2025 Toyota RAV4 Full Redesign: Everything You Need to Know!

The Toyota RAV4's rugged looks set it apart from much of the compact SUV segment, though its appearance is mostly a front—especially now that the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models and their torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system are no longer on the menu. Nonetheless, this is a pleasant and capable compact SUV that fits well into most folks' lives, which generally take place on-road, not off. The RAV4 provides good space for people and their cargo as well as a long list of driver aids and easy-to-use tech.

Jan 8, 2025 - 15:32
Jan 8, 2025 - 15:43
 0
2025 Toyota RAV4 Full Redesign: Everything You Need to Know!
2025 Toyota RAV4 Full Redesign: Everything You Need to Know!

Toyota RAV4 2025 Overview

The Toyota RAV4's rugged looks set it apart from much of the compact SUV segment, though its appearance is mostly a front—especially now that the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models and their torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system are no longer on the menu. Nonetheless, this is a pleasant and capable compact SUV that fits well into most folks' lives, which generally take place on-road, not off. The RAV4 provides good space for people and their cargo as well as a long list of driver aids and easy-to-use tech. The experience is one of comfort over driver engagement, a point reinforced by a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is relatively frugal but never exciting.
If you are ready, friends, let's take a look at all the characteristics of the Mazda CX 5.
Before don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to the channel.
The RAV4 is outdone in power output, acceleration, and fuel efficiency by two siblings: the RAV4 hybrid and plug-in-hybrid variants, both of which we review separately. Close nonhybrid competitors to the RAV4 include the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Bronco Sport, all of which are at least a little more interesting to pilot.

What's New for 2025?

Toyota dropped the rugged-looking Adventure and TRD Off-Road models from the RAV4 lineup for 2025, and the more advanced all-wheel-drive system they came with is gone as well. Otherwise, everything else carries over for 2025 unchanged.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2025 Toyota RAV4 starts at $ 30,245 and goes up to $ 38,550 depending on the trim and options.
We'd practice a smidge of restraint and choose the mid-range XLE Premium. It provides plenty of standard equipment that the LE and XLE don't offer as standard or at all, such as fog lights, 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux-leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Toyota makes its suite of driver-assistance features standard across the lineup, so there's not much reason to go with a pricier trim—unless, of course, you need ventilated seats, a hands-free liftgate, or a 360-degree camera.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

There’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine up front making 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard on all RAV4 trims, with all-wheel drive an option. The workaday four-cylinder can be gruff, especially during highway passing attempts, and the transmission on our test vehicle seemed to stumble when called upon for a downshift. Workaday describes the handling as well; the compact crossover is solid and stable when cruising the interstate and competent when pitched into a twisty section of the road. However, it doesn't inspire the same confidence as the driver-friendly Mazda CX-50.

2025 RAV4 Hybrid

The RAV4 Hybrid models combine the advantages of a stylish SUV with the efficiency of the Toyota Hybrid System, which combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine with two Motor Generators and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). 
All RAV4 Hybrid models come equipped with a standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system that operates at all vehicle speeds.
The 2025 RAV4 Hybrid's AWD system is designed to handle both daily commuting and light off-roading. 
The AWD system combines the engine with front and rear electric drive motors to power all four wheels when needed. 
This system utilizes an independent electric motor at the rear wheels, rather than a torque-distribution system in the transmission and an additional driveshaft to the rear. 
This rear motor actively engages whenever rear torque is beneficial to maintain the vehicle on the intended line or when conditions become slippery.
All RAV4 Hybrid models come equipped with Eco, EV, Sport, Normal, and Trail drive modes. 
The Eco mode enhances fuel efficiency by reducing acceleration, while the EV mode draws power from the battery for maximum efficiency on short distances. 
The Sport mode provides drivers with a boost in acceleration. 
The Normal mode combines Eco, Sport, and EV modes to provide a smooth driving experience.
RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition drivers will particularly appreciate the Trail mode, which manages traction using integrated control for the AWD, brake, and drive force systems. 
This mode acts as a virtual limited slip differential, delivering power to specific wheels for enhanced traction when needed.

0–60-MPH Times

At our test track, the most recent RAV4 we've tested—a now-discontinued TRD Off-Road version—hit 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which is about average for this class. The RAV4 Hybrid—reviewed separately—snapped off a quicker 7.4-second time in our testing.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The RAV4 earns class-competitive fuel-economy estimates from the EPA. Front-wheel-drive RAV4s manage an estimated 35 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive models see 33 or 34 mpg there. The all-wheel-drive TRD Off-Road delivered 32 mpg for us on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route. That's a fairly good result for the class, but the RAV4 was outdone in that test by the Volkswagen Tiguan, which returned 33 mpg. We'd expect an RAV4 with the simpler all-wheel-drive system—the only one available for 2025—to improve on the TRD Off-Road's result by a mile per gallon or two. 

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The RAV4’s interior prioritizes occupant comfort and cubby storage, but buyers need to shop above the base LE trim for an interior with eye appeal. The base LE keeps its price down with cloth seats, hard black plastics throughout, a leather-free steering wheel, and single-zone manual climate control. The XLE tries a little harder, adding a second, two-tone cabin option as well as a few more features. The XLE Premium cuts the compromises and comes done up with faux-leather upholstery, pleasant plastics, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a stitched-and-padded dashboard and center-console armrest. The RAV4's rear seats are easy to stow, and they fold to a nearly flat position, opening up the cabin for cargo. We fit 10 of our carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat and 22 with it folded. The Nissan Rogue matched the RAV4 here, but the Subaru Forester beat it by one in each metric.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Lower trims come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but a 10.5-inch display is available on the XLE Premium and standard on the Limited. The infotainment system includes a 4G LTE mobile hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A JBL premium audio system, navigation, and a wireless charging pad for a smartphone are optional. Most models come with a separate 7.0-inch display in the gauge cluster, but a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge display is standard on the Limited.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The RAV4 lineup boasts an array of standard driver assists in most trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alerts cost extra for the base model. For more information about the RAV4's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Toyota's warranties toe the industry line with three years of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years for the powertrain. Competitive models from Kia, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi offer much longer powertrain warranties. All RAV4 models come with two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance—a rarity in this segment.
The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles

What's Your Reaction?

like

dislike

love

funny

angry

sad

wow