2026 RAV4’s Evolution Is More Than Meets The Eye

To say the Toyota RAV4 is a giant deal can be an understatement. Not solely did it assist outline the trendy SUV, nevertheless it’s additionally the best-selling automobile in America that isn’t a pickup truck and one of the vital in style fashions worldwide. Now, the RAV4 has been refreshed for its sixth era.

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Whereas Toyota seems to have taken the identical strategy it used with the Camry, choosing a heavy redesign moderately than a wholly new mannequin, the newest RAV4 rides on an upgraded model of its predecessor’s underpinnings. It additionally brings recent styling, fashionable expertise, and an all-electrified lineup, together with HEV and PHEV choices. And, maybe the most important shock of all, a GR Sport trim for these craving one thing extra dynamic.

New, But Very Acquainted Design

Let’s discuss design. Toyota didn’t precisely throw a wild curveball right here, however they’ve made sufficient adjustments to maintain it fascinating. The RAV4’s exterior blends the identical silhouette we’ve recognized for yr with extra fashionable styling cues. You’ll be able to select from three totally different kinds, named Core, Sport, and Rugged, every of which has totally different trim ranges. The Core presents the LE, XLE and Restricted trims, the Rugged introduces the brand new Woodland grade, and the Sport comes with SE, XSE and GR Sport trims.

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Up entrance, the RAV4 now sports activities sharper, extra angular LED headlights, a body-colored grille, and bigger intakes for a extra aggressive look. The profile is immediately recognizable with trapezoidal wheel arches and comparable character traces – albeit barely extra sculpted. The greenhouse has additionally been tweaked with a straight beltline, whereas there are new designs for the alloy wheels, out there in 17-, 18-, or 20-inch sizes, relying in your trim stage.

TOYOTA RAV4 WOODLAND

Across the again, the rear finish now has a full-width cluster with a tinted end that homes the brand new LED taillights. There’s a boxier tailgate and a bigger spoiler, although the GR Sport model takes it up a notch with a extra outstanding wing and a sportier grille. The Woodland trim provides a rugged break up grille, additional LEDs on the entrance bumper, bulkier roof rails, and barely larger floor clearance (+0.5 inch / 13 mm) due to these all-terrain tires.

The colour choices embrace some carry-over single- and two-tone choices from the outgoing RAV4, together with just a few new selections like Meteor Bathe, Everest, and Storm Cloud. Plus, there’s a novel City Rock coloration for the Woodland trim and an unique Supersonic Pink with a Black roof for the GR Sport.

As you’d think about from a mannequin that’s extra of a redesign than an entire overhaul, the footprint of the compact SUV stays largely unchanged, measuring 180.9-181.8 inches (4,595-4,618 mm) in size, with an an identical wheelbase of 105.9 inches (2,690 mm). Nevertheless, it stands barely taller than the earlier mannequin, with a top starting from 66.4 to 67.8 inches (1,687 to 1,722 mm).

Extra Tech, Fewer Buttons Inside

The inside of the RAV4 has additionally been given a refresh, and it’s all about practicality with out sacrificing model. The brand new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is customary, joined by a free-standing infotainment show that is available in both 10.5 or 12.9 inches, relying on the trim. You can too go for a head-up show on higher-spec variations.

An essential new function is the introduction of the Arene software program, described by Toyota as step one towards “fully software-defined vehicles”. This platform powers the newest model of the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system with all fashionable connectivity options, and helps the improved Toyota Security Sense 4.0 ADAS suite which makes a debut on the brand new RAV4.

Sadly, the bodily local weather controls are gone, however the digital variations at the moment are completely displayed on the backside of the central touchscreen, proper subsequent to the house button. Practicality will get a lift with a redesigned middle console that options two cup holders and further storage compartments, together with a small toggle change shifter discovered on choose trims with shift-by-wire. Moreover, boot area has been elevated from the earlier 733 lt (25.9 cubic toes) to 749 lt (26.5 cubic toes) due to redesigned seatbacks.

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Toyota can be providing quite a lot of inside supplies, together with cloth, SofTex, and perforated Ultrasuede. Relying on the trim, you’ll additionally get distinctive touches, like all-weather mats and a particular Mineral upholstery coloration within the Woodland trim, or Gazoo Racing emblems and aluminum pedals within the GR Sport. For audiophiles, there’s an out there nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, upgrading the usual six-speaker setup.

Carry-Over Chassis, Electrified-Solely Lineup

Regardless of the “new generation” label, the RAV4 nonetheless rides on an upgraded model of the present TNGA-Okay platform. That stated, Toyota has made some notable tweaks beneath the floor, reinforcing the body joints and suspension mounting factors to spice up structural rigidity. They’ve additionally launched a high-damping adhesive, which Toyota claims helps scale back micro-vibrations and street noise.

The GR Sport, which is a primary for the US market, will get a extra inflexible chassis and distinctive suspension and steering tuning courtesy of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. Whether or not these adjustments really enhance the driving expertise stays to be seen, however we’re cautiously optimistic.

Maybe the most important change is that the RAV4 is now totally electrified. Gone is the gas-only model of the earlier mannequin, making method for self-charging hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) choices, each that includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

TOYOTA RAV4 GR SPORT

The RAV4 Hybrid now delivers a mixed 226 hp (229 PS) within the new FWD configuration, and 236 hp (239 PS) in AWD, or 17 extra horsepower than its predecessor. In the meantime, the RAV4 PHEV comes customary with AWD and cranks out 320 hp (324 PS), a lift of 18 hp. Toyota claims that updates to the transaxle, energy management unit, a bigger battery pack, and the addition of silicon carbide semiconductors within the entrance axle all contribute to the additional energy.

On high of the added energy, the RAV4 PHEV’s EV-only vary has been bumped up by 8 miles (13 km), now reaching an estimated 50 miles (80 km). And if you happen to’re rolling with the high-spec XSE or Woodland trims, you get the added bonus of DC quick charging with a CCS port as an alternative of the usual J1772. This implies you possibly can go from 10% to 80% cost in simply half-hour.

Towing capability kicks off at 1,750 kilos (794 kg) for the FWD fashions and maxes out at a extra spectacular 3,500 kilos (1,588 kg) in choose AWD trims. So, if you happen to’re pondering of hauling one thing a bit extra substantial than a kayak, the AWD variations will likely be your go-to alternative.

Pricing And Availability

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is about to reach in U.S. dealerships in late 2025, with pricing particulars anticipated nearer to the launch. Based mostly on the outgoing mannequin’s pricing and present circumstances, with out factoring in potential tariff impacts, we anticipate the bottom Core mannequin will begin round $33,000-$35,000, with the GR Sport probably reaching flirting with the $50,000 mark.

Toyota stated it can successively roll out the brand new RAV4 to over 180 international locations and areas globally.

TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED