When an automotive manufacturer redesigns their best-selling vehicle, expectations are high. And that's exactly the situation Toyota is in with their RAV4. Not only is the RAV4 Toyota's top-seller, but it is also the third best-selling vehicle in the U.S. Hey Toyota, no pressure. That being said, let's look at the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4.
One of the big stories about the new RAV4 is that it takes a page from the Toyota Camry's playbook in that every 2026 RAV4 is a hybrid - there is no gas-only engine available. There are, however, two different drivetrain options. More on that in a moment.
The hybrid-only RAV4 crossover sports a new look that brings it in line with other Toyota SUVs and trucks. It features a boxier and more
aggressive exterior with sharper lines and a taller stance. The hood sits high for a tougher look while the fenders appear to bulge out, much like what we are seeing on other new Toyota trucks and SUVs. There is no doubt that the new RAV4 fits in with the Toyota line up perfectly.
Inside, the RAV4 continues to be a two-row, five passenger crossover SUV. The interior draws inspiration from other Toyota models, particularly the 4Runner and Sequoia. The controls are big and easy to reach, and the RAV4 uses a mix of physical and digital controls for things like the climate system. The new RAV4 gets Toyota latest infotainment system which feature easy-to-navigate menus. It's standard on all RAV4s, though higher trim levels get a larger center touchscreen. Smartphone users will appreciate that the RAV4 comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most trim levels come with a wireless charging pad, with dual wireless chargers also being available. And there are plenty of USB-C charging ports throughout the cabin as well.
As mentioned, every new RAV4 is now a hybrid. Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a hybrid system with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The hybrid powertrain makes 226 horsepower with front-wheel drive or 236 hp with all-wheel drive. But wait - there's more. Available as a separate model is the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). It utilizes the same engine and hybrid system but makes 324 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard on the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.
With the RAV4 now exclusively propelled by a hybrid powertrain, that means it is both quicker and more fuel-efficient than it ever has been. A front-wheel drive RAV4 is estimated to get 44 mpg combined (48 city/42 highway), with all-wheel drive versions being slightly lower. Going with the RAV4 PHEV, the EPA estimates you'll get between 38 mpg and 41 mpg depending on trim level. But the real advantage of the PHEV is two-fold. First, it adds nearly 100 horsepower and second, it allows the RAV4 to drive up to 52 miles on all-electric power, or as a real EV. Of course, when the battery is depleted, it simply goes into hybrid mode.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is available in six trim levels: LE, SE, XLE Premium, Woodland, XSE and Limited. The RAV4 PHEV is available in four trim levels: SE, Woodland, XSE and GR Sport. Pricing for the new RAV4 starts at $33,350 for the base LE. The tester, a RAV4 PHEV GR Sport, has an MSRP of $51,335.
This is the first time the GR Sport trim has been offered on the RAV4 here in the U.S. With a suspension tuned by Toyota Gazoo Racing (think Toyota GR Supra, GR86 and GR Corolla), summer tires, and a reworked power steering system, it definitely takes the RAV4 in a racy direction.
While the GR Sport doesn't offer any additional power compared with the other RAV4 PHEVs, its chassis upgrades are notable: a 0.6-inch-lower ride height, stiffer springs, a reinforcement for the rear-suspension crossmember, and different tuning for the dampers and steering.
And the RAV4 PHEV GR Sport looks cool too, with its wider stance, flared fenders, radical rear spoiler and two-tone paint scheme combination. Inside, the GR Sport's interior gets faux-suede trim, red accents, and plenty of GR logos.
All this makes the RAV4 PHEV hit 60 mph in a quick 5.1 seconds. But as quick as it is, the RAV4 PHEV (GR Sport or not) reminds you that it's first and foremost a family vehicle. It delivers a good, smooth ride and stops just as well as it accelerates. It handles much like what you would expect a crossover SUV to handle like - leaning into corners. And the steering offers little road feel. Sure, as the GR Sport the RAV4 PHEV is a little more fun to drive, but it doesn't transform the RAV4 into a performance SUV. The GR Sport does, however, add a sporty side to the RAV4 that it never had.
As compact SUVs continue to be the go-to vehicle for many drivers, the RAV4 has enjoyed enormous success. Toyota reliability, economical and practical, it's easy to see why. With this new sixth generation RAV4, Toyota just builds and improves those traits.