Last week Toyota pulled the wraps off the sixth-generation RAV4 here in Mzansi, during a cold and breezy two days in the scenic Western Cape. And I believe the wait has been worth it. In a market where SUVs are fighting tooth and nail for every Rand in your pocket, Toyota has delivered a package that feels familiar yet refreshingly evolved. About a decade ago the RAV4 was a best-seller in its segment, pushing serious numbers on the sales charts. It was a hit. In fact, in 2025 the new RAV4 was certified as the best-selling car in the entire world. Toyota is counting on this new model to mimic, or get as close as possible, to that success here at home.
Beginning with the exterior design, which hits that sweet spot between aggressive, yet approachable. Designed by Daisuke Iguchi and Junya Furuta (exterior), Ryo Nakane and Naoyuki Kawamoto (interior) – under the strict supervision of Project Chief Designer Hideo Koyama – the bold front grille and sharp LED headlights give it a confident, road-ready look, while softer lines along the flanks and rear keep it elegant. The previous-generation RAV4 (codenamed XA50) was perhaps a little too aggressive for its time, and took on a decidedly American rugged SUV design philosophy. The new car (XA60) seems to balance quite nicely.
Step inside, and the cabin tells the theme of solidity, and no-nonsense quality. Materials are robust and well-assembled, including leather upholstery in higher specs that feels durable for family life. Unlike a number of new entrants into this segment, this car does not exhibit many flashy “frills and thrills” in the trim department. Instead, Toyota seems to have focused on what matters the most to their customers: comfort, space, and longevity. The seats offer good support for those long highway stints, and rear passengers get decent legroom and headroom. At 4.6 metres long, 1.7m tall, 1.9m wide and with a wheelbase of some 2.7m, it gives good space overall.
Another area where the new RAV4 shines brightest is in its hi-tech credentials. A prominent 32.8cm touchscreen infotainment system anchors the dashboard, offering crisp graphics, intuitive menus, and smartphone integration. Features like the electrically-operated tailgate should make loading groceries or other luggage effortless, while the full suite of safety tech – Toyota Safety Sense and more – brings peace of mind in our unpredictable driving conditions. Higher models get digital instrument clusters and premium JBL audio with 9 speakers, elevating the experience without overcomplicating things.
Under the bonnet, Toyota is staying traditional in one case, while simultaneously easing into electrification. Remember XA50 also came with two Hybrid options. So here you have the naturally aspirated petrol model for those who still prefer simplicity, while the efficient HEV hybrid, and the flagship PHEV plug-in hybrid fly the electrification flag. That PHEV, in particular, is a game-changer for RAV4 brand, with a combined range of around 1 000km. That’s the kind of figure that makes long trips far less daunting, especially with our fuel prices in mind. In fact, it performs better than diesel equivalents. The hybrid systems feel seamless, delivering relatively smooth power and impressive efficiency. I was expecting a noisy powertrain, but was pleasantly surprised to experience minimal engine noises.
As far as the technical aspects of the three powertrains, the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine produces 127kW and 203Nm of torque. Then a step up is the HEV hybrid, using Toyota’s naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine. At its peak it makes 163kW and 221Nm, while the plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) delivers 225kW. Maximum torque is not officially supplied anywhere, but we estimate it to be around 350Nm. Whilst launch test driving conditions don’t necessarily mimic daily driving routines, the PHEV model should be able to return about 1 000km of range from a full battery pack (100% charged) and full petrol tank.
Driving the new RAV4 feels composed and confident. The hybrid powertrains provide punchy acceleration when you need it for overtaking trucks on the highway, and can still settle into quiet, efficient cruising mode effortlessly. Ride quality is well-damped over our often-challenging roads, absorbing uneven roads without unsettling the cabin too much. Steering is light yet precise, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight parking bays.
At its price points some might raise eyebrows. But in typical Toyota fashion, you are expecting to be buying proven engineering, strong resale value, and a vehicle that’s built to last. The RAV4 has long been a top seller in Mzansi for good reason, and this new generation aims to build on that legacy while embracing the future of mobility.
Is it perfect? No car is. Some might crave more adventurous off-road hardware, or wilder design flair. But for what it sets out to be; a versatile, efficient, family-friendly crossover with genuine “green” credentials, the new RAV4 delivers.
TOYOTA RAV4 PRICES
2.5 HEV GX – R770 500
2.0 VX – R799 900
2.5 HEV VX – R927 800
2.5 HEV GR-S – R941 800
2.5 PHEV – R1 043 900
