The Toyota RAV4, a popular compact SUV, is approaching the end of its current generation, which has been on the market since 2018. While we eagerly anticipate the arrival of its successor, the Japanese market has received a few updates for the 2025 model year.
A significant change for the Japanese market is the elimination of front-wheel-drive variants, making the RAV4 an all-wheel-drive-only model. Gasoline versions now come standard with 4WD, while the self-charging hybrid exclusively features Toyota's E-Four AWD system. This move aligns with the growing popularity of all-wheel-drive SUVs in Japan.
The 2025 RAV4 doesn't feature any major exterior, interior, or mechanical overhauls. However, the hybrid model has adopted a standard Toyota badge, replacing the previous blue badge, and now sports a new HEV badge on the tailgate. Additionally, Toyota has expanded the list of standard features across all Japanese trims for 2025, including advanced safety features and a larger touchscreen.
While the Japanese market focuses on all-wheel-drive and standard feature upgrades, the U.S. market retains its mix of front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options. The electrified variants, including the plug-in hybrid, have also adopted the new blue-dot HEV emblem on the tailgate and dropped the "Prime" moniker.
Looking ahead, Toyota is expected to unveil the next-generation RAV4 sometime in 2025. The automaker has hinted that the new model will follow an evolutionary approach, prioritizing strategic refinements over radical changes. The recent unveiling of the RAV-X Concept at the SEMA Show suggests that a rugged off-road trim may be in the works for the future.
As we await the arrival of the next-generation RAV4, the 2025 model year offers a few updates and refinements for the Japanese market, while the U.S. market continues to offer a diverse range of options.