2026 Toyota RAV4: Redesigned With Three Badass Editions and More All-Hybrid Power
Pick your power, hybrid or plug-in hybrid with 50 miles of range, then pick your style: Elegant, adventurous, or sporty.
Toyota is done with gas-only cars, trucks, and SUVs. For a while now, the world’s largest car maker has been adding hybrid technology to its gas-powered engines for better MPG and more horsepower. The all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 is no exception: now buyers can choose from classic hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in a simplified lineup of three new editions, all set in a sharp new design. Pricing starts at just $31,900 MSRP.
We just drove all three new editions—Core, Rugged, and Sport—as well as the hybrid and PHEV, and this is what you need to know.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was Toyota’s guest for this test drive, but all opinions are my own.
Efficient Power and Affordability is the Key to the Modern Toyota
For 2026, the RAV4 delivers more power: A little or a lot. The hybrid model generates 226 HP in front-wheel drive and 236 HP in AWD; the PHEV produces 324 HP. Either way, it’s a good or great increase over the outgoing gas-only model that produced 203 HP.
And, both deliver on the lovely world of electric driving: dip your toes into the hybrid realm and get an average of about 42 MPG from the 4-cylinder hybrid engine; or plug in the PHEV for 50 miles of electric driving (and all hybrid MPG when the battery charge runs out). All three editions—Core, Rugged, and Sport—offer both hybrid and PHEV versions.
There are 11 total trims of the all-new RAV4, and to stay true to Toyota’s mission, they all come at a fair cost. Here’s all 11 trims and their starting prices.
- Hybrid LE FWD: $31,900
- Hybrid LE AWD: $33,300
- Hybrid SE FWD: $34,700
- Hybrid SE AWD: $36,100
- Hybrid Woodland AWD (it’s AWD only): $39,900
- Hybrid XLE Premium FWD: $36,100
- Hybrid XLE Premium AWD: $37,500
- Hybrid XSE AWD: $41,300
- Hybrid Limited AWD: $43,300
- RAV4 PHEV SE: $44,815
- RAV4 PHEV XSE: $48,685
- RAV4 PHEV GR Sport: TBA
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Toyota’s PHEVs Inspired More Power, and More Fun Behind the Wheel
Toyota discovered something a few years ago, sort of by surprise: They added a plug-in hybrid option to the RAV4 (called RAV4 Prime), and it boosted performance to 302 HP as well as delivering great MPG.
Fans and critics were delighted; many called it the most fun to drive RAV4 ever. So it makes sense, and makes us grateful, that Toyota insisted that its RAV4 models with higher expectations for performance have a plug. The Woodland adventure edition has the option of a PHEV, and the RAV4 GR Sport ONLY comes with the PHEV.
Notably, the Woodland and Sport editions have DC fast charging capability, but the GR Sport only has a level 2 charge port. All charge ports are the outgoing standard, J1772/CCS, but Tesla-style NACs charge systems can be accessed with an adapter.
Read: Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Same Engine, Same MPG. Which is Better?
The New RAV4 Design is Fresh-Faced Upfront and Stylish on the Inside
With all the new power comes a new look, too; the new RAV4 went under the knife in all the right ways with a new front grille for each edition, new LED lights, and more functional aerodynamics. Across all RAV4 editions, you’ll also find a redesigned interior with tons of storage, more charging, and more comforts for all passengers.
Some of our favorite new features include the reversible armrest cover that can be opened from either side and flipped over for a more sophisticated, stylish look on one side or to serve as a shallow but sturdy cargo surface on the other.
We also loved the upper cubby (under the new touch screen) that can hold two phones side by side and serves as a single wireless phone charge pad in mid-level models and a dual charge pad in the Core Limited model. On either side of the phone cubby and another cubby below it, you’ll find the drive mode and EV selectors, the USB ports, and buttons for the camera, traction, and downhill assist.
There are more storage cubbies, too: one each in the door just below the release handle, as well as famously, in front of the front seat passenger, nestled into the dashboard. We love that Toyota did not mess with this, so everything can have its place.
Read: Toyota Highlander AWD 3 Row SUV: The Goldilocks of SUVs?
