Toyota NZ lips are still zipped about the freshen that is drawing worldwide attention - but they’ve shared a photo of the car.

NO words, just a picture.

On the same day Toyota has internationally released more teaser photos of the updated Toyota RAV4, the local arm circulated a picture of the complete car, on social media. Intentional or an oopsie? Put it this way, the image, above, that loaded between 6-7pm has now gone.

Palmerston North-based Toyota New Zealand has also reminded that Japan’s official full unveil of the car is happening tomorrow, at 1pm NZ time.

The parent brand has progressively shared out images, which hint at what’s to come for a vehicle that has been around since 2019 in its current form.

The teasers give away something about what’s intended for the exterior styling. the earlier selection, issued last week, provided a more coherent glimpse at a big redesign of the interior.

The partial exterior images attest to what the TNZ share confirms - that the car, Toyota’s best seller here this year to date and for much of 2024, has achieved a new nose, much more like that on the CH-R and the controversial electric bZ4X SUV.

Two shots last week also confirm that a new digital display for the driver will feature, as well as a large new touchscreen with a new software system.

It seems the brand is also set to introduce new indicator and wiper stalks, as well as a new steering wheel design - plus a tiny gear lever, like that in the new C-HR.

There is also a place for a head-up display at the foot of the windscreen.

The usual big cupholders in the centre console remain but likelihood of it taking a wireless phone charger seem high.

The car is expected to stay on the‘TNGA-K’ platform but it’s very likely the front and rear ends will likely be different and use the brand’s latest design language.

One headline generator from the recently-revealed facelift of the Corolla Cross has been announcement of the inclusion of a GR Sport model.

Could the same treatment be coming for RAV4 in this market? Media in Australia are saying that first time fit out is a safe bet.

They say the model will likely add sportier styling and interior details, and potentially changes to the suspension as well.

As for the drivetrain? RAV4 here is now purely hybrid, and nothing will change. But just as the latest Camry upgraded to the brand’s latest fifth-generation hybrid when it launched with newer battery tech, so will the RAV4.

And more? Toyota NZ is coy about whether this car might at last represent in plug-in hybrid format, but it seems that could be supplied.

Toyota already has a powerful 224kW RAV4 PHEV overseas and advancements in battery tech for more than 100km of electric driving range will surely be enticing.

The current generation Toyota RAV4 has been a big success for Palmerston North-based Toyota New Zealand; it’s most recent accomplishment of many was to cement as the country’s top-selling new car for the first quarter of this year.