2026 Toyota RAV4 to Launch in China as the Wildlander

MichaelAug 13, 2025, 11:58 AM

【PCauto】After its global debut in May, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is getting ready for the Chinese market. GAC Toyota, the brand’s joint venture in China, has filed a launch application with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology for the Wildlander, which is essentially the RAV4. This points to a market arrival in China this fall.

The regulatory filing shows that the Wildlander, a sibling to the RAV4, uses only one of the three exterior designs available for the RAV4. It’s likely that Toyota’s other Chinese joint venture, FAW Toyota, will go with a different design. Either way, the Wildlander and RAV4 are essentially the same vehicle, and both should arrive on the market around the same time.

2026 Wildlander: Detailed Product Information

Built on the TNGA-K platform, this compact SUV sees major upgrades to its design, powertrain, and features.

On the outside, the new Wildlander gets a sharper, more distinctive front end. Its C-shaped headlights match the styling of the latest Camry, while a black trim piece links the frameless mesh grille, giving the SUV a bold and modern look.

The side profile keeps the current model’s wheel arches and mirror design, but the side window between the C- and D-pillars is now longer, giving rear passengers a better view out.

At the back, the Wildlander gets new taillights joined by a black trim piece, plus a bold “WILDLANDER” badge that makes the model instantly recognizable.

In terms of size, the new Wildlander measures 4,600 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,680 mm tall, with the wheelbase unchanged at 2,690 mm.

While it’s 65 mm shorter than the current model, a reworked interior layout should give passengers more usable space and a better overall seating experience.

Interior Upgrades Worth Noting

Inside, the new Wildlander follows Toyota’s latest family design language. A fully digital gauge cluster, floating central touchscreen, and HUD head-up display form the heart of its digital cockpit.

It still keeps plenty of physical buttons for easy operation, but now swaps in a compact electronic gear shifter that adds a modern, high-tech touch to the cabin.

When it made its global debut, the 2026 RAV4 became the first Toyota model to feature Arene, a powerful new software platform developed by Woven by Toyota (WbyT).

Arene is designed to be the “Android” of the automotive world, offering a standardized base that drives smarter, more connected, and more personalized vehicles. For the Chinese market, however, Toyota is expected to work with local tech giants like Huawei and Xiaomi to develop a system that better fits local user habits. Naturally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also likely to be on board, making it easier to connect with younger, tech-savvy drivers.

2026 Wildlander Offers Three Powertrain Options in China

According to information released by MIIT, the 2026 Wildlander has been submitted with three engine types: M20C, M20F, and A25D. This indicates that the model will offer a 2.0L gasoline version, a 2.0L hybrid version, and a 2.5L hybrid version, with maximum outputs of 126kW, 112kW, and 136kW respectively.

The hybrid versions feature fifth-generation THS hybrid technology, bringing the front-wheel-drive models’ combined fuel consumption down to 4.59L/100km. This represents a more than 15% improvement over the current model, significantly reducing running costs for owners.

Wildlander/RAV4 Is a Key Model for Toyota in China

The Wildlander/RAV4 is set to launch in China around the same time as in North America. Its sales performance is crucial for Toyota, with the two models together selling roughly 26,000 units per month. However, domestic Chinese brands continue to pose strong competition. Toyota needs to bring the new Wildlander/RAV4 to the market quickly to maintain its position. Unlike the North American RAV4, the advanced tech features of the Wildlander/RAV4 will be key to sustaining its market share in China.

The 2025 Honda Prelude Is Back: Hybrid-Powered Coupe with Type R Chassis Tech

JohnAug 04, 2025, 02:28 PM

[PCauto] Honda has officially announced the long-awaited return of its iconic sports coupe, the Prelude, after a 25-year hiatus. The brand-new sixth-generation Honda Prelude is set to make its debut in Japan in September 2025, marking the comeback of a model that embodies the brand’s sporty heritage.

The new Prelude is positioned as a “hybrid sports coupe,” designed to appeal to drivers worldwide who seek both everyday practicality and pure driving enjoyment. Honda emphasizes that the Prelude will serve as a key strategic model and will be introduced to global markets over time.

Inspiration from Gliders

Building on the low-slung, sleek silhouette of the concept car, the production model features refined detailing throughout. It adopts a newly designed front splitter, dynamic alloy wheels, and a more pronounced rear spoiler—collectively enhancing the vehicle’s sporty character.

Modern elements such as LED matrix headlights and flush door handles have also been incorporated, not only enhancing the car’s technological appeal but also helping to optimize aerodynamic efficiency. The Prelude’s estimated dimensions are approximately 4,300 mm in length, 1,791 mm in width, and 1,300 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,576 mm—closely aligning it with key rivals like the Toyota GR 86.

Similar Interior Layout with the 11th-Generation Civic

The cabin design draws clear inspiration from the 11th-generation Civic but adds exclusive sporty touches to reflect the Prelude’s distinct identity. Notable highlights include a button-style gear selector located on the center console and a prominent “S+” mode button.

In terms of tech, the Prelude is equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, an AR head-up display (AR-HUD), and wireless charging. A sporty flat-bottom, three-spoke steering wheel, along with seats upholstered in a mix of Alcantara and leather, work together to create a cabin that balances performance feel with modern sophistication.

Powertrain: The Core Highlight of the New Prelude

At the heart of the new Prelude is Honda’s advanced e:HEV hybrid system, shared with the current-generation Civic Hybrid. It combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with dual electric motors, delivering a combined output of approximately 204 horsepower.

The system uses a fixed-gear direct-drive setup and is paired with an e-CVT transmission. According to official figures, the Prelude accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7 seconds. Its performance is engineered to rival—or even surpass—class benchmarks such as the Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ, both of which typically produce over 237 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque.

Adoption of the Chassis Technology from the Civic Type R

Notably, the new Prelude will be the first non-Type R model to feature advanced chassis technology derived from the high-performance benchmark Civic Type R. This includes its signature dual-axis front suspension system and high-performance Brembo braking system. However, Honda has retuned these components to strike a better balance between sharp handling and everyday driving comfort.

To compensate for the absence of a traditional manual transmission and to further enhance driver engagement, Honda has developed an innovative “S+ Shift Mode” specifically for the Prelude. This feature electronically simulates the gear-shifting experience, offering a more rhythmic and interactive driving feel. The concept is similar to the N e-shift technology found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and it can be activated via dedicated controls on the console.

The standard version of the Prelude will be launched first, followed by higher-performance variants.

The initial release, positioned as a “global grand tourer,” emphasizes a blend of long-distance comfort and sporty performance.

However, Honda has hinted that, given the Prelude’s rich sports heritage and advanced chassis technology, higher-performance variants based on this platform are highly likely in the future. Both Type S and Type R versions are reportedly under consideration to satisfy the demands of driving enthusiasts.

To Become a Front-Runner in the Global Sports Coupe Market

It will directly compete with iconic fun-to-drive rivals such as the Toyota GR 86, Subaru BRZ, and Mazda MX-5. The return of the all-new sixth-generation Honda Prelude not only continues Honda’s proud heritage but also represents a significant effort to redefine sporty driving for today’s consumers—combining hybrid technology with a high-performance chassis derived from the Type R.

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