Toyota-By-CFAO rolls out 2026 RAV4 in Nigeria alongside global release

Toyota-By-CFAO Nigeria has unveiled the 2026 Toyota RAV4 in the Nigerian market, making the country one of the first in Africa to receive the latest generation of the popular sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the same time as its global release, as the company seeks to strengthen demand for manufacturer-backed new vehicles.

The new RAV4 is offered in three variants, Active, Comfort, and Limited, all powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 172 horsepower. The SUV comes with Sport, Normal, and Eco drive modes and features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, LED headlamps, dual-zone air conditioning, and a rear-view camera.

The introduction marks the end of a long-standing trend in Nigeria’s automotive market, where buyers often gain access to new vehicle generations years after their international debut or rely on used imports to access newer models.

The company said customer deliveries have already commenced, with the vehicle available through its dealerships in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Read also: Toyota Nigeria commits to diverse model offerings, customer service

Speaking at the launch, Boye Ajayi, managing director of Toyota-By-CFAO Nigeria, said Nigerian customers are now receiving the same vehicle specifications available in international markets without the delays traditionally associated with the local market.

“The 2026 RAV4 is here. Nigerian customers are no longer waiting years behind global markets or settling for older specifications. They are receiving the same vehicle available internationally, at the same time, with full manufacturer support. That is the standard we are delivering,” Ajayi said.

Toyota said the vehicle’s 201mm ground clearance and all-wheel-drive options on selected variants were designed to accommodate a mix of urban and intercity driving conditions common in Nigeria.

Safety features available across the range include anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, and multiple airbags.

The launch comes as automakers increasingly seek to shift consumers away from Nigeria’s dominant used-vehicle market by emphasising warranty coverage, genuine parts availability, and structured after-sales support.

Toyota-By-CFAO said the new RAV4 will be backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty covering parts and labour, supported by service centres in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The company added that it plans to expand its authorised service network to 75 locations nationwide by March 2027.

Ajayi said buyers are paying increasing attention to long-term ownership costs rather than solely focusing on initial purchase prices, particularly when comparing brand-new vehicles with used imports.

Denis Martin, managing director of CFAO Mobility, said the launch reflects investments in dealership infrastructure, technical training, and after-sales services aimed at aligning the Nigerian operation with Toyota’s global standards.

The company disclosed that dozens of customers placed orders for the vehicle before its official unveiling, which it said signals growing demand for current-generation vehicles sold through authorised channels.

“These customers had already made their decision. Our role was to deliver the right product with the right support. That process is already underway,” Ajayi said.

A public launch event is scheduled for June 11, 2026, at the company’s Victoria Island showroom in Lagos.

The 2026 RAV4 is expected to compete in Nigeria’s mid-size SUV segment, where buyers continue to prioritise durability, ground clearance, fuel efficiency, and after-sales support amid challenging road conditions and rising vehicle ownership costs.

Toyota-By-CFAO Nigeria operates under CFAO Group as an authorised distributor of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, one of Toyota’s largest distribution partners in Africa.