Toyota has officially unveiled the sixth-generation RAV4, marking a significant evolution for its best-selling compact SUV.  This comprehensive redesign introduces a hybrid-only lineup, modernized styling, and advanced technology features, positioning the RAV4 at the forefront of its segment.

Exterior Design: Rugged Meets Refined

The 2026 RAV4 adopts a more robust and boxier aesthetic, aligning with contemporary SUV design trends.  The front fascia features a bold grille and sharp LED headlights, while the rear showcases segmented LED taillights and a crisp tailgate design  . The vehicle maintains similar dimensions to its predecessor, ensuring maneuverability while enhancing its off-road presence

Toyota offers the RAV4 in three distinct styles: Core, Rugged, and Sport.  The Core models (LE, XLE, Limited) present a clean, paint-matched grille.  The Rugged Woodland trim includes a standard roof rack, black cladding, and all-terrain tires for enhanced off-road capability.  The Sport variants—SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport—feature athletic styling cues like a rear spoiler and sport-tuned suspension  .

Powertrain: Electrified Performance

In a significant shift, the 2026 RAV4 is available exclusively with electrified powertrains:

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with electric motors, delivering 226 horsepower with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 236 horsepower with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Known as the RAV4 Prime, this variant pairs the 2.5-liter engine with a larger battery and dual electric motors, producing a combined 320 horsepower.  It offers an estimated electric-only range of up to 50 miles (approximately 80 kilometers) and includes AWD as standard  .

These powertrains utilize Toyota’s latest hybrid systems, featuring improved power control units and battery technology for enhanced efficiency and performance.

 Interior: Technology and Comfort

The interior of the 2026 RAV4 has been extensively redesigned to offer a more rugged and functional environment.  Chunkier shapes and a deep storage shelf molded into the dashboard ahead of the front-seat passenger replace the previous generation’s sleeker, car-like design  .

Key interior features:

Digital Displays: Higher trims feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing a modern and intuitive user experience  .

Connectivity: Standard wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration ensure seamless smartphone connectivity.

Arene Software Platform: Toyota’s new Arene platform enhances the multimedia system, voice agent, and safety technologies, marking a step toward software-defined vehicles  .

Comfort Features: Available amenities include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and power-adjustable front seats with memory settings.

Cargo Space: The RAV4 offers 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded  .

 Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2026 RAV4 introduces Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, the latest suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.  While full details will be unveiled closer to its on-sale date, this suite is expected to include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision systems, and more, providing comprehensive driver assistance  .

Additional features like a digital rearview mirror and head-up display (optional) offer enhanced visibility and convenience.

Global Availability and Pricing

Toyota plans to launch the sixth-generation RAV4 in over 180 countries and regions including  Africa, North America, Japan, and Europe, by the end of the fiscal year 2025 (March 2026)  .

Pricing is expected to start slightly higher than the current RAV4 Hybrid, with top trims potentially reaching up to $60,000  .

Availability

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is set to go on sale toward the end of 2025.  With its comprehensive redesign, hybrid-only powertrains, and advanced technology features, the RAV4 aims to maintain its position as a leader in the compact SUV segment.