New Toyota RAV4 detailed

More details of the hotly-anticipated tech update for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 have emerged from the US, headlined by the fitment of a large 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.

The upgraded Toyota RAV4 is set to arrive in Australia from the fourth quarter of this year, although it’s unclear whether customers already on a long waiting list for Australia’s top-selling SUV – currently at up to 12 months for hybrid versions – will automatically shift into the incoming new series.

While the upgraded US-market RAV4 will feature a rock-crushing new model called the Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition, complete with all-terrain tyres, beefed-up off-road suspension with twin-tube dampers and rugged looks to match, it won’t be offered in Australia.

But the enhanced technology, infotainment and safety systems confirmed by Toyota Australia back in April for the RAV4 has been fleshed out by Toyota USA, including the fitment of a new digital displays as part of an infotainment tech overhaul.

All current Aussie-spec models are fitted with a relatively low-tech infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touch-screen, but the updated RAV4 will deliver a more advanced operating system (albeit with same-sized screen for most models) with USB-C connectivity for faster device charging and increased data transfer rates.

Other features of the so-called “latest generation” multimedia system include a voice-activated ‘Hey Toyota’ system along with over-the-air updates for the operating system, multi-device Bluetooth connectivity and a larger 10.5-inch touch-screen display on up-spec RAV4 grades.

The updated RAV4 will also benefit from the fitment of Toyota Connected Services which can track the vehicle in the event it’s stolen and automatically notify authorities of a collision via an inbuilt data comms module.

Enhanced safety systems will be rolled out across the range via the fitment of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, which will add intersection pre-collision safety and emergency steering assist, which join current features such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring and lane tracing assist.

Toyota Australia is yet to announce exact timing, pricing and specification for the updated 2022 Toyota RAV4, but carsales understands it will arrive from about October with price rises of up to $1000 depending on the model grade.

The Toyota RAV4 is currently priced from $34,400 plus on-road costs for the entry-level GX FWD 2.0-litre petrol, rising to $52,700 plus ORCs for the flagship Edge AWD Hybrid.

Toyota Australia currently has seven SUVs in its 20-strong product portfolio, and this will expand to eight when the Toyota Corolla Cross lobs later in the year, bringing a fifth-generation 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain.

As it stands, the updated Toyota RAV4 is expected to continue with its three engine choices, a base-grade 2.0-litre petrol, an up-spec 2.5-litre petrol and the popular 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

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