Toyota RAV4 faces long wait times due to supply shortages

Toyota is facing significant supply shortages for its RAV4 hybrid SUV in the United States, leading to customer wait times that can extend for several months. Dealerships have reported inventory levels so low that they previously measured stock in hours rather than days.

Several factors have contributed to the scarcity. The new generation of the RAV4 has transitioned to a hybrid-only powertrain in the U.S. market. Initial supply was hampered by production line retooling at Toyota’s Kentucky plant, forcing reliance on imports from Japan and Canada. Additionally, geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted export shipments from Japan.

While production has commenced at the Kentucky facility, the ramp-up is not yet sufficient to meet high demand. Some dealerships report large amounts of empty lot space due to the lack of available units, and in certain regions, waitlists have grown to include hundreds of customers.