The new Toyota RAV4 is here

One of Toyota's best-selling automobiles is the RAV4. Toyota sold 475,193 RAV4s in the United States last year alone, ranking second only to the Ford F Series and Chevrolet Silverado. It was inevitable that we would eventually get a new RAV because the one we had last year was already six years old and was riding on an outdated platform. And at last, it's here.

With major advancements in design, technology, and engine, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 seeks to maintain sales momentum. Most significantly, Toyota is moving away from its pure gas engine and toward a hybrid powertrain, which is now standard. Additionally, it is offering a more potent and efficient plug-in hybrid alternative on more trim levels than ever before.

Long live the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid; the conventional 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine is extinct. Toyota's fifth generation hybrid powertrain, which includes major improvements to the battery pack and power control unit for increased performance and economy, is included in the 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.

A first for the vehicle, the new RAV4 Hybrid generates 226 horsepower when combined with normal front-wheel drive and 236 horsepower when partnered with all-wheel drive. While the AWD version gains 17 horsepower over the preceding AWD hybrid, the front-wheel drive RAV has 23 more horsepower over the outgoing front-wheel drive gasoline variant. Toyota has not yet disclosed its fuel efficiency statistics.

Toyota's sixth-generation plug-in hybrid system, which has two electric motors and a bigger, high-capacity traction battery with new silicon carbide semiconductors for enhanced efficiency and power delivery, powers the 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, which succeeds the departing RAV4 Prime. In comparison to the Prime's 42-mile range, the new RAV PHEV produces 320 horsepower and can go up to 50 miles between charges.

Although the firm hasn't disclosed charging speeds yet, the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid's large battery also allows DC rapid charging on certain trim levels. While the SE trims and the new GR Sport (more on that in a moment) have a J1772 connector without fast charging capabilities, the XSE and Woodland trims with a CCS charging port offer fast charging. All grades also come with an 11-kilowatt inbuilt charger.

Although it isn't yet a full-fledged GR model, the GR Sport is Toyota's first RAV that is genuinely performance-focused. With its 320 horsepower PHEV drivetrain and all-wheel drive, it should reach 60 mph even faster than the departing RAV4 Prime, which did it in 5.5 seconds.

The RAV4 GR Sport stands apart from the rest of the range thanks to visual cues like the massive front grille with GR badging, which also eerily resembles the revised GR Corolla grille. Other features include unique 20-inch wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and an interior with suede and faux leather detailing.

The 2026 RAV4 has displays, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a standard 10.5-inch center touchscreen. On certain variants, buyers can choose a bigger 12.9-inch touchscreen. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth, and a static Home button for the first time, the next generation of Toyota's audio and multimedia system powers all RAV models and claims to be quicker and more responsive.

How much Toyota will charge for the newest RAV4 is the one item we are still unsure about. We don't anticipate this new model to be significantly more expensive than the 2025 model, which begins at slightly under $30,000.