Toyota RAV4 upgraded

An upgraded 2022 Toyota RAV4 has been revealed, bringing several design and equipment updates for Australia’s most popular mid-size SUV.

However, the refreshed Toyota RAV4, which will offer “enhanced styling” and added technology and creature comforts, won’t arrive Down Under until early next year.

And oddly enough, we cannot show you the physical extent of the changes at this stage because Toyota says it won’t release imagery of the MY22 RAV4 until closer to its launch.

News of the updated RAV4 comes as the waiting time for hybrid versions of the popular medium SUV continues to hover at around six months, as Aussie consumers continue to embrace Toyota’s petrol-electric powertrain technology.

For 2022, the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan rival is headlined by upgraded LED foglights and a new headlight design for hybrid variants, which as a result are said to offer enhanced vision at night.

An idle-stop system has been added to petrol variants, which will also sport new alloy wheel designs.

Inside, GXL, Cruiser and Edge model grades get illuminated door switches for improved functionality in the dark.

In addition, RAV4 Cruiser variants get eight-way adjustable power front seats, three-stage driver and front passenger seat ventilation and a digital rear-view mirror.

Meantime, the RAV4 Edge flagship gets a parking support brake function added to its rear cross-traffic alert system.

Toyota says the changes are likely to be accompanied by minor price increases across the board. At present, following price and spec increases in August 2020, the RAV4 range opens at $32,695 (plus on-road costs) for the GX manual and tops out at $48,915 for the RAV4 Edge.

Engine choices will remain unchanged for 2022, with the option of two four-cylinder petrol engines – a 152kW 2.5-litre mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission for the AWD Edge, or a 127kW 2.0-litre that drives through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in 2WD GX, GXL and Cruiser versions.

Toyota will also continue to offer its ever-popular RAV4 Hybrid, available in two forms – a 160kW 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain in 2WD guise, with a slight boost to 163kW for AWD variants – available across GX, GXL and Cruiser grades.

“The RAV4's mix of style and practicality, and in particular, its hybrid powertrain, really resonates with buyers and these upgrades will add to that appeal,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, Sean Hanley.

“While these updates won't arrive until early next year, Toyota is committed to keeping its customers aware of upcoming improvements and we encourage our customers to speak with their preferred Toyota Dealer about the upgrade on any orders placed.”