TOKYO– May 21, 2025 – Toyota’s newest RAV4, set for release later this year, will arrive as a fully electrified compact SUV, marking a major shift in the brand’s global lineup. The sixth-generation model drops petrol-only options entirely and instead focuses on hybrid electric (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) versions.
While the official launch was hosted in Tokyo, the news is expected to stir interest locally, especially among motorists in Mbabane and Manzini. The RAV4 has long been a popular choice among upper-middle-income earners, and the move to an electrified-only lineup aligns with growing interest in greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles in Eswatini.
Seven trim options are expected to be available globally, including a new GR SPORT variant developed with Toyota’s performance brand, GAZOO Racing. The GR SPORT, available only as a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive, boasts a 320 horsepower output, GR-tuned suspension, and a motorsport-inspired look. Another variant, the Woodland grade, features raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and outdoor-ready enhancements designed for weekend adventurers.
The 2026 models will introduce noticeable improvements in both power and efficiency. PHEV models now offer an increased electric-only range of up to 80 kilometres (50 miles), up from the previous 67 kilometres, and support fast charging up to 80% in just 30 minutes for select trims. HEV versions produce up to 236 horsepower with all-wheel drive and 226 horsepower with front-wheel drive, made possible by Toyota’s latest hybrid system.
Towing capacity has also improved. All-wheel drive versions can now tow up to 1,588 kilograms (3,500 pounds), while front-wheel drive and base AWD trims handle up to 794 kilograms (1,750 pounds).
Interior upgrades include shift-by-wire gear selection, digital climate controls, and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia System paired with Toyota’s Arene software platform. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now comes standard, with touchscreens as large as 12.9 inches available on higher trims. Safety Sense 4.0, the latest in Toyota’s safety technology, is also built-in across the board.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture-K platform, the new RAV4 offers a more rigid frame and quieter ride, thanks to updated suspension and high-damping adhesives that reduce road noise — a feature likely to appeal to commuters navigating Eswatini’s urban centres and rural routes alike.
With fuel prices on the rise and a growing number of motorists exploring alternatives to traditional engines, the new RAV4 could become a key offering for local dealerships. Pricing has not yet been confirmed, but details are expected ahead of its global rollout. Local Toyota dealerships are anticipated to introduce the model once regional availability and regulations are finalised.
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