It appears Toyota is moving from preparation to actual deliveries of the new RAV4 to foreign markets. A batch of fresh crossovers ready for export was spotted in Japan. Unofficially, there is talk about Gulf countries, but Toyota has not officially disclosed either the destinations or the trim levels for the Middle East.
Simultaneously, the sixth generation is already available on the domestic market. The new RAV4 was developed according to the “Life is an Adventure” concept, focusing on three development directions: a wider variety of trims, electrification, and digital intellectualization.
Three Styles to Choose From
For Japan, three design variants were offered immediately:
- Z — more elegant and expensive
- Adventure — with a pronounced off-road accent
- GR SPORT — more dynamic, focused on handling (debut expected by March 2026)
Lineup — Only Hybrids
Toyota remains faithful to its hybrid strategy. All powertrains are electrified:
- HEV — a classic hybrid without charging capability
- PHEV — plug-in hybrid, expected in the model range in the next fiscal period (by March 2026)
Basic Data for the Japanese Specification Has Already Been Announced:
- a 2.5-liter gasoline engine as part of the hybrid system
- total power — 177 kW (240 hp)
- all-wheel drive — E-Four with active torque redistribution from the front wheels to a 20:80 ratio in favor of the rear axle
- special Trail/Snow modes for different types of surfaces
Digitalization: Arene Platform and Faster Voice Assistant
The new RAV4 has become one of the first Toyota models to use the Arene software architecture. It speeds up the development and updating of the Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems, cockpit interface, OTA functions, and the logic of the software-defined vehicle.
Inside — new ergonomics and a standardized 12.9-inch central display. Improved voice control responds approximately three times faster — a response takes about one second.
- Fewer compromises in practicality
- trunk increased to 749 liters (VDA)
- folding down the second-row seatback creates a flat floor, simplifying the transportation of long items