Toyota RAV4 Challenges Ford Ranger for Australia's Best-Selling Vehicle Crown in 2024

The Toyota RAV4 has been performing exceptionally well in sales, becoming Australia's best-selling vehicle in August 2024.

Hybrid sales, particularly driven by the RAV4, continue to grow in the Australian market. In July 2024, the RAV4 outsold both the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, which have traditionally been top sellers.

The RAV4's sales have been record-breaking, with the SUV hitting an all-time high volume in July 2024.As of August 2024, the Toyota RAV4 had delivered 38,050 units, putting it within 5,827 deliveries of the Ford Ranger (43,877).

Here are the key specifications and features expected for the 2025 Toyota RAV4:

Powertrain:

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque
• Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options likely to continue
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive optional

Technology:

• 8-inch touchscreen standard, with 10.5-inch or 12.3-inch screens available on higher trims
• 7-inch digital instrument cluster, with 12.3-inch available
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available head-up display and 360-degree camera system

Safety:

• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all models
• Features include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection
• Expected to maintain high crash test ratings

Interior:

• More premium materials and design expected
• Improved sound insulation for a quieter cabin
• Spacious interior with potential increase in rear legroom
• Available panoramic sunroof

Exterior:

• Redesigned exterior with more rugged styling cues
• LED headlights and taillights
• Various wheel options up to 19 inches

Trim Levels:

• Multiple trims expected, including off-road focused TRD models
• Hybrid options across most of the lineup

Fuel Economy:

• Improved efficiency expected, especially for hybrid models

The 2025 RAV4 is anticipated to be a significant update, with improvements in design, technology, and performance while building on the strengths that have made it a bestseller in its segment.

The strong performance of the RAV4 suggests it could potentially become Australia's best-selling vehicle for 2024, challenging the dominance of utes like the Ranger and HiLux. The rise in RAV4 sales aligns with a broader trend of increasing hybrid vehicle popularity in Australia.