Toyota RAV4 2025 vs 2024 RAV4

By Craig Hale

Last updated: 13 June 2025

Toyota RAV4 2024 vs. Toyota RAV4 2025 comparison

When it comes to choosing between Toyota's RAV4 2025 or RAV4 2024, there's more than just a model year at stake.

The new 2025 RAV4 has rolled onto the scene with a bold new look, even bolder technology claims, and the boldest of them all – plans to eliminate all potential accidents.

However, with its reputation for reliability, safety and fuel efficiency, should you bother upgrading, or is the 2024 Toyota RAV4 enough for you? Find out what sets these two models apart in our guide.

RAV4 2025 vs. 2024 RAV4

Our guide will answer:

• What are the main differences between the 2025 and 2024 RAV4

• Is the Toyota RAV4 2025 or 2024 RAV4 better to drive?

• Does the Toyota RAV4 2025 or 2024 RAV4 have better tech?

• Which car has the better styling?

• Is the Toyota RAV4 2025 or 2024 RAV4 more reliable?

• What are the Toyota RAV4 2025 vs 2024 RAV4 dimensions?

RAV4 2025 vs. 2024: main differences

Toyota's updated RAV4 has been thoroughly redesigned from the ground up for 2025, including a brand new design and impressive new tech underpinnings. But what does this mean if you're looking to buy this hybrid family SUV? Read our guide to find out what's new with the 2025 Toyota RAV4:

• Refreshed design

• New hybrid with longer electric range

• Sporty GR Sport trim level added

• New software capabilities inside

Toyota RAV4 2025 vs. 2024 RAV4: styling

The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4, introduced in 2025, has a striking front design with a bold grille, sleek, horizontal LED headlights and bold curves and edges for a much more aggressive style, compared with other Toyotas we've seen in the past.

Meanwhile, the fifth-generation RAV4 from 2024 that we've come to know and love has a much more conventional design, with clean surfaces and classic, chunky SUV styling.

Both have plenty of road presence and sporty cues, but the 2025 RAV4's radical design is certainly the one to go for if you like the latest and greatest.

Toyota RAV4 2025 vs. 2024 RAV4: what are they like to drive?

First and foremost, driving either version of the RAV4 should be pretty familiar. You sit high up, and there's plenty of interior space to get comfy. Because this Toyota is built as a capable workhorse and family car, you might notice it leans more in corners than some other SUVs – despite its looks, it's not the most sporty.

The key difference with the 2025 RAV4 is that it has a 22.7kWh battery, enabling up to 62 miles of electric-only range. Its electric motor is also 22hp more powerful, so with 204hp on tap, you can easily live with one of these in electric mode without feeling bogged down. The AWD model has 300hp, so it'll get to 62mph in 5.8 seconds, but there are tamer versions if they're more your style, including a regular self-charging hybrid.

2024 versions of the RAV4 have a 306hp plug-in hybrid system, but they're 0.2 seconds slower to 62mph. They also have smaller batteries (18.1kWh), so you'll be more limited in terms of electric range (46 miles).

To enhance efficiency, Toyota uses a CVT gearbox in the RAV4. It's an automatic, but does away with gears for smoother power delivery.

Toyota RAV4 2025 vs. 2024 RAV4: interior and technology

This is where things get serious in the 2025 RAV4, because this model is all about technology, including plenty of active safety systems designed to eliminate accidents.

It all centres around a brand-new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which has been totally redesigned and promises to be much quicker. A second, 12.3-inch display sits behind the steering wheel, with all the information you could need at a glance.

On the surface, the 2024 RAV4 seems similar. It has a 10.5-inch touchscreen and a seven- or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (depending on trim level), but the system that powers the in-car entertainment isn't quite as slick. It's more than up to the job, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay integration, but the 2025 system certainly promises to be a big improvement.

Toyota RAV4 2025 vs. 2024 RAV4: boot space and practicality

Boot space in the 2024 Toyota RAV4 stands at 520 litres, or 1,604 litres with the rear seats folded and equipment packed right up to the roofline. That's if you go for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Go for the self-charging hybrid and you have 580/1,690 litres of space, because it has a smaller battery that takes up less space.

Toyota hasn't confirmed the internal dimensions of the 2025 RAV4, but we hope boot space improves slightly.

One of its key rivals, the Honda CR-V, has a 587-litre boot in self-charging hybrid form, and an even bigger 659-litre space in plug-in hybrid form, so the RAV4 has some catching up to do. Still, it's more space than you get in the plug-in hybrid Volkswagen Tiguan.

Toyota RAV4 2025 vs. 2024 RAV4: safety and reliability

Toyota has a bold goal of eliminating all road accidents, and its cars have long had a reputation for being extremely safe and reliable, which its 10-year warranty (with annual eligible servicing) is testament to..

Toyota Safety Sense already helps the 2024 RAV4 be a safe SUV, but the 2025 RAV4 has even more credentials to help prevent accidents.

We're talking features like front cross traffic alert, updated blind spot monitoring with an integrated rear vehicle approach indicator (to take the stress out of motorway driving), an advanced lane change assist system and a tweaked pre-collision system.

Toyota RAV4 2025 vs. 2024 RAV4: dimensions

Toyota RAV4 2025

Toyota hasn't shared details of the 2025 RAV4's dimensions yet.

2024 RAV4

Length: 4,600mm

Width: 1,855mm

Height: 1,685-1,690mm

Bootspace: 520-580 litres

Verdict: Toyota RAV4 2025 vs. 2024 RAV4: which should you buy?

If you're drawn to sharp (even futuristic) design, next-gen tech and the last word in efficiency, you should probably consider the 2025 Toyota RAV4. It's a big leap forward, with brand-new tech underpinnings and an even bigger battery.

But the 2024 Toyota RAV4 is still a fantastic SUV, with proven reliability and strong practicality. It's guaranteed not to disappoint, and best of all, thanks to the launch of a brand-new model, you could save yourself a fortune.

Learn more:

• Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V

• RAV4 boot space