Toyota’s best-selling crossover goes beneath the knife.
We didn’t see white smoke coming from the chimney of the maker’s Aichi, Japan, headquarters, however do totally acknowledge that to the auto neighborhood, an all-new Toyota RAV4 is sort of as necessary as a newly elected pope is to the Catholic neighborhood.
2026 Toyota RAV4
And people among the many model devoted needn’t concern, the redesigned RAV4 seems to be a worthy substitute for the present—and hyper-popular—present small crossover.
Adjustments afoot for 2026 embrace:
- New exterior design
- New cabin with much more tech
- New trim ranges
- Hybrid-only drivetrain choices
- Sporty new GR trim degree
- First—ever front-wheel-drive hybrid variant
Design
Final redesigned for the 2019 mannequin 12 months, Toyota’s best-selling mannequin is all new for 2026, however ought to really feel acquainted to present homeowners. The up to date exterior nonetheless seems like a Toyota, just a bit edgier and extra rugged.
Cabin
The massive information inside is the usefully bigger touchscreens augmented by new—and presumably simpler to make use of—infotainment software program. Console screens vary in measurement from 10.5-12.9 inches, whereas the digital gauge cluster is offered on a 12.3-inch display. The standard connectivity methods are nonetheless in play, as is an obtainable JBL-brand audio system
The 2026 RAV4 is the primary Toyota mannequin to characteristic the maker’s new software program structure: Arene (uh-reen). The brand new software program runs not solely the infotainment system, however is Toyota’s first step in direction of constructing a whole “Software program-driven” automobile. Count on to listen to extra about Arene within the months and years forward.
Trim Ranges
Toyota has divided the 2026 RAV4 trim degree portfolio into 3 classes: core, rugged, and sport. Within the core group with have entry-level LE, plus the XLE and Restricted. These RAVs roughly look alike, and are supposed to attraction to custom buyers. The rugged group consists of only one mannequin, dubbed Woodland. The Woodland options off-road oriented wheels and tires, and a singular, off-roady exterior design. The game group features a shocking three fashions, the SE, XSE, and new GR (Gazoo Racing) Sport. Whereas the SE and XSE are sporty largely by way of trim, the GR Sport boasts vital chassis upgrades, and is obtainable solely with the more-powerful plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain.
Hybrid and PHEV
For 2026, all RAV4s are powered by hybrid drivetrains. And, for the primary time, RAV4 hybrids can we had with front-wheel drive. The usual hybrid once more includes a 2.5-liter engine mated to both 2 electrical motors (front-drive) or 3 (AWD). Common hybrids with front-drive are rated at 226 horsepower, whereas AWD fashions examine in at 236.
The PHEV system, now rated for as much as 50 miles of EV-only vary, is obtainable on the SE, XSE, and Woodland, and, as famous above, is normal on the GR Sport. For 2026 the PHEV system produces a stout 320 horsepower.
New for 2026 is a DC fast-charging characteristic for the PHEV drivetrain. Included solely on PHEV variations of the XSE and Woodland, level-3 charging can, per Toyota, take the battery from a 10-percent state of cost to 80 p.c in half-hour.
Towing and Security
Towing capability has improved for 2026. With front-wheel drive the RAV is rated for 1750 kilos; that doubles to 3500 with AWD. All 2026 RAV4 variants come normal with Toyota’s Security Sense 4.0 suite of driver-assistance options. Count on pricing data nearer to the 2026 RAV4’s launch later this 12 months.
CG Says:
First, allow us to congratulate Toyota on simplifying the RAV4 lineup. For 2026 the RAV4 is obtainable in solely seven trim ranges, down from an exhausting 13 is 2025. And, we’re excited to see a legitimately sporty RAV4 variant for 2026, and look ahead to giving the brand new GR Sport an analysis drive.
As for the remainder of the brand new RAV4 lineup, what’s to not like? We want the hybrid mannequin to the previous normal mannequin, and have all the time been impressed by the real-world 30-plus mpg mileage we’ve noticed.
The RAV4 cabin wanted slightly dressing up, and it’s doubtless the brand new inside comes off as considerably extra premium.
Truthfully, we see nothing right here that doesn’t really feel like a house run. Certain, just a few buyers will move on having to go hybrid, however we anticipate just a few extra will likely be drawn into showrooms to take a look at the brand new look. And for the Pope, we suggest the Restricted with JBL audio.
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