Toyota will launch an all-new model of its best-selling RAV4 SUV for mannequin yr 2026, out there as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
The automaker at present revealed a totally redesigned RAV4, the sixth technology to put on the identify. It wears a rugged look and gives sporty and off-road trims for the primary time. However the large information is what’s lacking.
The purely gas-powered RAV4 is gone, persevering with a development Toyota began with its Camry midsize sedan and Sienna minivan.
Toyota has not but mentioned pricing. The 2025 RAV4 in showrooms now begins at $30,645.
America’s Greatest-Promoting SUV
A brand new RAV4 is large information. Toyota’s compact SUV is now America’s third-best-selling car, having achieved the practically unattainable final yr by knocking a pickup truck (the Ram 1500) out of the highest three.
Extra Decisions Than Ever
Toyota advertises the brand new RAV4 as providing two out there powertrains, three distinct types, and 7 trim ranges. Entrance-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) setups give buyers loads of selections, and sellers loads of fashions to attempt to maintain in inventory.
Rugged, Boxier Look
Boxy is on this yr, as most SUV designers have opted to design their newest fashions with a ruler and ban the curve. The brand new RAV4 is probably the most rugged-looking RAV4 ever. You may nearly consider it was a future Subaru Forester.
Raised ridges to the edges of the hood look borrowed from the Ford Bronco Sport. It wears the identical skinny, bracket-shaped daytime working lights because the Camry and Prius, however in any other case represents a brand new design route for Toyota.
Three Faces
Toyota calls its three designs Core, Rugged, and Sport.
The Core mannequin will get a paint-matched grille, black fender cladding, and “an ascending belt line with chiseled physique panels.” It is going to be supplied on the market on the LE, XLE, and Restricted trims.
The Rugged type comes solely on the brand new Woodland trim. It includes a barely raised entrance finish with a black break up higher and decrease grille. It sits half an inch larger for added floor clearance and will get commonplace roof rails with crossbars.
The Sport design scheme comes on the SE, XSE, and the brand new GR Sport version. It has a matrix grille and entrance and rear spoilers.
Two Powertrains
With no purely gas-powered mannequin, even the least-powerful 2026 RAV4 boasts some spectacular specs. The hybrid version will get 226 horsepower on front-wheel-drive (FWD) fashions and 236 hp on all-wheel-drive (AWD) variations. These use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to an electrical motor.
Plug-in hybrid variations use the identical engine paired with two electrical motors, good for 320 hp. Toyota estimates they will journey as much as 50 miles on electrical energy alone earlier than utilizing any gasoline.
Toyota plans to finally provide PHEV fashions with the Tesla-style North American Charging System (NACS) port. However the 2026 RAV4 will launch with out it. The Woodland and XSE grades will get a CCS-style plug that offers them entry to DC quick charging stations.
SE and GR-Sport editions get solely the J1772 port, letting house owners cost them from Degree 2 stations however not quick chargers.
It’s a bit a lot to maintain straight. We’ll put it in desk kind in case that helps:
| Trim Degree | Physique Fashion | Hybrid Out there? | PHEV Out there? | Drive Wheels |
| LE | Core | Sure | No | FWD or AWD |
| XLE | Core | Sure | No | FWD or AWD |
| SE | Sport | Sure | Sure | FWD or AWD |
| XSE | Sport | Sure | Sure | AWD |
| Restricted | Core | Sure | No | AWD |
| Woodland | Rugged | Sure | Sure | AWD |
| GR Sport | Sport | No | Sure | AWD |
Woodland, GR Sport Fashions
Toyota will provide two specialist trims of the brand new RAV4, together with an all-new variant.
The Woodland version is a lightweight off-roader and returns for this new technology of RAV4. It sits half an inch larger and comes with commonplace all-terrain tires. A roof rack and 1 1/4-inch exercise mount improve its carrying capability, whereas all-weather flooring mats ought to enable you to maintain its carpets clear.
The all-new GR Sport version, Toyota says, was “designed with enter from the Toyota Gazoo Racing engineering division.” Adjustments embrace a GR-tuned suspension, tighter steering, and enhanced physique rigidity. It ships with wide-tread summer season tires. Distinctive blue stitching helps set its cabin aside. It marks the primary GR RAV4.
Minimalist Cabin
Inside, the brand new look is simplified. A central touchscreen — 10.5 inches or 12.9, relying on trim degree and choices — handles most infotainment features.
Some producers now construct local weather controls into the touchscreen, whereas others offer you old style buttons. Toyota has break up the distinction by working digital HVAC controls alongside the underside of the touchscreen, supplemented by just a few buttons for temperature and defrost features.
The driving force sees a 12.3-inch digital display screen no matter trim degree.
The software program powering the screens was created with Arene, Toyota’s new software program growth platform. This could allow over-the-air updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are commonplace, and the system can keep connections to 2 Bluetooth gadgets concurrently.
“Seating surfaces will vary from material to SofTex,” Toyota’s personal model of faux-leather, “with out there seating colours like black, gentle grey, or the brand new Mineral coloration on the Woodland.”
One thing for Everybody
The RAV4 grew to become America’s best-selling SUV with far fewer selections. So many choices ought to entice much more consumers to think about Toyota’s best-selling mannequin.
But it surely enters probably the most hotly contested section of the automotive market, as compact SUVs have change into America’s household automobiles of alternative.
Toyota sellers at present have the tightest stock within the auto business. The model’s hybrids have grown so well-liked that some consumers in some components of the world have needed to wait months to obtain automobiles they’ve ordered. Toyota wouldn’t launch a hybrid-only RAV4 and not using a plan to deal with that downside. However we wouldn’t be stunned if it’s laborious to come up with some combos of powertrain, type, and choices for the primary few months.
The 2026 RAV4 reaches sellers “later this yr,” the corporate says.