Images of the 2023 Toyota RAV4’s tech-laden interior have shown off key upgrades including the highly-anticipated 10.5-inch touchscreen for the first time.
The RAV4 interior changes were unveiled in Europe overnight, with the images showcasing a number of tech upgrades that will bring Australia’s most popular midsize SUV into line with newer rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which both pack big screens.
Toyota has previewed the huge 10.5-inch touchscreen in the RAV4 for the first time
An updated version of the RAV4 will be released in Australia in the second half of the year, likely in October 2022, alongside forecasted price increases of between $1500 and $3000 depending on the grade.
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RAV4 to get bigger screens, faster phone charging
The updated European RAV4 is pictured wearing a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen, offering a significant upgrade in terms of both size, and likely picture quality, over the 8.0-inch display.
Though the Australian specification of the upgraded RAV4 is yet to be revealed by Toyota, leaked dealer bulletins previously confirmed the larger display will feature on XSE, Cruiser and Edge grades, while the GX and GXL will make do with the smaller unit.
Perhaps more significant is the availability of wireless Apple CarPlay on both displays – though it appears that Android users will still need to plug in their phone each time, unlike other recently-updated rivals such as the Tiguan.
The new screen will be available in the RAV4 XSE (pictured), Cruiser and Edge variants
Sitting directly in front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display that replaces the current setup that consists of a functional but diminutive 4.2-inch unit sandwiched between a pair of analogue dials.
Lower grades will receive a smaller 7.0-inch screen, sitting adjacent to a single analogue dial. This smaller TFT unit is already used as the driver display in today’s XSE, Cruiser and Edge models.
European versions of the RAV4 will offer a choice of four layouts inside the new digital driver’s display, though it remains unclear whether drivers can view the navigation system through this unit.
The updated model will arrive in Australia later this year
The technology changes reflect Toyota’s move to adopt newer screens and software in the US-market Toyota Tundra ute, as well as the new GR Corolla and Lexus NX luxury SUV.
Toyota’s rollout of upgraded technology is expected to flow through all models until the middle of the 2020s.
Toyota Motor Corporation Australia has already confirmed our updated RAV4 range will arrive with modern USB-C charging points dotted around the cabin, which serves as an upgrade due to the fact they are reversible and typically offer much faster charging than USB-A ports.
Price increases of up to $3000 are also expected to arrive soon
More active safety features for RAV4
The already broad range of safety features has been expanded for the updated RAV4, with the midsizer set to be equipped with a more advanced AEB system capable of foreseeing and subsequently preventing a potential accident with a car or pedestrian at an intersection.
Emergency steering assistance will also be included, a technology that aims to assist the driver by keeping the car under control during evasive maneuvers.
Toyota has previously confirmed it will bring its Connected Services functionality to the RAV4 and other models in Australia, enabling the car to automatically dial for help in the event of an accident and sync with the driver’s phone to view useful information day-to-day.
