Renderings of the next-generation Toyota RAV4 have emerged on the ‘web hinting at an edgy re-style and a raft of other changes to Toyota’s long-serving compact SUV when it arrives here before the middle of next year.
The renderings from Quattroroute show a much more aggressive frontal treatment with deeper fenders, narrowed headlamps and sharp creases accentuating the flanks. There is almost a hint of Lexus about proceedings here, and it remains to be seen if this design, which appears to contradict the company’s friendly faced styling of late, will ultimately make it into reality.
From what we can gather, the new RAV4 will no longer tote its spare wheel on the rear door – instead moving this item either beneath the rear of the vehicle or reverting to a space-saver in the load bay well. It has also been suggested that the two folding rear seats will be dispensed with to make way for a more conventional seating arrangement.
Given the global trend in downsizing, it’s unlikely that Toyota will continue to offer a V6 engine in the RAV4. The more likely candidates are a 2,5-litre four-cylinder unit and possibly a newly developed 2,0-litre turbodiesel.
Click on the VIDEO tab above the associated images on this article to view a short video of the leaked images.
