Latest news with #TNGA-K
Miami Herald
02-08-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
This Is What Toyota's Answer to the Ford Maverick Might Look Like
The world's largest carmaker is preparing to jump into the compact pickup market. The small lifestyle pickup will take on the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, with a potential launch window in 2026 or 2027. And unlike the Hilux, this one's not being built to pull tree stumps out of bogs - it's aimed squarely at young urbanites, daily drivers, and maybe even your neighbor who already owns three camping chairs and a roof box. Thanks to rendering artist, Theottle, we have some idea of what it might look like. The new model will most likely be based on either the RAV4's TNGA-K platform or the smaller Corolla-based TNGA-C, meaning this ute is more crossover than crawler. The size is expected to be slightly shorter than a RAV4, and powertrains will likely be hybrid-first, including a plug-in hybrid variant capable of over 60 miles (100 km) of EV-only only would this make it Toyota's most efficient pickup ever, but it comes at a time when the company is doubling down on reliability and sheer road presence. Toyota claims over 150 million of its cars are still on the road today - a handy fact when you're trying to win over budget-conscious buyers who don't want to own a disposable trucklet. Although Toyota still holds the overall U.S. sales crown, it's now under pressure from all angles. According to recent Q2 data, Ford is catching up fast. Ford's year-over-year gains are outpacing Toyota's, and with the Maverick continuing to be a runaway success, it's no wonder Toyota sees the need to respond. A hybrid ute that undercuts the Tacoma and gives buyers something between a crossover and a proper truck would fill a glaring gap in their lineup. It's not just the U.S. market Toyota is eyeing. There's also growing speculation - including recent comments from Chairman Akio Toyoda himself - that American-made Toyotas may soon be sold in Japan. This follows new trade agreements that make it easier to import U.S.-built vehicles to Japan by removing complex certification barriers. If Toyota does choose to build this pickup in North America, it could be among the first models to benefit. While Toyota hasn't confirmed specifics yet, early reports suggest the new ute will be based on either the RAV4's TNGA-K platform or the smaller Corolla-based TNGA-C. That means a car-like ride, excellent hybrid integration, and a front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. Powertrains are expected to include both a regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, with the latter capable of over 60 miles of electric-only driving. That figure would place it at the top of its class in terms of efficiency. If Toyota's internal timelines are accurate, the truck could launch in North America in late 2026 or early 2027, with other markets to follow. Expect it to slot below the Tacoma in price and size, aimed squarely at buyers who want the rugged look of a pickup without the fuel bills or size penalties. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Toyota drops clearer teasers of new SUV, confirms it as next RAV4
The first new generation RAV4 in seven years will use a revised TNGA-K platform, and seemingly only have hybrid and plug-in hybrid powerplant options. Rear-end styling taking hints from other models, namely the Mitsubishi Xpander and even the Peugeot 5008. Image: Toyota North America Toyota has released the first series of clearer teaser images of its new SUV debuting on 21 May, now officially confirmed as indeed the fifth generation RAV4. One of its most important models, which last year became the world's third best-seller with sales of 1.02-million units, the first new RAV4 in seven years will still ride on the existing TNGA-K platform, but with speculated extensive revisions similar to those of the latest Camry. What to expect Previously teased via a series of overhead shots only, the latest depictions reveals part of the front facia resembling not only the Camry, but also the new C-HR and certain Lexus modes. ALSO READ: Toyota starts teasing new SUV rumoured to be the all-new RAV4 From a design and light cluster arrangement, the rear has seemingly been styled with hints from the new Avanza, Mitsubishi Xpander and even the Peugeot 3008. Just visible front-end facia sports C-shaped headlights that cut into the grille similar to the C-HR. Image: Toyota North America Already seen, the interior takes after the all-electric bZ4X, but with model specific detailing such as a box-type design for the digital instrument cluster and a freestanding infotainment system of unknown size. Shown in spy images as having a silhouette similar to the Crown Signia that replaced the Venza in the United States last year, the RAV4 will reportedly continue to be offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powerunits, though seemingly no longer with an electrically unassisted combustion engine option. Watch this space The model that unsettled the Ford F-150 to become the US' best-selling vehicle last year with sales of 475 193 versus 460 915 units, the RAV4 will most likely to go on-sale around year-end in Japan and the States, before being exported to other markets later. As such, market availability for South Africa will only be announced at a later stage. If approved, expect sales to possibly start by the end of 2025 or in early 2026. ALSO READ: Report claims current Toyota RAV4 continuing until 2025
