- All-New 6th Generation RAV4 Available in Three Different Designs Across Seven Grades
- Choice of Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid with Available Front- or Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive
- Debut of 6th Generation PHEV Powertrain with a 23% Increase in Manufacturer Estimated All-Electric Driving Range Rating of up to 52 Miles
- PHEV Output Boosts to 324 Net Combined System Horsepower while Gaining Fuel Economy for up to a Manufacturer Estimated 41 MPG Combined Rating
- RAV4 Hybrid Models Move to 5th Generation Toyota Hybrid System and Improve Fuel Economy with up to a Manufacturer Estimated 44 MPG Combined Rating (FWD Model)
- Hybrid Models also Add Power with 236 Net Combined System Horsepower on AWD Models and 226 Horsepower on FWD Models – an 11% Increase Over the Prior Gas FWD Model
- First-Ever RAV4 GR SPORT, Developed in Partnership with Toyota’s GAZOO Racing Company, Whose Mission is Making Ever-Better Motorsport Bred Vehicles
- RAV4 GR SPORT has GR-tuned Suspension and Steering, Functional Aerodynamics, Standard PHEV Powertrain with AWD, Sport Seating, and More
- RAV4 Woodland Grade is Available in HEV or PHEV with Standard AWD, All-Terrain Tires, Split Hammerhead Grille, Tow Hitch Receiver, Woodland Branded All-Weather Floor and Cargo Mats, and More
- New Technology Includes All New Digital Gauge Cluster, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 and the Latest Generation of Toyota Audio Multimedia
- Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price starting in the low $30,000’s (Hybrid FWD)
The 2026 RAV4 will come in three distinct exterior styles that include core, rugged, and sport designs. The core design includes LE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades. The rugged design comes on the Woodland grade. The SE, XSE and first-ever GR SPORT model make up the sport grades. The chassis has also been modified, with added frame rigidity and new suspension components for a smooth, easy-to-handle RAV4.
Over the years, the popularity of RAV4’s electrified Hybrid and PHEV models has continued to grow, representing over half of RAV4 sales in 2024. For the 2026 model year, Toyota will move to a 100% electrified lineup, with a choice of RAV4 Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid models. Both powertrains offer a combination of efficient, fun, and capable driving. Hybrid models will be available in a choice of Front- or Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (FWD or AWD), depending on grade. PHEV models will have AWD standard.
Hybrid AWD models have a 236 net combined system horsepower (hp), up from 219 on the prior generation; and FWD models have a 226 net combined system hp, a jump of 23 hp over the outgoing gas FWD model. Fuel economy climbs as well, with up to a 44 MPG manufacturer combined rating (FWD). Engine torque is 163 lb.-ft. for either FWD and AWD drivetrain; electric motor torque (MG2) is 153 lb.-ft.
For Plug-in Hybrid models, a blend of powerful all-electric driving or efficient hybrid operation makes for a winning combination. Toyota’s 6th generation Plug-in Hybrid powertrain sees a 23% increase in manufacturer estimated all-electric driving range, with up to 52 miles. The system also increases output, with a 324 net combined system hp (a 22-hp increase) while also gaining MPG, earning up to a manufacturer estimated 41 MPG combined rating (a +3 MPG increase for the SE, XSE PHEV grades).
RAV4 will also be the first Toyota model to have a new version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Developed with customer feedback by Toyota’s U.S.-based Connected Technology team, the new system boasts a faster, more responsive voice assistant; a new customizable home menu; and Toyota’s first application of onboard 5G connectivity.
Every RAV4 model will also have the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 4.0) system standard, which updates its detection capabilities for systems like Pre-Collision Detection and Lane Tracing Assist. RAV4 also launches the new Arene Software Developed Vehicle platform, an all-new software development kit created by Woven by Toyota, that serves as the foundation for RAV4’s safety features and the new multimedia system.
The 2026 RAV4 Hybrid models are expected to start arriving at U.S. Toyota dealerships in December of this year. The starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) will be in the low $30,000’s (Hybrid FWD model). Full pricing will be available at a later date. The 2026 RAV4 PHEV models are expected to start arriving at U.S. Toyota dealerships in the spring of 2026.
