Toyota RAV4 2026: five things you need to know
Toyota has just unveiled its all-new sixth-generation RAV4 2026, which The Car Guide was able to discover up close at an exclusive event. Don't miss our journalist Antoine Joubert's review if you haven't already read it!
Obviously, as Canada's best-selling SUV, many people are interested in it and want to know more about it. So here's a five-point overview of the redesigned and improved RAV4, scheduled to go on sale late this autumn.
1. Same size, but stronger
The Toyota RAV4 2026 retains a familiar silhouette and virtually the same size as its predecessor. The wheelbase is identical and other measurements vary by just a few millimetres. No mention was made of cargo volume, but we imagine it to be fairly equal, at just over 1,000 liters in the trunk and close to 2,000 liters with the rear seats folded (less in the RAV4 plug-in hybrid).
Built on the TNGA-K platform, the new RAV4 benefits from increased structural rigidity thanks to reinforced frame joints and suspension mounting points. A structural adhesive with high damping force has also been used to reduce micro-vibrations and road noise. In addition, the towing capacity of several versions has been increased to 3,500 lb.
2. Three new styles, nine versions
Aesthetically, the new front end features a completely redesigned front grille and headlamps, as well as more relief at the rear. As you can see from the image above, there are three different styles on the menu: basic, rugged and sporty.
The first applies to LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited versions. Rugged styling, meanwhile, defines the new Woodland version (shown in gray), which replaces the RAV4 Trail as the solution for adventure enthusiasts, with its increased ground clearance, standard off-road tires and raised roof rails. As for the SE, XSE, XSE Technologie and GR Sport versions (another new model, equipped with 20-inch wheels), their sporty styling goes hand in hand with the increased power of their plug-in hybrid powertrains.
3. Exclusively hybrid
No more gasoline-only engines, like some other Toyota vehicles. The RAV4 2026 is available exclusively with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid system. At the same time, forget about simple front-wheel drive: all models include all-wheel drive as standard. RAV4 hybrids now develop 236 horsepower instead of 219 (torque not specified), a class-leading performance. Official fuel consumption figures have yet to be confirmed.
For their part, the RAV4 plug-in hybrids (PHEV, if you prefer) feature a new system with an optimized high-voltage battery whose capacity is not specified, but which will extend the electric range from 68 to 80 km, according to Toyota. Impressive, isn't it? What's more, power rises from 302 to 320 hp, and the XSE Technology version will be able to use a DC fast-charging system to recharge from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes, mimicking the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
4. Cutting-edge interface
The cockpit has been completely redesigned and, although it doesn't feature a large digital panel like some of its competitors, it does boast a new 10.5“ or 12.9” touchscreen (depending on version), a new 12.3” digital instrument cluster and an optional head-up display.
The latest version of Toyota's multimedia system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, simultaneous connection of two phones via Bluetooth, and the user-friendliness of a new, always visible home button and an enhanced voice assistant.
5. The safest Toyota ever
Finally, the RAV4 2026 takes safety and driving aids to an unprecedented level for Toyota, thanks to Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (previously 3.0). The company isn't giving details at the moment, but talks of hardware updates and enhanced detection capabilities, all enabled by the Arene software development platform also inaugurated by the RAV4.
Keep following The Car Guide for more details on the new Toyota RAV4 2026 and pricing as soon as they're announced.
