Toyota’s best-selling crossover goes underneath the knife.
We didn’t see white smoke coming from the chimney of the maker’s Aichi, Japan, headquarters, however do absolutely acknowledge that to the auto group, an all-new Toyota RAV4 is almost as essential as a newly elected pope is to the Catholic group.
2026 Toyota RAV4
And people among the many model trustworthy needn’t worry, the redesigned RAV4 seems to be a worthy substitute for the prevailing—and hyper-popular—present small crossover.
Modifications afoot for 2026 embody:
- 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 house owners. The up to date exterior nonetheless seems to be 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 dimension from 10.5-12.9 inches, whereas the digital gauge cluster is introduced on a 12.3-inch display screen. The same old connectivity methods are nonetheless in play, as is an out there 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 the direction of constructing a whole “Software program-driven” car. Anticipate 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 kind of look alike, and are supposed to enchantment to custom customers. The rugged group consists of only one mannequin, dubbed Woodland. The Woodland options off-road oriented wheels and tires, and a novel, 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 principally by way of trim, the GR Sport boasts important 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 contains 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 test 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 % 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. Anticipate pricing info 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 sit up for 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 favor the hybrid mannequin to the outdated normal mannequin, and have at all times been impressed by the real-world 30-plus mpg mileage we’ve noticed.
The RAV4 cabin wanted somewhat dressing up, and it’s possible the brand new inside comes off as considerably extra premium.
Actually, we see nothing right here that doesn’t really feel like a house run. Positive, just a few customers will move on having to go hybrid, however we count on just a few extra shall 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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