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The new Toyota Wildlander is set to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show in April.
The RAV4 twin is manufactured in China by GAC-Toyota.
The new generation will reflect changes in the future of the RAV4.
Last month, spy shots emerged showing what is believed to be a prototype of the long-awaited 4 Toyota RAV2026 crossover. Now, new speculation has revealed that the Chinese counterpart, the Wildlander, will debut at the Shanghai Motor Show this April. If that timeline holds true, it could mean the debut of the original RAV4 is just around the corner.
What is known about Wildlander?
The Toyota Wildlander was unveiled in late 2019 and went on sale in China in early 2020. The crossover shares its underpinnings, interior and most exterior body panels with the RAV4, although it has a modified front end and unique taillights. The Wildlander is manufactured by GAC-Toyota, while the RAV4 is manufactured by FAW-Toyota.
While 2025 might be the best time to refresh the model, rumors suggest that the next-generation crossover will debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. It is expected to reflect changes to the future RAV4, which will ride on an improved version of the TNGA-K platform.
The RAV4 and Wildlander are likely to get a more efficient self-charging hybrid powertrain, as well as ICE and PHEV units. It has also been reported that Chinese buyers may get access to a second and more affordable hybrid powertrain, using a smaller 2,0-liter engine as the base instead of the 2,5-liter engine.
The Wildlander's body will be completely redesigned compared to the previous model, although it's unclear how different it will be from the next-generation RAV4.
Inside, the Wildlander will get the latest tech features, likely including a new digital cockpit with two 12,3-inch displays and a more modern instrument panel design.
It's unclear whether the 4 Toyota RAV2026 will be revealed before the next-generation Wildlander debuts or a little later. Either way, both crossovers will be updated in 2025, sharing many components. That means either one will be the first to reveal a lot about its sibling.
Interestingly, the Wildlander and RAV4 have another related model, the Suzuki Across, which is available in Europe. The rebadged crossover shares the same headlight design as the Chinese model, but has a unique front bumper and borrows the RAV4's rear design, albeit with Suzuki badging. Given Toyota's successful partnership with Suzuki, the Across crossover could remain in the new generation.
