go bigger can upgrade to a 12.9-inch screen on 2026 RAV4 models, up from the 10.5-inch technology that was available via upgrade for older models. CarPlay and Android compatibility will be standard again, as is the norm for most vehicles these days, but drivers will also get access to an updated version of Toyota's Audio Multimedia System software. More EV News: Elon Musk faces accusations from major tech rivalAnalyst issues scathing take on Elon Musk and Tesla stockElon Musk gets more bad news as rival launches the anti-Tesla Although it was reserved for upper trims or treated as an add-on option with the 2025 model, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display comes standard on all RAV4 models in 2026. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Business Times
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
Toyota takes all-hybrid plunge with its best-selling US vehicle
[DETROIT] Toyota Motor is scrapping the petrol-powered version of its best-selling vehicle in the US as the Japanese carmaker doubles down on its push into hybrids. The latest generation of the RAV4 compact crossover available later this year comes equipped with a standard or plug-in hybrid powertrain, dropping the gas-powered option that makes up the bulk of current sales, the company said on Thursday (May 22). The move follows last year's shift to an all-hybrid Camry sedan. 'The success overall that we have had with selling hybrids gave us complete confidence we could do it with this car too,' Mark Templin, Toyota Motor's chief operating officer in the US, said of the new RAV4. Toyota has long been sceptical on the industry push to go all-in on fully electric vehicles (EVs), opting instead for a multipronged approach that sees a place for hybrids, gas-guzzlers and even hydrogen-powered cars in its lineup. While the slow roll out of EVs left the carmaker open to criticism, the strategy has helped Toyota weather a cooling in demand for all-electric cars. At the same time, demand for hybrids has skyrocketed in recent years and Toyota has emerged as the US market leader. Electrified models accounted for more than half of Toyota and Lexus volume in the US in the first three months of the year, up from just 37 per cent in the same period a year ago. A 25 per cent US tariff poses a major threat to the new RAV4, with imports accounting for more than 60 per cent of US sales volume. Nearly half the 475,000 RAV4s sold in the US last year came from Canada and almost 20 per cent were made in Japan. The company has not disclosed pricing as it awaits more clarity on trade policy. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Templin said Toyota does not plan to stop importing RAV4s from its factories in Ontario and Japan, and remains hopeful for some reprieve on tariffs from US President Donald Trump's administration. 'We need more capacity than we can crank out of any one of those plants. We need all three of them,' Templin said. 'I believe there will be some form of tariff, I just don't think it's going to be 25 per cent.' The RAV4 competes with similar compact crossovers such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson and General Motors' Chevrolet Equinox. Those models also have depended on foreign production for at least some US sales volume. The current RAV4 debuted seven years ago and has begun to show signs of age. It ranked sixth of eight in a comparison test by Car and Driver magazine. But it's still the top-selling vehicle outside of pickups. Hybrid options Michael Speigl, dealer principal at a Toyota in Ann Arbor, Michigan, said he's confident the new version will be a hit with buyers, noting the current RAV4 hybrid is among his dealership's most popular vehicles. 'I'm not in the business of second-guessing Toyota,' Speigl said. 'The numbers speak for themselves.' Toyota has vowed by this year to offer an electrified option for every model it makes globally. So far, just under 80 per cent of Toyota and its Lexus brand models sold in the US offer a hybrid or fully electric powertrain. The carmaker sells two all-electric vehicles in the US and last week announced plans to sell a third EV next year. The latest RAV4 is not a complete redo: It uses the same chassis and underpinnings as the current version, and borrows the Camry's hybrid powertrain. The hybrid version of the current model starts at US$32,300, which is about US$3,000 more than the cheapest gas-only RAV4. Templin said Toyota aims to keep the vehicle affordable to new car buyers at the lower end of the scale. 'I'm not saying it's going to be below US$30,000, but it needs to stay in that entry-level price,' he said. 'And a lot of that depends on what happens with tariffs.' The sixth generation of the RAV4, a model which made its US debut in 1996, boosts output by as much as 236 horsepower, up from 219 currently. Toyota did not specify expected fuel economy, but the plug-in's electric-only mode range grows to 80 kilometres, which is 20 per cent greater than the current version. That vehicle is made by Toyota Industries, which is the target of a takeover bid by Toyota Motor chairman Akio Toyoda. BLOOMBERG
