New Toyota RAV4 makes global debut in Japan, and the better news is that it's headed to our shores

COMIC books. I used to love comic books when I was just a little tyke. My brother and I used to wait for our Dad to come home from his weekly trip to the big city, because we knew, we just KNEW, that he would return with at least one, and sometimes a pile of comic books.

I think he indulged our passion because, like parents give their tykes smart devices these days to keep the laaities out of their hair, our parents knew that while we were reading our comics, we’d be out of sight, out of mind and less lastig!

Now besides the thrilling stories themselves, the other thing I LOVED about comic books was the window it opened to me on what’s available elsewhere. 

On some of the pages there were advertisements from overseas stores, the USA, England, and elsewhere in Europe sometimes, and just to see the products and toys and gadgets they had “over there” made me drool … oh how I used to wish I could get my grubby mitts on those kwaai stuff!

Speaking of getting one’s mitts on something “out there” that makes one drool, let me turn everyone’s focus towards the new Toyota RAV4.

Yes, that’s correct, Toyota has officially unveiled the brand-new RAV4 in Japan – marking the world premiere of the sixth-generation RAV4. 

Under the theme “Life is an Adventure”, the sixth-generation RAV4 is built for those who want more from every journey. With powerful new hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, improved performance, smarter safety tech, and a bold redesign, it’s a leap forward for a vehicle that already had serious street (and off-road) cred.

Power through electrification

The new RAV4 is offered in two electrified versions: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). 

For those who don’t understand technical jargon, all this means is that Rav4 owners have the choice of how they choose to be spoiled!

The PHEV, for example, now uses Toyota’s sixth-generation hybrid system with a stronger battery setup, pushing its electric-only range to 150km – up from 95km – and offering DC fast charging that reaches 80% in just 30 minutes. 

In other words you get to go further.

It’s not just efficient, it’s capable too. The PHEV’s motor output has been boosted by 12%, enhancing its off-road chops, and it now includes vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality, allowing it to act as a power source during blackouts or camping trips.

The HEV isn’t left behind either, with refined hardware delivering snappier acceleration and a smoother ride – ideal for city traffic or overtaking on the open road.

In other words, that means you get to go faster when you need to.

Smart, safe and stylish

Visually, the RAV4 remains rugged and ready for anything. I was looking at the pictures of this new SUV, and it made me salivate.

Toyota’s design blends three key elements: “Big Foot” (chunky tyres), “Life-up” (off-road flair), and “Utility” (practical cargo space). 

Meanwhile, Rav4 owners won’t only be entertaining observers who look at their car from the outside. For the driver sitting in the cabin, there’s plenty of eye-candy inside, because drivers benefit from a lower dashboard for improved visibility, clever storage options, and an ergonomic “island architecture” layout that clusters key controls together for less distraction.

Boot space grows to 749 litres, and a reversible centre console doubles as both armrest and tray – because why not?

The new model will come in three distinct styles, depending on what your tastes are:

• CORE: Refined, urban, and modern.
• ADVENTURE: Rugged, bold, and off-road-ready.
• GR SPORT: The sportiest of the trio, with tuned suspension, aggressive styling, and serious on-road grip.

I wonder if I can afford all three? That would be ideal!

A smarter kind of RAV4

Perhaps the most exciting leap is in software. The new RAV4 is Toyota’s first model to feature its Arene software platform, allowing for over-the-air updates and truly customisable digital experiences. 

That means your RAV4 gets better over time – not just in maps and apps, but in how it drives and protects.

Read that again, your new Rav4 will improve automatically the longer you own it!

Safety taken to the next level

And here’s what really made me sit up and take notice. This vehicle also debuts an extraordinary safety innovation: the Emergency Driving Stop System, which monitors the driver’s condition and will safely bring the vehicle to a halt if the driver becomes unresponsive. 

It’s part of the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense package, which also includes new acceleration controls to prevent unintended surges.

This isn’t just a car that goes places – it helps ensure you get there safely, even when things go wrong.

Toyota plans to launch the new RAV4 in over 180 countries, including South Africa. Local details will be confirmed closer to launch – but judging by what’s been revealed, it’s something worth waiting for.

And just knowing that the new RAV4 is headed for South African roads makes me feel like that little laatie again, waiting for my dad to come back from the city with something special tucked under his arm. 

There’s that same mix of anticipation, wonder, and the thrill of knowing that something extraordinary – something we once only dreamed about – is almost within reach. 

Only this time, instead of comic books, it’s a cutting-edge machine that’s smarter, safer, and more capable than ever. And I, for one, can’t wait to get my mitts on it, even if it’s just to visit it in a local showroom.