It's hammer time for the new 2024 Toyota RAV4 as it adopts hammerhead lights and improved electrification

Its appearance in Malaysia may have been brief but the Toyota RAV4’s popularity globally has made it one of the default examples of an SUV and now, renders have surfaced online of what the new model could appear like.

While it remains unclear if the renders foreshadow an update to the current RAV4 or an all-new model, one thing is for certain, it’ll adopt Toyota’s latest hammerhead front façade that’s been appearing on a number of its latest cars.

Japanese auto news site Response published the renders and it looks like the front end is heavily influenced by the likes of the all-new Prius and Crown with triple projectors within the headlights.

Moving around the to the sides, the exterior inherits the boxy SUV lines that make the current RAV4 a handsome thing.

Also Read: Review: Is the 2020 Toyota RAV4 worth RM 200,000?

Even below the headlights, the bumper is designed to be integrated with a large under cowl that should lend it an intimidating look.

Apart from the new split headlight design, the next RAV4 will continue to ride on the TNGA-K platform that underpins current model, albeit with improvements. Among those upgrades are said to be a longer wheelbase that allows for significantly improved interior space as well as tightened up body rigidity.

Behind those hammerhead lights, the powertrains are expected to comprise the current combo of electrification in the form of the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS-II) that lends torque to the 2.5-liter inline-4 Dynamic Force Engine. Minor updates to the THS-II powertrain should see torque and fuel consumption improve.

The PHEV version from the current RAV4 will also be carried over with Toyota looking to increase the EV-only cruising range up to around 100 km from the current 65 km. Power is expected to be around the 310 PS mark.

Alternatively, the new 2.4-liter inline-4 petrol turbo engine that debuted in the Lexus NX350 is expected to make its Toyota debut in the new RAV4.

In the cabin, expect a 12.3-inch instrument cluster together with an equally sized touchscreen infotainment display to create the appearance of a more advanced cockpit.

Expect the world premiere of the new RAV4 towards the end of the year, delays notwithstanding. However, if it’s held up a little, the new RAV4 will still make its debut by the first half of 2024.