The Japanese automaker has collaborated with both of its Chinese domestic market partners, FAW and GAC, to design a RAV4 for the local clientele. The former company will release the SUV under its global name, while GAC will produce a Wildlander Edition, Toyota said at the Guangzhou Motor Show.
Starting with the mass-market-oriented FAW-Toyota RAV4, it sports a rather rugged front end with a large radiator grille and a multi-piece front bumper assembly. In fact, it looks rather similar to the RAV4 Woodland spec for North America. Wheels are available in 18- and 20-inch sizes, and a two-tone exterior finish is listed as optional.
In turn, the Chinese Wildlander co-designed with GAC Group looks like a normal RAV4 model for the global market. With a bezel-free radiator grille and angular air intakes, it doesn’t lean too heavily into the off-roader aesthetic.
The interiors are identical between the two, and Toyota points out that both come equipped with a special infotainment system designed from the ground up for the Chinese market. It features a 15.6-inch display, an ergonomic UI and a number of preinstalled services that the local Toyota Design Center deems important in a car. Front seats are also new, while most other features are identical to the global version.
Power for the China-spec RAV4 comes from a hybridized 2.5-liter engine rated at 237 PS (234 hp / 174 kW) – same as its global counterpart. However, those who would like to save a bit on their purchase get China-exclusive powertrain options. There’s a 2.0-liter hybrid rated at 196 PS (193 hp / 144 kW), its cheaper version rated at 152 PS (150 hp / 112 kW), and a non-hybrid 2.0-liter engine with 171 PS (169 hp / 126 kW) at its disposal.
The Wildlander Edition ships exclusively with a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain and has E-Four AWD included in the price. For the main RAV4 lineup in China, AWD is a premium option reserved for higher trim levels.
The FAW-Toyota RAV4 will reach the showrooms before the end of the year, but all prices remain to be announced. Its GAC cousin is expected to follow soon, and it’s already official that it will cost 169,800–230,800 Yuan depending on the trim.