Auto Blog
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Toyota's New RAV4 is Set to Arrive Sooner Than Expected
A fresh look, upgraded tech, and more efficient hybrid powertrains are on the way — but don't expect a complete reinvention of America's best-selling vehicle. A familiar platform with a fresh face Toyota's next-generation RAV4 is just around the corner, and while the brand is keeping things close to the chest, new teaser images and a confirmed reveal date of May 21 suggest the wait won't be long. The bestselling SUV in America is due for an update, and Toyota's playing it smart: expect evolutionary styling changes, enhanced hybrid performance, and an interior that borrows from the tech-forward Prius. Even though Toyota is branding this RAV4 as 'all-new,' it's really more of a heavy refresh. The SUV will continue riding on the same TNGA-K platform introduced with the fifth-gen model in 2018. Think of it like what Toyota just did with the new Camry — revamped looks and tech, but the bones remain the same. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid — Source: Toyota Hybrid powertrain, smarter efficiency Under the hood, the next RAV4 is expected to stick with Toyota's proven 2.5-liter hybrid setup but with added power and better fuel efficiency. The base hybrid is expected to deliver around 225 hp in front-wheel drive and up to 232 hp with all-wheel drive, thanks to an additional rear-mounted motor. A plug-in hybrid version — likely a new take on the RAV4 Prime — will follow. There's also speculation about a fully electric model joining the lineup, possibly using an improved version of the TNGA-K platform, though Toyota hasn't confirmed those plans yet. One thing's clear: Toyota's betting big on hybrids over full electrics for now. Tech-heavy interior inspired by Prius Leaked photos from Toyota Europe give us a good look at the interior, and it's clear the next RAV4 is taking cues from the latest Prius. Expect a cleaner, more modern cabin featuring a freestanding digital instrument cluster and a prominent infotainment screen mounted high on the center stack. 2025 Toyota Prius Limited — Source: Toyota Toyota is also focusing on premium touches like better materials, wireless phone charging, and possibly even a head-up display. The redesigned center console hints at a more driver-centric layout, and while overall dimensions likely won't change much, the space should feel more upscale. Styling tweaks and a possible TRD Pro Outside, the 2026 RAV4 leans into Toyota's new design language with wraparound LED daytime running lights, a squared-off grille, and subtle aerodynamic upgrades. The shape is still instantly recognizable, but the details are sharper. 2024 Toyota RAV4 TRD-Offroad There's also talk of Toyota launching a more rugged TRD Pro trim, especially as Honda prepares to roll out a TrailSport version of the CR-V. With Toyota's off-road heritage and growing demand for adventure-ready SUVs, it would be a smart move. Final thoughts The RAV4's official debut is just days away, and Toyota fans won't have to wait long to see it on the road as sales are expected to begin this fall. Despite growing competition from Mazda, Honda, Hyundai, and others, the RAV4's blend of reliability, practicality, and hybrid efficiency continues to make it a powerhouse in the compact SUV segment. It may not be revolutionary, but the next RAV4 looks ready to hold its crown.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota's New RAV4 is Set to Arrive Sooner Than Expected
Toyota's next-generation RAV4 is just around the corner, and while the brand is keeping things close to the chest, new teaser images and a confirmed reveal date of May 21 suggest the wait won't be long. The bestselling SUV in America is due for an update, and Toyota's playing it smart: expect evolutionary styling changes, enhanced hybrid performance, and an interior that borrows from the tech-forward Prius. Even though Toyota is branding this RAV4 as "all-new," it's really more of a heavy refresh. The SUV will continue riding on the same TNGA-K platform introduced with the fifth-gen model in 2018. Think of it like what Toyota just did with the new Camry — revamped looks and tech, but the bones remain the same. Under the hood, the next RAV4 is expected to stick with Toyota's proven 2.5-liter hybrid setup but with added power and better fuel efficiency. The