For nearly 30 years, the Toyota RAV4 has led the way for the small SUV segment. Today, it is the best-selling small SUV in America, and since its arrival in the U.S. in 1996, over 6.4 million RAV4 models have made their way on to the road. Now, the next generation is set to bring an all-new adventure, with new interior and exterior styling, the latest Toyota Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid powertrains, technology updates, and improvements to comfort and handling.
The 2026 RAV4 will come in three distinct exterior styles that include core, rugged, and sport designs. The core design includes LE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades. The rugged design comes on the Woodland grade. The SE, XSE and first-ever GR SPORT model make up the sport grades. The chassis has also been modified, with added frame rigidity and new suspension components for a smooth, easy-to-handle RAV4.
Over the years, the popularity of RAV4’s electrified Hybrid and PHEV models has continued to grow, representing over half of RAV4 sales in 2024. For the 2026 model year, Toyota will move to a 100% electrified lineup, with a choice of RAV4 Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid models. Both powertrains offer a combination of efficient, fun, and capable driving. Hybrid models will be available in a choice of Front- or Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (FWD or AWD), depending on grade. PHEV models will have AWD standard.
For Plug-in Hybrid models, a blend of powerful all-electric driving or efficient hybrid operation makes for a winning combination. Toyota’s 6th generation Plug-in Hybrid powertrain sees a 23% increase in manufacturer estimated all-electric driving range, with up to 52 miles. The system also increases output, with a 324 net combined system hp (a 22-hp increase) while also gaining MPG, earning up to a manufacturer estimated 41 MPG combined rating (a +3 MPG increase for the SE, XSE PHEV grades).
RAV4 will also be the first Toyota model to have a new version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Developed with customer feedback by Toyota’s U.S.-based Connected Technology team, the new system boasts a faster, more responsive voice assistant; a new customizable home menu; and Toyota’s first application of onboard 5G connectivity.
Every RAV4 model will also have the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 4.0) system standard, which updates its detection capabilities for systems like Pre-Collision Detection and Lane Tracing Assist. RAV4 also launches the new Arene Software Developed Vehicle platform, an all-new software development kit created by Woven by Toyota, that serves as the foundation for RAV4’s safety features and the new multimedia system.
The 2026 RAV4 PHEV models are expected to start arriving at U.S. Toyota dealerships in the spring of 2026.
Built to Drive
The 2026 RAV4 models will be built on the Toyota Next Generation Architecture-K (TNGA-K) unibody platform. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing facilities in Lexington, Kentucky and Ontario (Woodstock & Cambridge), Canada; and Plug-in Hybrid models will be assembled in Japan.
The unibody of the sixth generation RAV4 benefits from more rigid front and rear suspension mounting points, as well as reinforcements to the connection points for the front cowl and A-pillar. There are also changes to the shape of the A-pillar door seal, and the sideview mirrors, to help reduce wind noise that can penetrate the cabin. High-damping adhesive was also added to the front and rear footwells, the underfloor, and rear wheelhouse to help further quiet the cabin. Reinforcements were also added to the D-pillar and rear wheelhouse connection points. Overall, the RAV4’s unibody changes are designed to minimize body flex while also reducing noise and vibration.
The suspension is also re-tuned. The front and rear coil springs were redesigned to reduce friction and help enhance ride comfort, and new shock absorbers with increased friction and lateral force sensitivity are equipped, helps give it a flat, comfortable ride across a wide range of speeds. A new lower suspension arm bushing is intended to reduce vibration and noise in the vehicle. The front stabilizer placement was also optimized to help provide a connected steering feel. The 2026 RAV4 also adds an active front aerodynamic spat that unfolds when the vehicle is at higher speeds and retracts when the vehicle is being driven at low speeds or on rough roads. Ground clearance varies across the lineup, with 8.1-inches of clearance on LE, XLE Premium, SE, and XSE models; 8.5-inches of clearance on the Woodland grade, and 7.5-inches of clearance on the GR SPORT.
The 2026 RAV4 also has a new Electronically Controlled Brake System, which is a first for Toyota. This system has a new master cylinder configuration with on-demand pressurization that is intended to give it optimal brake feeling and response. There is also a new Vehicle Braking Posture Control (VBPC) system that uses braking inputs at select wheels that aim to slow the rate of body roll when turning into a corner. The new RAV4 also has a new Cooperative Steering Driving Force Control (CSDFC) system, which actively synchronizes pitch and roll behavior when cornering to help enhance turn-in response.
