The all-new 2026 RAV4 marks the sixth generation of Toyota’s best-selling compact SUV, introducing upgrades in design, performance, and technology. It will be offered only as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), with three distinct styles: Core, Rugged, and Sport.

The Core includes LE, XLE, and Limited trims, featuring paint-matched grilles and Toyota’s hammerhead front end. The Rugged style is exclusive to the Woodland trim, now a standalone grade, adding half an inch of ride height and standard all-terrain tires. The Sport line, led by the RAV4 GR SPORT, features GR-tuned suspension, enhanced steering, and motorsport-inspired design, available only as a PHEV, while the XSE and SE trims offer both powertrains.

The fifth-generation Hybrid powertrain, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produces 236 combined net hp, up from 219, with standard AWD in Canada. The PHEV version combines a 2.5-litre engine, two electric motors, and a high-capacity battery for 320 combined hp and a manufacturer-estimated 80 km of electric range. The XSE Technology Package adds DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

Inside, the focus is on comfort and function, with seating options ranging from fabric to SofTex®, and new Mineral accents on the Woodland trim. GR SPORT models feature microsuede and SofTex-trimmed seats, GR logos, paddle shifters, and sport pedals.

The 2026 RAV4 introduces Toyota’s new Arene software platform, debuting the latest Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and dual Bluetooth® connectivity. A new home button is displayed regardless of which system is active. Production is expected to begin in 2025, with pricing announced closer to release.

This story has been edited and condensed for clarity. Read the original version in the Fall/Winter 2025 edition of driver magazine.

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