- The Toyota RAV4 gains mild upgrades for 2025 in Japan.
- The FWD versions will be discontinued from the Japanese lineup, in favor of AWD models.
- All trims gain a few more features as standard, and hybrids lose the blue Toyota emblem.
The current generation Toyota RAV4 is entering its twilight years, having been on the market since 2018. While we await the arrival of the next-generation model, the Japanese-spec RAV4 gets what are likely its final updates for the 2025 model year.
The most significant change for 2025 is the removal of front-wheel-drive variants from the Japanese lineup, making the RAV4 an all-wheel-drive-only model in its home market. Specifically, gasoline versions will now come standard with 4WD, while the self-charging hybrid will exclusively feature Toyota’s E-Four AWD system, which is already standard on the plug-in hybrid variant.
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According to Japanese outlet Creative Trend, the 2025 RAV4 won’t see any major exterior, interior, or mechanical overhauls. Beyond axing the FWD trims, the most visible update is the hybrid model’s shift from the blue Toyota badge to a standard emblem, paired with the new HEV badge (featuring a blue dot) on the tailgate.
Toyota has also expanded the list of standard features across all Japanese trims for 2025. These now include Blind Spot Monitoring, Parking Support Brake, a Connected Navigation system, and puddle lights integrated into the side mirrors. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid model swaps its aluminum spare wheel for a more cost-conscious steel version.
The updated 2025 RAV4 will officially debut in Japan on November 28, when pricing will also be announced. Production for gasoline and hybrid variants begins in December 2024, with the PHEV following shortly after in January 2025.
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In the U.S., the 2025 Toyota RAV4 was unveiled in late September and retains its mix of FWD and AWD options. Electrified variants, including the plug-in hybrid, have also ditched the blue Toyota badge in favor of the new blue-dot HEV emblem on the tailgate. Notably, the U.S.-spec plug-in hybrid has also dropped its “Prime” moniker, simplifying its branding.
Looking ahead, Toyota has yet to confirm the debut of the next-generation RAV4, which is expected to break cover sometime in 2025. Earlier this year, Toyota officials hinted that the new model will take an evolutionary approach, focusing on strategic refinements rather than radical changes to maintain its successful formula. Additionally, the recent unveiling of the RAV-X Concept at the SEMA Show suggests that a rugged trim may also be in the pipeline for the future.