Power to the Plug-in
Toyota’s sixth-generation plug-in hybrid system makes its debut on the 2026 RAV4. Four grades are available for model year 2026, including the SE, XSE, Woodland, and GR SPORT models. The PHEV system is mated to a 2.5-L, 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors (MG1 and MG2), a dedicated rear electric motor (MGR), and a high-capacity traction battery.
The system is also designed to help maximize performance. It delivers an impressive 324 net combined horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque (gas engine only). The electric drive motor (MG2) has 203 hp and 201 lb.-ft. of torque; the rear electric drive motor (MGR) has 91 lb.-ft. of torque. Toyota has adopted silicon carbide semiconductors in the front axle to achieve miniaturization and high efficiency.
The system features a new configuration that is designed to help maximize fuel efficiency and electric driving range. It has a manufacturer estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 44/38/ 41 MPG on the SE and XSE grades; 42/35/38 MPG on the Woodland model, and 41/34/37 MPG for the GR SPORT. It also increases its all-electric driving range to a manufacturer 52-mile range rating on the SE and XSE grades. The Woodland PHEV model has a manufacturer estimated 49-mile all-electric driving range rating and the GR SPORT PHEV model has a 48-mile all-electric driving range rating.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid XSE and Woodland grades will have an 11-kW onboard AC charger with a CCS1 charging port, with DC fast-charging capability, allowing charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions. The SE and GR SPORT Plug-in Hybrid models will have a 7-kW onboard charger and are equipped with a J1772 charging port for Level One and Level Two charging, with Level Two charging times of 10% to 80% of around 4 hours. All models will come with a dual voltage charging cable, capable of 120v or 240v home charging.
Dynamic RAV4 GR SPORT
For drivers looking for intuitive handling and passionate design, there is the first-ever GR SPORT grade. Developed in partnership with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (GR) Company, the model is exclusively available with a PHEV powertrain and carries forward Toyota’s vision of making ever-better vehicles through the rigors of motorsport.
The GR brand launched in U.S. in 2019 with the GR Supra, but its story started long ago with Toyota Motor Corporation founder Kiichiro Toyoda. His view was that racing was essential for product development. “Automakers use racing as an opportunity to push a vehicle’s performance to the limit and to compete for supremacy, enabling them to discover new ways of advancing automotive technology,” said Toyoda.
Flash forward to 2007 and this concept kicked into high gear with Akio Toyoda, Kiichiro’s grandson and current Chairman of the Board at Toyota Motor Corporation. At that time, Toyoda was actively developing skills as a racecar driver and wanted to expand the company’s use of racing in its car development activities.
After years of training, he chose to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, a grueling endurance race on the 12.9-mile racetrack that winds through the German forest. It was an unofficial Toyota activity at the time, so the team was called GAZOO Racing and consisted of employees, including Akio Toyoda driving under the alias of MORIZO. With a limited budget, the team entered the race with two second-hand Altezzas. Despite adversity, both cars finished, and the next era of Toyota motorsports and product development began, one based on a spirit of challenge and instigating change that called back to Toyota’s roots in motorsports.
The RAV4 GR SPORT carries this spirit forward by taking the high output 324 horsepower PHEV system and working with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing company to tweak its dynamic drive to a new level. It is equipped with functional components like a front lip and rear wing spoiler for balanced downforce; air ducts in the front grille and bumper to help channel air and reduce drag; offset wheels with performance tires for maximum grip; and drive battery placement that lowers its center of gravity and stabilizes the chassis. It also has one additional inch of overall width due to wider fender flares.
The following components are unique to the RAV4 GR SPORT:
- GR Functional MATRIX Grille With Upper and Lower Bumper Active Cooling Ducts.
- Exclusive Power Steering Mapping for Sport Mode
- 20-inch Wheels Equipped with Dunlop Sportmaxx® Summer Performance Tires (2.2kg Less Weight Than The RAV4 XSE Model); Additional 20mm Offset and 15-mm Lower Ride Height (7.5-inch Ground Clearance).
- Dedicated Damper Tuning and Coil Springs
- Rear Suspension Cross Member Reinforcement and Lower Arm Cover
- Front performance damper
- Front Lip and Rear Wing Spoiler
- Static Elimination Material on Front Driver’s Seat Aluminum Tape in Headliner
- Rear Diffuser
