Hot News: 2014 Toyota RAV4 to be Introduced at LA Show

Not content to let Ford or Honda steal its compact crossover thunder with the new 2013 Escape and 2012 CR-V, Toyota has announced that the next-generation 2013 Toyota RAV4 will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, and released a short teaser of the new RAV4.

As hinted by the RAV4s we’ve spotted testing and confirmed by Toyota’s new teaser video, Toyota’s next-generation compact crossover will feature styling similar to the 2012 Camry and 2013 Venza, with edgier lines, the new corporate grille, and headlights similar to those of the ever-popular Camry. At right and above are renderings of what the fully uncovered 2013 Toyota RAV4 could look like.

Inside the 2013 RAV4 is likely to get a slightly more upscale interior, with Toyota’s Entune infotainment system being a central focus of the cabin. Currently one of the only three-row vehicles in its class, there’s no word yet on whether the 2013 RAV4 will retain that feature as an option, though the Toyota’s teaser does show a profile that could seemingly fit an extra row of seats.

Under the hood, we’re expecting the 2013 RAV4 to use a revised version of its current 179-hp, 172-lb-ft 2.5-liter I-4, though its four-speed slushbox will likely be sent to the scrap heap in favor of the Camry’s six-speed auto. As we previously reported, the V-6 variant might not make it into the next-gen RAV4 lineup. If Toyota does decide to continue offering the compact crossover with a six-cylinder, the Camry’s 3.5-liter V-6 would be a likely candidate. The RAV4 Hybrid also remains a strong possibility.

Thanks to: Motor Trend