2026 Toyota RAV4 appears at Japan Mobility Show 2025 — Maybe It’s time for a comeback in Malaysia?

KUALA LUMPUR: We caught a familiar nameplate at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 — the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4. It wasn’t a global debut (that happened earlier this year), but this was our first look at Toyota’s latest mid-size SUV, now reborn with more tech, more electrification, and a touch more attitude.

And yes, before you ask — we know it’s not on sale in Malaysia right now. But seeing how Toyota has been steadily expanding its hybrid lineup here, maybe, just maybe, there’s a small chance this one could make a return.

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The sixth-generation RAV4 rides on Toyota’s updated TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, the same foundation that underpins many of its latest models. It’s stiffer, quieter, and more refined — basically, all the right ingredients for a proper SUV upgrade.

Under the hood, things get electrified. There’s no full-petrol option anymore — just Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) versions, both paired with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.

Here’s the lineup:

• Hybrid FWD: 226 hp

• Hybrid AWD: 236 hp

• PHEV AWD: up to 320 hp combined

The PHEV is the headliner here — it can drive up to 150 km purely on electric power, and supports 11 kW AC charging or DC fast charging (10–80% in around 30 minutes). That’s pretty solid for something still very much a family SUV.

Depending on market, the RAV4 comes in three trims — Core, Adventure, and GR Sport — each with a distinct character.

The Core gets a cleaner, city-friendly look; the Adventure brings chunkier bumpers and cladding for light off-roading; and the GR Sport dials up the aggression with sportier styling cues.

Wheel sizes range from 17 to 20 inches, while dimensions start at 4,600 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,680 mm tall, sitting on a 2,690 mm wheelbase. The Adventure and GR Sport stretch slightly wider at 1,880 mm — because stance matters.

Software era

Here’s where Toyota flexes its future. The new RAV4 is the first Toyota model to feature the Arene software platform, developed by Woven by Toyota. It’s basically Toyota’s first step into the world of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) — meaning over-the-air updates, deeper system integration, and smarter connectivity down the line.

Safety-wise, it also debuts Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 4.0, which now includes:

• Emergency Driving Stop Function (EDSS): automatically stops the vehicle if the driver becomes incapacitated.

• Sudden Acceleration Suppression: prevents unintentional throttle input.

Expect more features to be announced before the global rollout begins.

Inside, it’s an entirely new look — minimalistic yet warm, with a clear focus on usability. The dashboard is dominated by a 12.9-inch infotainment screen paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver display, both running Toyota’s latest interface.

Other thoughtful touches include:

• Head-up display

• Toggle-style gear selector

• Reversible armrest tray

• 6- or 9-speaker audio systems

• 749 litres of cargo space — up from 733 litres previously

The rear seats also fold flatter now, which helps if you’re hauling bikes, camping gear, or, let’s be real — Ikea boxes.

Will It come to Malaysia?

That’s the big question. The last RAV4 officially sold here was the fifth-generation model, launched in 2020 with 2.0L and 2.5L petrol engines, before it quietly disappeared from UMW Toyota Malaysia’s lineup.

But times have changed — and Toyota Malaysia’s current focus on hybrids could open the door for the RAV4 HEV, or even the PHEV, to make a return. If priced competitively, it  would slot nicely above the Corolla Cross Hybrid, and offer buyers a more premium, tech-laden alternative.

For now, though, the RAV4’s Malaysian fate remains uncertain. Still, as we stood there looking at it under the bright lights of Tokyo Big Sight, it’s hard not to hope. Because if there’s one SUV that deserves a second shot here, it’s this one.

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