HOW TO RIGHT A BEST SELLER

Toyota's RAV4 tries to reinvent itself in sixth generation form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

The sixth generation RAV4 has been reinvented by Toyota for a new era - but not beyond recognition. There are sharper looks, more efficient Hybrid drivetrains and a much more sophisticated cabin. Which mean that the RAV4 is once again a mid-sized SUV to be reckoned with.

Background

New model launches don't come much more significant than when they concern the third best-selling car in the world. That's what Toyota's RAV4 is globally, a model line success story for this Japanese maker that stretches right back over three decades, since when RAV4s have found over 15 million customers worldwide. The first generation model of 1994 redefined what a compact SUV ought to be, pioneering a car-like monocoque body instead of the clunky ladder-framed platform construction then common in the segment. The second generation design of 2000 and MK3 of 2005 moved the RAV4 into the mid-sized SUV sector, while the MK4 version of 2013 introduced Hybrid power to that segment. Petrol / electric drivetrains were standardised by the MK5 version of 2019, which also gained a PHEV variant. Which brings us to this sixth generation design, announced in mid-2025. It gets a sharper look, a much more advanced cabin and a stronger PHEV drivetrain. And it's new Arene software development platform allows it to be what Toyota calls 'a software-defined vehicle', which allows safety and tech systems to be more easily updated over the ownership period. Sounds promising.

Engines and Tech Spec

Toyota has engineered this MK6 model like its predecessor, to run with both Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid drivetrains. Those are necessarily weighty, which obviously has an effect. Not since the original MK1 RAV4 of 1994 have we had a version of this car that's genuinely interesting to drive. And it would have been unrealistic to expect Toyota to replicate that little original three-door model's infectious joie de vivre in a car that these days is a much larger and heavier thing aimed at an older demographic. But, given that the previous MK5 model had all the driving involvement of a domestic appliance, there was certainly a need for a little R&D development here to match now-sharper looks. Those few RAV4 customers who care about such things will be directed to the top 'GR Sport' version, which gets high performance dampers, retuned springs, strengthened rear bracing, revised power steering and 20mm- more wheel track width. Now to those drivetrains. For the most affordable versions of this MK6 model, Toyota has engineered two self-charging Hybrids. There is a front-driven version with 181bhp and a 4WD variant with 188bhp. In both cases, the engine used is basically the same 2.5-litre four cylinder unit as before, but with a revised electrical system. Also as before, that powerplant forms the basis for the PHEV version which can now, for the first time, he had in more affordable front-driven form (with 264bhp) - or in 300bhp 4WD guise. Both variants now use a larger 22.7kWh battery (up from 18.1kWh) boosting EV range to 62 miles (up from 46 miles). Toyota says drive dynamics on all models will be enhanced by the way that the battery pack is mounted under the floor of the cabin (like an EV), rather than being slung out over the rear axle. This benefits weight distribution, centre of gravity and structural rigidity.

Design and Build

Not since the first generation model of 1994 have we had a truly distinctive-looking RAV4, but this sixth generation design might be it. Everywhere you look, there are sharper, more angular, more aggressive lines and the new 'hammerhead-style' front and rear lights bring the styling into line with the design language seen on recently introduced models like the Prius and the C-HR+. Particularly unusual is the undulating swage line that flows down from high in the D-pillar to the bottom of the front wheel arch. This MK6 RAV4 measures in at 4,617mm long, 1,879mm wide and 1,686mm tall and is larger in every direction than its predecessor. Finishing touches include chunky squared-off wheel arches, a contrast-coloured roof and a black 'RAV4'-branded trim strip between the rear lights. Where change was really needed though, was inside and, sure enough, the cabin's been completely redesigned. It's still quite different from anything you'd find elsewhere and you wouldn't mistake the interior for that of a premium brand model - but Toyota has the Lexus LX to deliver that in this segment. Instead, the design focuses on user-friendliness and technology, aided by the adoption of the brand's new Arene operating system, which has bought with it a 12.9-inch central touchscreen more advanced than anything we've previously seen in a Toyota. Everything about that media set-up is better - the menus, the navigation and the over-the-air updates, all as part of what the brand calls an 'in-car digital environment'. And the voice control is far cleverer, able for instance not only to program navigation instructions but also to open the windows and change whatever media source you're listening to. The voice system can additionally be used for adjusting cabin temperature, though there are also physical buttons under the centre screen for doing that. Instrumentation is provided by a separate 12.3-inch combimeter. As before, the RAV4 remains a five-seater with decent rear seat space. But Toyota claims that there is 17-litres of extra boot capacity this time round, which in the PHEV version equates to around 537-litres of total luggage room.