Photos of what appear to be the 2013 Toyota RAV4 have been posted by a forum member of a Toyota club in Saudi Arabia. While we can't confirm that the vehicle is, in fact, a 2013 RAV4, the Toyota SUV has similar design details we saw recently on a RAV4 prototype.
he biggest giveaway is the exposed front clip. While the lower bumper remains covered, the grille and headlights are similar to those on the test mules caught in recent months. Much of the side is still covered, making it difficult to determine if this particular model is equipped with two or three rows of seats. The photographer, however, did capture a clear shot of the cockpit, which features a new horizontally dominated layout that appears to be making its way into new Toyota and Lexus models. Though the U.S.-spec version of the 2013 RAV4 might sport changes from the crossover sold overseas, the car shown here retains the crossover's three-spoke steering wheel design, but has a thicker grip and revised buttons.
Powertrain details have yet to be released, but there's a possibility Toyota may drop the V-6 engine option. Most of the RAV4's competitors, like the one-engine Honda CR-V and three-engine Ford Escape, only offer smaller displacement four-cylinder mills. We'd be surprised if a more modern transmission didn't debut on the 2013 RAV4, which is expected to launch before the end of this year. In the meantime, check out the photos and let us know if you think this is the new 2013 RAV4.