The best-selling SUV in the U.S. is getting a full redesign and the pressure is mounting. Can the 2026 Toyota RAV4 maintain its momentum?
2026 Toyota RAV4 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Toyota RAV4
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Toyota RAV4
Ignoring full-sized pickup trucks for a moment, the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. is and has historically been the Toyota RAV4. Built on the carmaker's reputation for reliability and efficiency, it's easy to see why it's been so popular, and even though the fifth-generation model has been around since 2019, it continues to top the sales charts.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is fully redesigned, introducing the sixth generation to a new crop of shoppers. This time around, it's available as only a hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), but we expect all of the same advantages its predecessor enjoyed.
Design
The 2026 RAV4 adopts a lot of Toyota's latest design language, with the split-headlight look that played so well on the latest Prius and Camry. Unlike those models, the RAV4 leans into its utilitarian side with a more blocky and upright grille that gives it a suitable amount of visual heft.
The new GR Sport trim level has a more aggressive front end, thanks to a larger grille that hints at its added performance. Squared-off inlets flanking the grille add to the sportiness, suggesting that this beast needs more air to inhale and to keep components cool.
The outdoorsy Woodland model adds some ruggedness, courtesy of Toyota's existing truck line. The rectangular grille features subtle bevels in the corners that hint at the new 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma, while a hint of a skid plate frames the bottom of the air dam.
The profile view seems more familiar to the previous RAV4, but sharper body creases and more aggressive beveling lends it a more modern appeal. Around back, segmented taillights add some visual interest, along with more of the beveled motif. With the GR Sport, a large roof spoiler is one of the most obvious additions, while the Woodland echoes the front with another stylistic skid plate embedded in the bumper.
Powertrain
When the 2026 RAV4 hits showrooms near the end of 2025, it will be available as either a hybrid or plug-in-hybrid. The base front-wheel-drive (FWD) model is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine that is paired with hybrid components. It will produce 225 horsepower, which is actually more than the previous-generation's internal combustion powertrain and marks the first time the RAV4 hybrid comes with FWD. Stepping up to all-wheel-drive (AWD) increases power output to 236 hp.
The RAV4 PHEV gets two electric motors that combine with the same gasoline engine to produce 320 hp (18 hp more than the last RAV4 PHEV). On a full charge, Toyota claims you'll be able to drive under electricity alone for up to 50 miles (up from last year's 42-mile estimate). The XSE and Woodland trim levels further benefit from DC fast-charging via a CCS port, which should replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. More likely, owners will be AC charging at home or at work, and the RAV4 is capable of charge rates of 11 kW. Properly equipped, the RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, though FWD models and the LE AWD are capped at 1,750 pounds.
Interior
The RAV4's interior carries over some of the exterior's beveled ruggedness, most evident in the steering wheel and center console. The large infotainment touchscreen is placed atop the dashboard, right in the driver's sightlines to reduce distraction and for easier operation when driving. Drive-mode buttons and secondary controls are well organized on the console, and a toggle-like gear selector saves some real estate by taking up less space than the conventional lever from the previous generation.
With the climate controls repositioned to the infotainment screen, the dashboard is simpler and more modern. We're glad that Toyota continues to favor usability over novelty, and the cabin's elemental design makes it easy and intuitive to use, right from the start.
Technology
The new RAV4 will come with Toyota's latest tech features, including its Arene software platform that integrates both infotainment and safety features. That's good timing, as the last-generation's infotainment system was starting to look dated. With over-the-air (OTA) software updates, the system will continue to evolve and improve over the course of ownership.
In addition to a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that is standard on all RAV4s, you also get a 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. A 12.9-inch touchscreen upgrade is also available. Instead of carrying over the physical climate controls from its predecessor, the new RAV4 integrates them into an anchored position at the bottom of the screen. Most other carmakers have been moving those controls in a similar fashion, with mixed results. Helping to keep your eyes on the road is a head-up display offered with the Limited and XSE trims.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup, as is a six-speaker audio system. A nine-speaker JBL premium audio upgrade is available.
Safety
Toyota hasn't officially revealed the full contents of the new Safety Sense 4.0 suite of features, but we're confident it will include at least everything from Safety Sense 3.0. These include frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. We expect a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert will also be available, but we do know that a head-up display will be offered on the Limited and XSE trims.
Crash test results will likely be available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) closer to the RAV4's on-sale date.
Pricing and Release Date
Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2026 RAV4, but it's a safe bet that when it goes on sale near the end of 2025, it will be competitive with the Honda CR-V Hybrid that starts around $35,000. The RAV4 lineup will be split into three main groups, with trim levels residing within them.
The Core models include the LE, XLE, and Limited trim and are exclusively hybrids. The Sport models will encompass the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport trim and will be available as either hybrids or PHEVS. Likewise, the Rugged class that debuts a new Woodland trim will also be hybrid or PHEV.
We don't have full feature lists yet, but we do know how the new GR Sport and Woodland trims will distinguish themselves from the rest of the lineup. The new GR Sport gets spicier styling, is exclusively a PHEV with AWD, gets a sporty suspension and has a stiffer body for better handling, sharper steering, wider summer tires, 20-in wheels, a unique matrix grille, front and rear spoilers, and paddle shifters.
The Woodland will be offered as a hybrid or PHEV and come standard with all-wheel-drive. It will further add a different hood, a black split grille with RIGID trail lights, all-terrain tires that raise the ride height by a half inch, raised roof rails, a 1.25-in activity mount (trailer hitch accessory for bicycles or other smaller items), and unique interior materials and floor mats.