RAV4 Refined
When RAV4 was first launched in the U.S. for the 1996 model year, it was a sign of what was to come for the SUV segment. Built on a unibody platform that was shared with the Corolla sedan, it tapped into a unique need for many drivers and offered easy handling with functional utility. Since then, the RAV4 has evolved through five generations and changed to fit life’s adventures for customers around the world.
The 2026 RAV4’s new exterior design highlights RAV4’s SUV proportions, with large tires, an elevated ride height, and upright rear cargo area. The Toyota hammerhead front-end, contoured hood, and angular fenders create a strong stance and modern look for the RAV4.
From the side, RAV4’s flat roof line and chiseled door panels visually ascend to a stout rear. Stylish new LED signature taillights give the functional rear hatch a tech-forward feel, while also adding a sense of width when viewed from the rear. Additional details like front and rear spoilers, different trim colors, and wheel treatments individualize RAV4’s style across the grades.
On the inside, a new center stack groups various functions together—such as the touchscreen display, drive mode selection, and storage—for a smartly organized space, while the center console combines the shifter, cup holder with a removable divider, and reversible arm rest/storage bin with a two-way closure. On select grades, the cockpit adds Toyota’s new shift-by-wire system, with a minimalist toggle switch that has intuitive operation and brings a futuristic feel to the new RAV4.
An all-new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, providing the driver with customizable settings and integrated multimedia information. The layout is presented on a bright LCD screen with clear contrast and the flexibility for the user to tailor displayed information to their preference. The screen has a light-absorbing matte finish, intended to minimize glare in direct sunlight. This new gauge cluster also has a modern, free-floating design that’s easily viewed through the steering wheel. A head up display is also available on the hybrid Limited and PHEV XSE grades.
Seating across the grades is designed to complement the RAV4’s three different looks with a range of colors, materials, and accents, creating a balance of style and comfort across the lineup. Functionality is also built in, with a newly designed rear seatback that can be folded flat to maximize cargo space and a redesigned available hands-free power liftgate with expanded detection area to help ease access.
Exterior color options also bring standout style. Across the RAV4 lineup, there will be 10 available colors, with four that are new to RAV4. The Woodland grade will have an all-new, grade exclusive Urban Rock exterior paint color available, while Meteor Shower, Everest, and Storm Cloud colors also join the RAV4 color palette. Favorites like Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blueprint will continue for the new generation. Available two-tone paint options are also carried forward, like the new combination of Meteor Shower with Black roof on the XSE or GR SPORT’s exclusive pairing of Supersonic Red with a Black roof.
Built to Drive
The 2026 RAV4 models will be built on the Toyota Next Generation Architecture-K (TNGA-K) unibody platform. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing facilities in Lexington, Kentucky and Ontario (Woodstock & Cambridge), Canada; and Plug-in Hybrid models will be assembled in Japan.
The unibody of the sixth generation RAV4 benefits from more rigid front and rear suspension mounting points, as well as reinforcements to the connection points for the front cowl and A-pillar. There are also changes to the shape of the A-pillar door seal, and the sideview mirrors, to help reduce wind noise that can penetrate the cabin. High-damping adhesive was also added to the front and rear footwells, the underfloor, and rear wheelhouse to help further quiet the cabin. Reinforcements were also added to the D-pillar and rear wheelhouse connection points. Overall, the RAV4’s unibody changes are designed to minimize body flex while also reducing noise and vibration.
The suspension is also re-tuned. The front and rear coil springs were redesigned to reduce friction and help enhance ride comfort, and new shock absorbers with increased friction and lateral force sensitivity are equipped, helps give it a flat, comfortable ride across a wide range of speeds. A new lower suspension arm bushing is intended to reduce vibration and noise in the vehicle. The front stabilizer placement was also optimized to help provide a connected steering feel. The 2026 RAV4 also adds an active front aerodynamic spat that unfolds when the vehicle is at higher speeds and retracts when the vehicle is being driven at low speeds or on rough roads. Ground clearance varies across the lineup, with 8.1-inches of clearance on LE, XLE Premium, SE, and XSE models; 8.5-inches of clearance on the Woodland grade, and 7.5-inches of clearance on the GR SPORT.
