The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling SUV in the country. The RAV4 outsells more affordable models and SUVs with better performance specs. It has become America’s SUV by a long shot. The question is, how long can the Toyota RAV4 remain on top? Here are three reasons why the Toyota RAV4 is due for a redesign as soon as possible.
Toyota redesigns the RAV4 every four to six years
Toyota redesigns the RAV4 every four to six years based on the last few generations. According to Cars.com, the fourth generation lasted from the 2013 model year to the 2018 model year. The third generation lasted from the 2006 model year to the 2012 model year. The second generation lasted from the 2001 model to the 2005 model. The first generation lasted from the original 1996 RAV4 to the 2000 RAV4.
The Toyota RAV4’s fifth generation has spanned five model years now, from the 2019 model year to the current 2023 model year. So, it would be uncharacteristic of Toyota to avoid a redesign for the 2024 model year.
Interestingly, Toyota hasn’t waited this long to redesign a RAV4 since the third generation of the small SUV. The RAV4’s previous generation lengths aren’t a surefire way to tell when the new RAV4 is coming, but there are other reasons why Toyota may redesign the small SUV as well.,
The Toyota RAV4 is lagging behind some competitors
The RAV4 may not be lagging behind rivals in sales, but several other automakers that compete in the small SUV vehicle segment have already redesigned their models. The Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson recently got major redesigns. These redesigned have arguably elevated their positions in rankings.
The Honda CR-V got a major redesign for 2023. Honda’s small SUV is now one of the most expensive options on the market. That being said, the CR-V is a more attractive offer from a value perspective than in recent years.
Mazda recently released the CX-50, a small SUV that is more rugged than the CX-5 yet still affordable. It is also roomier. The small SUV vehicle segment is only getting more competitive with time. If Toyota wants its small SUV to remain at the top, it’s time that the RAV4 gets a makeover.
Toyota has been on a redesign spree
Some redesigns aren’t very impactful. Other redesigns can change a vehicle’s entire trajectory. The Toyota Tundra redesign was one of the biggest redesigns of the decade thus far. The Tundra nameplate had become antiquated, and its sales suffered because it was inferior to newer models. Following its redesign, the Tundra has become much more competitive thanks to a nice interior, updated exterior, and better fuel economy.
The Toyota Sequoia got a redesign for the 2023 model year, and it’s a more attractive offer than it has been for years. Toyota recently redesigned the Prius and announced the Grand Higlander, a larger version of the Toyota Highlander.
Toyota is updating its portfolio of vehicles. It’s only fitting that its best-selling model gets the redesign treatment next.
