2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid engines revealed for next-generation model: Exclusive
09/30/2024 05:00 PM
The next Toyota RAV4 will be a case of evolution over revolution with updated versions of today’s frugal hybrid drive systems, Drive has learned.
EXCLUSIVE
Australia's all-in on hybrid power for the Toyota RAV4 family SUV is set to go abroad for the next-generation model, due in showrooms in 2025, Drive understands.
Planning documents seen by Drive show the new RAV4 will arrive too soon to take advantage of Toyota's next-generation petrol engines, which promise to be smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient than today's designs.
Instead, the 2025 RAV4 is understood to use an updated version of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid in Australian showrooms today, with Toyota's latest lithium-ion battery technology.
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The first new Toyota RAV4 in six years is widely expected to focus on evolution rather than revolution, using familiar underpinnings – and possibly even some of the current model's bodywork, similar to the heavily-updated 'new' Toyota Camry sedan.
The illustrations above – created by Theottle – show what a ‘new’ RAV4 could look like, combining the body shell and doors of the current model with front and rear styling inspired by the latest Toyota models.
Hybrid power is now the only choice for the Toyota RAV4 in Australia, but Drive understands the new model will see other global markets – including Europe – follow suit.
Overseas reports claim a 2.0-litre non-hybrid petrol engine will remain available for the Japanese market, but the plans seen by Drive suggests the select European markets which currently sell RAV4s with this engine will cease to do so for the next model.
MORE: 2024 Toyota RAV4 goes hybrid-only in Australia as every Toyota hybrid drops petrol-only version
Plug-in hybrid power will return for another generation internationally, the documents show, with the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the regular hybrid, but likely with changes to its battery and electric motors.
It is unclear if the plug-in RAV4 – sold in the US as the RAV4 Prime – will come to Australia for its next generation.
Toyota Australia has previously expressed plans to eventually add plug-in hybrid technology to its line-up, but has suggested it is waiting for next-generation models – with lower prices and longer electric-only driving ranges – before doing so.
MORE: Toyota plug-in hybrids coming to Australia, but only when they are affordable
Reputable Japanese publication Mag-X reported in recent weeks the new RAV4 may introduce the option of electric power, but this is yet to be confirmed.
Precise technical details of the next-generation Toyota RAV4 Hybrid are not disclosed in the plans seen by Drive, however it is expected the 2.5-litre engine will be matched with Toyota's latest-generation hybrid technology used in the latest Camry.
In the front-wheel-drive sedan, the hybrid produces 170kW – up from 160kW in the previous model, and the current front-drive RAV4.
All-wheel-drive versions may continue to develop more power, given the additional electric motor expected to remain fitted to the rear axle.
The lithium-ion battery and electric motor technology in the latest Camry claims to reduce fuel use by about 10 per cent compared to the previous model with a less advanced nickel-metal-hydride battery.
The current RAV4 is already one of the most fuel-efficient family SUVs on sale, with fuel consumption rated as low as 4.7L/100km in mixed driving according to lab testing of the Australian model, which uses a nickel-metal-hydride battery.
European RAV4s are already fitted with a lithium-ion battery, but the hybrid system is expected to be advanced further in line with the latest Camry and other new Toyotas.
Reports indicate the new Toyota RAV4 will not mess with the current version's formula, which has seen it top SUV sales charts in Australia and overseas, with wait times of two years in the wake of the pandemic due to high demand and limited supply.
It is expected to use the same 'TNGA-K' underpinnings as its predecessor, with updated bodywork that could even share panels with the previous model, if the latest Camry sedan is a guide.
Mag-X reports the design changes may stop at new front and rear fascias intended to bring the RAV4 in line with the 'hammerhead' styling of the latest Toyota passenger cars and SUVs.
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