The 2026 RAV4 also has a new Electronically Controlled Brake System, which is a first for Toyota. This system has a new master cylinder configuration with on-demand pressurization that is intended to give it optimal brake feeling and response. There is also a new Vehicle Braking Posture Control (VBPC) system that uses braking inputs at select wheels that aim to slow the rate of body roll when turning into a corner. The new RAV4 also has a new Cooperative Steering Driving Force Control (CSDFC) system, which actively synchronizes pitch and roll behavior when cornering to help enhance turn-in response.
Adventurous Hybrid
The 2026 RAV4 Hybrid updates to Toyota’s 5th generation hybrid powertrain, with a 2.5L inline-four-cylinder engine (model A25A-FXS) that works with two motor-generators (MG1 and MG2) through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission to power the front wheels. The engine, working in concert with the primary electric motor (MG2), assures responsive performance, while exemplary energy efficiency is achieved by using both electric motors (MG1 and MG2) to charge the lithium-ion traction battery.
RAV4 Hybrid AWD equipped models have a dedicated rear electric motor (MGR) to power the Electronic On-Demand AWD system. It has 226 net combined hp on FWD models and 236 net combined hp on AWD models; Rear electric motor torque (MGR) is 89 lb.-ft. The manufacturer estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy ratings are: 48/42/44 (FWD), 46/40/44 (LE AWD), 45/39/42 (XLE Premium AWD), 41/36/39 MPG (Woodland HEV) and 44/39/42 (SE, XSE, Limited AWD).
RAV4’s fuel efficiency also benefits from the Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, which coordinates operation between the regenerative braking force of the electric motors and the hydraulic braking system force to provide optimal stopping power. This extremely efficient cooperative control helps to maximize fuel economy by proactively using the electric motors to recover as much electrical energy as possible from the regenerative braking system.
An active hydraulic booster on the conventional (non-regenerative) braking system improves pedal feel and feedback for the driver. Brake Hold is also standard, and when engaged it is a convenient technology that reduces driver’s effort while waiting at a traffic light or while driving in heavy traffic. When the driver presses the accelerator, the Brake Hold releases instantly.
Every RAV4 has selectable drive modes, including:
- NORMAL: Factory default. All systems are tuned for balanced, everyday driving.
- ECO: Helps lower fuel consumption during trips that involve frequent acceleration and braking.
- SPORT: Throttle and steering are more responsive, and transmission shifts at higher RPM.
- CUSTOM: Adjusts vehicle systems to driver’s preferred settings.
Power to the Plug-in
Toyota’s sixth-generation plug-in hybrid system makes its debut on the 2026 RAV4. Four grades are available for model year 2026, including the SE, XSE, Woodland, and GR SPORT models. The PHEV system is mated to a 2.5-L, 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors (MG1 and MG2), a dedicated rear electric motor (MGR), and a high-capacity traction battery.
The system is also designed to help maximize performance. It delivers an impressive 324 net combined horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque (gas engine only). The electric drive motor (MG2) has 203 hp and 201 lb.-ft. of torque; the rear electric drive motor (MGR) has 91 lb.-ft. of torque. Toyota has adopted silicon carbide semiconductors in the front axle to achieve miniaturization and high efficiency. To learn more about Toyota’s latest Plug-in Hybrid system, check out this video.
The system features a new configuration that is designed to help maximize fuel efficiency and electric driving range. It has a manufacturer estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 44/38/ 41 MPG on the SE and XSE grades; 42/35/38 MPG on the Woodland model, and 41/34/37 MPG for the GR SPORT. It also increases its all-electric driving range to a manufacturer 52-mile range rating on the SE and XSE grades. The Woodland PHEV model has a manufacturer estimated 49-mile all-electric driving range rating and the GR SPORT PHEV model has a 48-mile all-electric driving range rating.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid XSE and Woodland grades will have an 11-kW onboard AC charger with a CCS1 charging port, with DC fast-charging capability, allowing charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes** under ideal conditions. The SE and GR SPORT Plug-in Hybrid models will have a 7-kW onboard charger and are equipped with a J1772 charging port for Level One and Level Two charging, with Level Two charging times of 10% to 80% of around 4 hours**. All models will come with a dual voltage charging cable, capable of 120v or 240v home charging.
**Charging time provided is an estimate only and can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual range will vary significantly depending on charging and driving conditions, including outside temperature, speed, accessory use, how/where you drive, battery condition and other factors. See www.fueleconomy.gov and Owner’s Manual for details.
