Toyota RAV4 prices and specs upped

The new-generation Toyota RAV4 has been a sell-out success in Australia, where it has become the top-selling medium SUV, and now minor changes to pricing and specs have been made to increase its appeal.

Entry-level Toyota RAV4 GX models (petrol and hybrid) are now between $280 and $405 more expensive than before but bring four extra USB ports – five in total – along with a premium steering wheel plus front and rear carpet mats.

Upgraded Toyota RAV4 GX models also gain smart start engine ignition.

All other model grades including the GXL, Cruiser and Edge have risen in price by $125 but only Cruiser variants have something to show for it: auto-folding power door mirrors.

Toyota RAV4 tow test

Toyota’s repositioning of the RAV4 and improvement of entry-level models could be seen as a pre-emptive effort to head off upcoming rivals.

A number of all-new big-hitting mid-size SUVs in the same class as the RAV4 are on their way to Australia over the next 12 months, including the new Ford Escape late this year, the new Hyundai Tucson in early 2021 and the new Nissan X-TRAIL later that year.

All three of of these models will be available with hybrid power for the first time in Australia but it remains to be seen if they’ll be as popular as the RAV4 hybrid. Toyota offers petrol-electric hybrid tech (but not plug-in capability) with every RAV4 variant except the range-topping Edge.

For the month of July, the RAV4 was Australia’s top-selling vehicle and a whopping 88 per cent of those sales were hybrid variants.

"Toyota moves as quickly as possible to ensure customers benefit from new and upgraded features that improve safety, increase comfort or just make their life behind the wheel easier," said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing boss.

"As people look to explore their own backyard more as we come out of COVID restrictions, driving holidays -- whether they be extended trips or a quick weekend away -- will be high on the agenda and the improvements we have made to our SUV and workhorse models that deliver greater safety, comfort and connectivity will make those trips even more enjoyable," he said.

AWD 2.5-litre hybrid auto
GX -- $40,070 (+$280)
GXL -- $42,915 (+$125)
Cruiser - $46,415 (+$125)