Is this the next Toyota RAV4? 

A new Toyota RAV4 is due out soon, and the Internet suggests that this pic is what the new model will look like. Maybe. This lo-res image has come to light, emanating from China and is currently doing the rounds. 

Supposedly it was taken at a GAC Toyota dealer meeting in China, where the popular mid-sized SUV is called the Wildlander. In a world of deep fakes and AI-generated news, it could be a hoax but it does seem plausible.

Read more 2022 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid review

Spy shots of disguised test mules seem to confirm that Toyota isn’t going to radically change its new RAV4; why ruin a winning formula? It is proving extremely popular around the world in many different markets. So we can expect an evolution rather than anything revolutionary with the new model. 

It’s likely the production car will make its public debut soon, possibly at the New York motor show in April (which is where the current model was first seen in 2018). Alternatively, it may disrobe at the Shanghai show a week later. If that were the case, expect to see the new Toyota RAV4 appear here in NZ mid-way through 2026. 

Along with evolutionary styling changes to the outside, the interior will likely get a major makeover. It should include the latest Toyota infotainment tech with twin 12-inch screens and lots of device charge points. The RAV4 will continue to use the existing platform of the current model, probably updated sufficiently to meet crash testing standards and improve refinement. Expect the hybrid powertrain to be updated to the latest fifth generation system too.