base hybrid is expected to deliver around 225 hp in front-wheel drive and up to 232 hp with all-wheel drive, thanks to an additional rear-mounted motor. A plug-in hybrid version — likely a new take on the RAV4 Prime — will follow. There's also speculation about a fully electric model joining the lineup, possibly using an improved version of the TNGA-K platform, though Toyota hasn't confirmed those plans yet. One thing's clear: Toyota's betting big on hybrids over full electrics for now. Leaked photos from Toyota Europe give us a good look at the interior, and it's clear the next RAV4 is taking cues from the latest Prius. Expect a cleaner, more modern cabin featuring a freestanding digital instrument cluster and a prominent infotainment screen mounted high on the center stack. Toyota is also focusing on premium touches like better materials, wireless phone charging, and possibly even a head-up display. The redesigned center console hints at a more driver-centric layout, and while overall dimensions likely won't change much, the space should feel more upscale. Outside, the 2026 RAV4 leans into Toyota's new design language with wraparound LED daytime running lights, a squared-off grille, and subtle aerodynamic upgrades. The shape is still instantly recognizable, but the details are sharper. There's also talk of Toyota launching a more rugged TRD Pro trim, especially as Honda prepares to roll out a TrailSport version of the CR-V. With Toyota's off-road heritage and growing demand for adventure-ready SUVs, it would be a smart move. The RAV4's official debut is just days away, and Toyota fans won't have to wait long to see it on the road as sales are expected to begin this fall. Despite growing competition from Mazda, Honda, Hyundai, and others, the RAV4's blend of reliability, practicality, and hybrid efficiency continues to make it a powerhouse in the compact SUV segment. It may not be revolutionary, but the next RAV4 looks ready to hold its crown.
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Toyota's New RAV4 is Set to Arrive Sooner Than Expected
Toyota's next-generation RAV4 is just around the corner, and while the brand is keeping things close to the chest, new teaser images and a confirmed reveal date of May 21 suggest the wait won't be long. The bestselling SUV in America is due for an update, and Toyota's playing it smart: expect evolutionary styling changes, enhanced hybrid performance, and an interior that borrows from the tech-forward Prius. Even though Toyota is branding this RAV4 as "all-new," it's really more of a heavy refresh. The SUV will continue riding on the same TNGA-K platform introduced with the fifth-gen model in 2018. Think of it like what Toyota just did with the new Camry - revamped looks and tech, but the bones remain the same. Under the hood, the next RAV4 is expected to stick with Toyota's proven 2.5-liter hybrid setup but with added power and better fuel efficiency. The base hybrid is expected to deliver around 225 hp in front-wheel drive and up to 232 hp with all-wheel drive, thanks to an additional rear-mounted motor. A plug-in hybrid version - likely a new take on the RAV4 Prime - will follow. There's also speculation about a fully electric model joining the lineup, possibly using an improved version of the TNGA-K platform, though Toyota hasn't confirmed those plans yet. One thing's clear: Toyota's betting big on hybrids over full electrics for now. Leaked photos from Toyota Europe give us a good look at the interior, and it's clear the next RAV4 is taking cues from the latest Prius. Expect a cleaner, more modern cabin featuring a freestanding digital instrument cluster and a prominent infotainment screen mounted high on the center stack. Toyota is also focusing on premium touches like better materials, wireless phone charging, and possibly even a head-up display. The redesigned center console hints at a more driver-centric layout, and while overall dimensions likely won't change much, the space should feel more upscale. Outside, the 2026 RAV4 leans into Toyota's new design language with wraparound LED daytime running lights, a squared-off grille, and subtle aerodynamic upgrades. The shape is still instantly recognizable, but the details are sharper. There's also talk of Toyota launching a more rugged TRD Pro trim, especially as Honda prepares to roll out a TrailSport version of the CR-V. With Toyota's off-road heritage and growing demand for adventure-ready SUVs, it would be a smart move. The RAV4's official debut is just days away, and Toyota fans won't have to wait long to see it on the road as sales are expected to begin this fall. Despite growing competition from Mazda, Honda, Hyundai, and others, the RAV4's blend of reliability, practicality, and hybrid efficiency continues to make it a powerhouse in the compact SUV segment. It may not be revolutionary, but the next RAV4 looks ready to hold its crown. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
