2022 Toyota RAV4 Unveiled With New Trim As Model Turns 25

The burgeoning crossover segment as we know it today owes a lot to the Toyota RAV4. Introduced in North America in 1996, the RAV4 blended sedan-like comfort with increased capability and rugged styling. Toyota is now celebrating 25 years of the RAV4 in the US, and despite intense competition, the little crossover remains a monumental success on the sales charts.

The ten-millionth RAV4 rolled off the production line last year, and it remains a massive seller today. Coinciding with the vehicle's 25th US anniversary is the unveiling of the refreshed 2022 RAV4. Toyota looks back at five generations of the SUV while also expanding electrified options within the current lineup.

Before we get to the facelifted RAV4 pictured here, we'll take a brief look back at where it all began. The first RAV4's unibody construction differed from other SUVs of the period, enabling a much more refined ride. A three-door version was available but it was the five-door that really dominated in the US, which is why only this body style returned for the second-gen model in 2000. It introduced more interior space and vehicle stability control in 2004.

In 2006, the third-gen RAV4 grew significantly with a 10-inch longer wheelbase and 14 inches of added body length. This allowed Toyota to offer the choice of third-row seating. A potent V6 was offered, making the RAV4 quite a performer for the first time.

In 2013, the fourth-generation RAV4 was ushered in with super efficiency and the first hybrid version arrived in 2016. Finally, that takes us to the fifth-gen model on sale currently. It's still fairly fresh, having appeared in 2019, and marked the arrival of the first TRD Off-Road variant and the rapid RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. Now, the time has come for the current RAV4's mid-cycle refresh.

Notably, the 2022 model marks the introduction of a new SE Hybrid trim, offering more value than the XSE. It comes with mono-paint and fabric seats but can be upgraded with options like a moonroof and nine-inch touchscreen interface.

All 2022 Toyota RAV4 models have received minor exterior and interior upgrades. The XSE now comes in a newly available Calvary Blue color with a black roof. This color is also offered for the SE Hybrid and TRD Off-Road. New wheel colors are introduced on LE Hybrid, Adventure, XLE, and XLE Hybrid models, while the XLE Premium Hybrid and Limited Hybrid get a revised wheel design. XLE trims and above have received upgraded headlamps, both in terms of style and efficacy. LED fog lamps have been added for the XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road. The XSE Hybrid, meanwhile, adopts the XSE Prime's vertical lights.

Inside, all models have a locking glovebox with LED interior lamps. Illuminated interior switches have been added for the XLE and above, while the Limited now comes with an eight-way power front passenger seat.

Toyota did not indicate that any changes were made to the vehicle's powertrain. That means the RAV4 should continue to be powered by a 203-horsepower gas engine, a 219-hp hybrid, and a 302-hp PHEV.

Pricing has not been revealed yet but Toyota will share this information in mid-December, including more details about the 2022 RAV4 lineup.