2022 Toyota RAV4: Facelift to arrive early next year

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has been unveiled in Europe, previewing the model’s mid-life update ahead of its arrival into Australia early next year.

While Toyota originally announced the 2022 model changes back in June, these are the first images we’ve seen of the refreshed RAV4.

New LED headlights with daytime-running light signatures will be offered as standard on hybrid vehicles, a set of redesigned alloy wheels will be fitted on most variants, and new LED fog lights will be standard across the range.

All models bar the RAV4 GX will receive illuminated door switches, while the Cruiser gains ventilated power-adjustable front seats and a digital rear-view mirror.

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No changes have been announced for the engines themselves, but stop-start technology will feature for all petrol variants – reducing emissions and improving fuel economy – while the RAV4 Edge gains rear cross-traffic alert.

Final pricing and specifications have yet to be confirmed for Australia, but it’s expected the current powertrains will carry over.

Buyers currently have the option of a 127kW/203Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 152kW/243Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, or a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid four-cylinder engine – the latter available with 160kW/221Nm powering the front wheels, or 163kW/221Nm and all-wheel drive.

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"While these updates won't arrive until early next year, Toyota is committed to keeping its customers aware of upcoming improvements,” Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said at the initial announcement in June.

“We encourage our customers to speak with their preferred Toyota Dealer about the upgrade on any orders placed.”

Production of the new model is slated to begin in December, but it’s not clear at this stage whether the carmaker’s semiconductor chip supply woes will push back timing.

It’s expected local pricing for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 will be announced when the updated model goes on sale in the coming months, with deliveries to begin in early 2022.