2019 Toyota RAV4 previewed, due in Australia next year

The news follows the recent debut in Geneva of the new-generation Corolla hatch, along with confirmation and a first look at the reborn Supra.

As one of the younger badges in Toyota's line-up, this new RAV4 will be fifth of its name, replacing the 'XA40' model that launched in 2013.

Today's teaser image offers very little in the way of detail on the new Toyota RAV4, although it is clear we can once again expect more substantial proportions – just as the Kluger was given in its leap from second- to third-generation design.

Spy photos published by CarAdvice in January again showed a heavily disguised body, although the shape of a broad sloping grille can be seen pushing through the vinyl up front.

Of Toyota's most recent show cars, January's FT-AC concept – revealed in Detroit – looks the most likely candidate for donating its styling themes to the newest generation of Toyota's mid-sized SUV.

Under the skin, the car is expected to adopt the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) currently underpinning the C-HR, Camry, Prius and new Corolla. Expect to see a range of new four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains,  and a new transmission, as revealed in February.

Toyota sold 21,077 current-generation RAV4s in Australia last year – a 7.9 per cent improvement on 2016, but off the pace of the Mazda CX-5 (25,831) and Hyundai Tucson (23,828).

Speaking with CarAdvice this morning, Toyota Australia communications manager Orlando Rodriguez confirmed the new RAV4 will make its way Down Under in 2019. Exact timing is still to be confirmed, however.

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