20:34 23-02-2026

Toyota RAV4 faces shortage and delayed deliveries in Japan

The new Toyota RAV4, launched in Japan on December 17, 2025, has immediately faced a shortage. Production was temporarily halted, and dealers received limited quotas, leading to the initial batches being allocated randomly. Customers submit an application within a month, after which the dealer selects buyers based on the allocated volumes for the period from January to October 2026.

Getting on the list for the first vehicles is extremely difficult: demand significantly exceeds supply, so many dealers prioritize their existing clients as part of efforts to combat reselling. Discounts are completely absent—dealers report selling at list price, at most adjusting the cost when accepting a vehicle as a trade-in.

But even if a lucky winner succeeds, the buyer does not know the delivery timeline: shipments within the first production wave could be delayed by many months. An alternative is the KINTO subscription service, which promises the car by summer 2026 if an application is submitted in winter.

Additional opportunities only arise from rare cancellations or temporary "gaps" in the production schedule, when dealers get short-term windows for new orders. In such cases, a decision is required immediately—those ready to confirm the purchase instantly are given priority.

Interestingly, even with these pauses in order intake, Toyota continues to hold top spots in registration rankings. This is due to a cumulative effect: irregular but consistent surges in supply allow the model to maintain volumes. Against this backdrop of shortages for new RAV4s and other fresh Toyotas, demand in the used car market is growing: high prices and quick liquidity only heighten buyer interest in the brand.