How Will the Toyota RAV4 Survive Until 2025?
Currently, the Toyota RAV4 is on top without much competition. However, rivals like the Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V have already been revamped with better looks, superior comfort, and modern tech. The Aging 2023 Toyota RAV4 is expected to remain the same until 2025, so how will it stay on top?
Is the Toyota RAV4 being redesigned?
Yes, the Toyota RAV4 will eventually be redesigned, but not for 2024. It was last redesigned back in 2019, and it starting to age. The 2023 Honda CR-V and 2022 Kia Sportage received significant updates to become serious contenders in the segment.
Rivals have the potential to become more popular before the refreshed Toyota RAV4 debuts in 2024 for the 2025 model year. This is when the new Toyota Corolla is expected to also make an appearance, so they could have things in common.
The 2023 RAV4 did receive minor updates to help it feel is bit more modern. For example, it has an optional 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a better resolution and an updated digital gauge cluster.
The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen is a little blurry, and the older digital gauge cluster was a bit basic. But it didn’t get any extra power or comfort features.
What to expect with the 2025 RAV4?
We’re still waiting to learn more about the 2025 Toyota RAV4. But according to AutoBlog, the lineup could go fully hybrid. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque could be dropped.
This isn’t exactly a bad thing, as the engine is a little unrefined and slightly underpowered. It takes the gas-powered RAV4 about 9.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. This is below the class average.
But it has plenty of power for running errands around town. Just give yourself a little extra time to merge into traffic and pass others on the highway.
The 2023 Honda CR-V has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It reaches 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds, which is average for the class.
With the RAV4 Hybrid, you get the same engine that’s paired with an electric motor to generate 219 hp. It can reach 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. That’s much sportier. The 2025 RAV4 Hybrid could keep this engine or get a new one.
Also, the Toyota RAV4 Prime uses a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with two electric motors and a battery back to crank out 302 hp. It accelerates to 60 mph in roughly 5.7 seconds.
What are some popular RAV4 complaints?
The current Toyota RAV4 model could be more refined. The ride is a bit bumpy, and the steering is vague. But the body lean is well controlled, and the brakes are confident. Also, it’s a bit louder than expected at highway speeds. The engine can sound loud and wheezy at times.
Some critics find the seats in the RAV4 to be stiff and flat for longer rides. The passenger seat lacks adjustment controls for taller passengers, but the back seat is pretty spacious.
The interior in lower trim levels is pretty spartan, with tons of hard plastics. The tech works well, but the Toyota Entune software is slightly laggy and buggy. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are faster and more intuitive.
Competitors like the Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V have modern tech with more attractive graphics and advanced features. They’re a little sportier with more comfortable rides and classier interiors.
The RAV4 faces serious competition as it starts to fall behind the pack. Stay tuned for the latest updates about the next generation.
