Unveiled in November 2012 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the XA40 generation debuted dynamic Keen Look exterior styling. It introduced a top-hinged liftgate, shifting the spare tire inside beneath the cargo floor and abandoning the traditional side-hinged rear door with external spare wheel. The model adopted a single standardized wheelbase dimension across all international markets. Engineers paid meticulous attention to structural body rigidity, minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness levels while enhancing cabin material quality. The refined chassis architecture delivered excellent ride comfort and predictable handling characteristics across both urban streets and high-speed highways.

Engine choices featured 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engines, along with 2.0-liter and 2.2-liter D-4D turbodiesel units. A major 2015 mid-cycle facelift introduced full-LED lighting and launched the RAV4 Hybrid, featuring a 2.5-liter engine paired with Toyota's intelligent E-Four electric all-wheel-drive system generating 197 system hp. Gearbox choices included 6-speed manuals, 6-speed automatics, and e-CVT units. Production ran until 2018. High levels of active and passive safety were corroborated by outstanding crash test results and comprehensive driver assistance technologies. Thanks to exceptional mechanical endurance and robust powertrain engineering, this generation earned global acclaim across all major automotive markets.