Toyota has officially unveiled the sixth generation RAV4 for 2026, marking a major shift in design, powertrain strategy, and digital features. Ditching traditional gasoline engines in favor of stronger and more efficient hybrid options, the new RAV4 is set to continue its dominance in global SUV markets. With three distinct exterior styles, including a rugged Woodland and sporty GR Sport trim, and Toyota’s most advanced safety system yet, this RAV4 isn’t just an update, it’s a complete evolution.
Toyota has phased out the traditional 2.5-liter gasoline engine in favor of two electrified options. The standard hybrid now delivers 229 hp with front wheel drive or 239 hp with all wheel drive, thanks to refined control units and upgraded battery systems. For those looking for even more punch, the plug-in hybrid variant pairs the same 2.5-liter engine with dual electric motors and a larger battery pack. The result is 324 hp and an all-electric driving range of 80 kilometers per charge, perfect for daily city driving without fuel. Towing capacity also improves across the board, with up to 1587 kilograms available on AWD models.
Toyota is giving RAV4 fans more style choices than ever before. The Core Design is clean and modern, available on trims like LE, XLE, and Limited. The Woodland Design leans into off-road adventures, featuring LED spotlights, roof rails, and all-terrain tires, exclusively with all wheel drive and hybrid power. Finally, the Sport Design includes top-end trims like SE, XSE, and the all-new GR Sport, adding larger grilles and performance-inspired details. Each style brings its personality, ensuring there’s a RAV4 for every lifestyle.
New for 2026 is the RAV4 GR Sport, the first truly sporty version of this SUV. It rides on 20 inch wheels, features exclusive GR badging, a larger grille, and a rear roof spoiler. Inside, it carries signature design elements that differentiate it from other trims. While performance upgrades are focused on the plug in hybrid powertrain already used across the top end, the GR Sport adds a layer of aggressive flair for drivers who want to make a statement.
Inside, Toyota has pushed digital innovation to the forefront. The new RAV4 drops most physical buttons, replacing them with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as standard. A larger 12.9-inch touchscreen is also available, offering seamless wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is also the first Toyota model to feature the latest Safety Sense 4.0 suite, offering enhanced pedestrian and vehicle detection, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control—all more precise than previous generations.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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