摘要：In China’s auto market, where every new-generation gasoline vehicle means one less internal combustion model, vehicle upgrades hav

In China’s auto market, where every new-generation gasoline vehicle means one less internal combustion model, vehicle upgrades have become a matter of survival, especially for joint venture automakers. Is it that their products are no longer competitive, or have Chinese consumers simply lost interest in reliable gasoline cars?

As the transition to electrification accelerates in 2025, Toyota’s best-selling model, the RAV4, is set for a complete overhaul. FAW Toyota’s RAV4 and GAC Toyota’s Wildlander are expected to make their global debut. This will also mark a turning point where FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota take different strategic directions.

With the 9th-generation Camry introducing a new exterior design, two powertrain options, and an upgraded intelligent cockpit for the Chinese market, expectations are high that the RAV4 twin models for China will be the most powerful 6th-generation RAV4 models in the global market.

The King of Urban SUVs Returns, Challenging Model Y for the Global Sales Crown

As the pioneer of the “urban SUV” segment, Toyota's RAV4 has sold over12 million units globally and more than 1.8 million units in China since its mass production began in 1994. It held the title of the world’s best-selling gasoline SUV for eight consecutive years, standing alongside the Corolla as the cornerstone of Toyota’s global dominance.

However, with the rapid expansion of the new energy vehicle (NEV) market, Tesla’s Model Y has surpassed the RAV4 for two consecutive years, claiming the title of the world’s best-selling SUV. With manufacturing and sales support from its North American, Chinese, and European factories, the Model Y has set a new benchmark in the industry.

Amid fierce competition in the Chinese automotive market, the next-generation RAV4 must respond to the challenges posed by NEVs and evolving consumer demands. Its success or failure couldsignificantly impact the global SUV market.

Global Hybridization Strategy—Toyota’s Powertrain Revolution

As a symbol of Toyota’s push forglobal hybridization of gasoline vehicles, the 9th-generation Camry has completely abandoned pure gasoline engines in global markets, offering only the 2.5L hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain. It is likely that the global version of the RAV4 will follow suit, offering only the 2.5L HEV and 2.5L plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrains.

However, China will be an exception! The RAV4 and Wildlander will offer additional 2.0L gasoline and 2.0L HEV powertrain options, making China the only market with a four-powertrain lineup: gasoline, HEV, and PHEV. This diversification is aimed at outperforming Honda’s CR-V, Volkswagen’s Tiguan L, and domestic gasoline SUVs.

Toyota’s 5th-generation hybrid system will be implemented in the 2.0L HEV and 2.5L HEV models, delivering better performance, lower fuel consumption, and reduced emissions. Meanwhile, the PHEV version will transition from a niche offering to a core model.

However, Toyota’s newly developedsuper hybrid engine for plug-in hybrid models will not be launched until 2026. This could delay the introduction of the next-generation RAV4 PHEV, as its current sales volume is still relatively small. Maintaining two generations on sale simultaneously and pushing the RAV4 PHEV’s full redesign to 2026 remains a possibility.

Although Toyota collaborated with Tesla to launch the 2nd-generation RAV4 EV in 2012, no successor has been announced. With Toyota prioritizing hybrid vehicle expansion globally, a new all-electric RAV4 remains out of sight.

China-Specific Smart Technology Upgrades—What’s Next for the RAV4?

The powertrain is not the biggest highlight of theChinese RAV4 upgrade—the real game-changer is how Toyota localizes its smart ecosystem.

Toyota has already equipped thebZ3C and bZ3X pure EVs with large central control screens and Momenta LiDAR-powered advanced intelligent driving. The question is: Will the Chinese RAV4 models also feature an exclusive smart cockpit and high-level autonomous driving?

Globally, the RAV4 will still come with asmall touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Toyota’s TSS safety package. However, Toyota’s bZ4X, a global model, was the first to feature an autonomous driving package in China. Furthermore, GAC Toyota’s Sienna, equipped with Pony.ai’s self-driving technology, has already been deployed.

Design-wise, FAW Toyota’s RAV4 and GAC Toyota’s Wildlander will follow the traditional “twin car” strategyseen in joint ventures. However, with the 9th-generation Camry gaining popularity in China thanks to localized enhancements, the RAV4 twin models are expected to receive similar intelligent cockpit upgrades.

Toyota’s China localization strategy is inevitable, and the difference between FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota willno longer be limited to exterior design and quality control but will extend to the depth and breadth of local enhancements.

With a 2.0L hybrid as its core competitive advantage, the RAV4 twin models already have a head start in the race. However, outperforming other joint ventures is no longer the goal—Toyota aims to uphold the honor of joint venture automakers with the RAV4.

The Future of Toyota in China—A Strategic Shift

Faced withdual challenges from NEVs and domestic brands, Toyota has slowed or even halted the introduction of global models into China and has begun integrating existing twin models to reduce internal competition between FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota. Instead, each will focus on different market segments.

As one of Toyota’s global strategic models, the RAV4 plays a pivotal role in the FAW-GAC Toyota ecosystem, forming the Toyota SUV triad alongside the Highlander and Corolla Cross. This redesign is crucial for Toyota’s success in China.

While maintaining itsdual-brand strategy, FAW Toyota’s RAV4 and GAC Toyota’s Wildlander will diverge more in terms of design, positioning, and marketing. This shift will not only test Toyota China’s R&D capabilities but also challenge FAW Group and GAC Group’s ability to execute bold strategic decisions.

Toyota’s bZ3X electric SUV showcased the seamless integration of global manufacturing and localized intelligence. Whether through Toyota’s Intelligent Electric Manufacturing Center (IEM by TOYOTA) or GAC Toyota’s independent R&D capabilities, the next-generation Wildlander is expected to bring even more innovations.

Apossible scenario could see FAW Toyota introducing the global RAV4, while GAC Toyota develops a China-specific Wildlander, echoing the strategy of Volkswagen’s twin models. From a global Toyota perspective, this would be a smart move.

Conclusion: The RAV4’s Role in Toyota China’s Transformation

Frompowertrain options to intelligent cockpits and advanced autonomous driving, will the 6th-generation RAV4 mark Toyota’s true localization in China, or will it remain just another slogan?

For Toyota, whether the RAV4 and Wildlander succeed or not will not change its dominance in the global SUV market. However, their performance in China will determine Toyota’s future in the market.

With domestic automakers exhausting themselves in an intense price war,Toyota may find itself in the perfect position to reap the rewards.

The 2025 Shanghai Auto Show in late April will be the stage where Toyota unveils its vision for the Chinese marketand where FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota battle for supremacy in Toyota China.

来源：TMC动力