Toyota Explores Its Dark Side with This RAV4

Every year, the Tokyo Auto Salon is a delightful source of prototypes, each more charming than the last, and Toyota will be part of the event.

Toyota is actively preparing for the Tokyo Auto Salon. In the meantime, the Japanese manufacturer reveals its surprising concept, the RAV4 Dark Side Performance. A teaser video suggests that this crossover focuses more on urban performance than on off-road capabilities. This concept aims to reverse the decline in sales recorded this year while attracting a younger clientele. To revive interest around the fifth generation of RAV4, which has been on sale for six years, Toyota is betting on this “Dark Side” version.

Although few details have been disclosed, the name “Dark Side Performance” sets the tone. The two-minute video presents a futuristic crossover in a “Dark Side Neo City,” a blend of anime and gaming universes. Painted black, with widened wheel arches, redesigned bumpers, and petrol-green accents, the model features black rims adorned with the “RAV4” logo. This design, combined with a closed grille with innovative patterns, hints at a potential electric version, a first for the RAV4.

Inside, a green light strip runs across the dashboard, enhancing the high-tech aesthetic. The video shows the RAV4 Dark Side traveling at high speed through a futuristic setting, suggesting improved performance. This model could fill a gap in the RAV4 lineup, which so far has lacked a performance-oriented version.

Meanwhile, Toyota will also present the “Outdoor Lifestyle Package” for the same model. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this package includes wheel arches extensions, a roof rack, and probably off-road tires.

The two concepts will be unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, which will be held from January 10 to 12 at the Makuhari Messe convention center. It remains to be seen whether the RAV4 Dark Side Performance will evolve into a production model.

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