Toyota RAV4’s Interiors Take On New Character, Too
Only two of the RAV4 trims are upholstered in cloth—the Core LE and the Sport SE. The rest are finished in leatherette and all feature accent colors that vary based on the edition you choose: The Core and Sport editions feature blue or gray accents; the Woodland edition features orange accents and stitching, and of course, the GR Sport is finished with red accents.
Giving the RAV4 an even more posh feel, the Core XSE and the GR Sport feature microsuede inserts on the seats, and the GR carries badging all around so you never forget this is a Gazoo Racing-tuned SUV.
New, Smarter Screens Span the RAV4’s Dashboard
Toyota was among the first to go with large central screens that offer voice-activated assistance, navigation, and vehicle settings. And for 2026, the company has introduced upgrades that look and function even better.
Lower trim models feature a 10.5” touch screen, and higher trim models have a 13” screen. The new screens are brighter, function faster, are drag-and-drop customizable, and now, are better listeners. On our test drive, we jokingly called this “don’t disturb the baby mode,” but it’s true; you can practically whisper “hey Toyota” and the system responds—quietly; you’ll see a listening bar light up on the lower portion of the touch screen to let you know it’s ready to grant on your command. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup, too.
There’s also a new 12.3” driver display that’s standard on all models, and in the Core Limited, a head-up display. These screens are sharp and can be customized so you can see exactly what you need to see. On the driver’s display, you’ll see turn-by-turn navigation, and when using Apple Maps on CarPlay, you’ll see navigation on the driver’s display, too.
The driver’s display and multimedia touch screen also deliver some fun graphics when you change the drive mode: it lights up in red for sport, brown for off-road options, and green for eco mode.
Daily Driving Queens, Meet the Core RAV4.
Of the RAV4 editions, the Core is ideal for daily driving. Offered in LE, XLE, and Limited, it is designed for the city, commuting, and daily routines. It features:
- Standard 18” wheels with 18” on the XLE and 20” available on the Limited
- The unique, modern Honeycomb grille that’s color-matched to the body color; the Limited adds satin chrome accents
- A 4-cylinder hybrid engine is standard – Toyota does not offer a PHEV on the Core edition
- The 7.5” ground clearance makes getting in and out, and getting stuff in and out, easy
- 3,500 lb. towing capacity
- Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 advanced safety features
- The Limited edition is really nicely outfitted with a slender and elegant gear shifter, heated rear seats, a digital rear view mirror, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display
Rugged for Light Off-Roading: the RAV4 Woodland is Trail Ready
The Woodland edition replaces the TRD, which you might remember from a few years ago. While TRD is still offered on Toyota’s 4WD SUVs and trucks, the RAV4 took the light ‘off-road less traveled’ route adding trail necessities to the Woodland’s single trim package. This’ll allow drivers to tour comfortably in the city and on light trails without having to worry about equipment or capability. Woodland is offered in as a single trim package with the options of hybrid or PHEV and stands out for its features:
- A unique flat front grille and standard fog lights
- Orange accents throughout the interior
- Woodland logos on the roof rails, floor mats, and throughout the exterior
- A camera system with a ‘through view’ to see the ground below the front grille and on either side
- 5 total USB-C ports for charging
- Level 2 or DC fast charging
- 8.5” ground clearance
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Woodland protective floor mats
- 3,500 lb. towing capacity
- Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 advanced safety features
RAV4 Sport Editions Add More Options and, Yes, a Sporty Feel
To amp up the RAV4’s performance and really take advantage of the added power, Toyota offers three Sport editions: Sport SE, XSE and GR Sport. We were impressed by the Sport’s nice mix of details including Ultrasuede seat inserts, a wireless charge pad and 5 USB-C ports upfront. Here’s what else makes it unique:
- Piano black exterior accents on the fenders, front grille side mirrors and roof
- 18” wheels
- Blue stitching accents on the interior
- Heated front seats
- XSE adds 20” wheels, standard AWD, vented front seats, a moonroof and a single wireless phone charger
The Sport XSE’s dark chrome details inside and out and the piano black door handles add to the sporty look. Available in front-or-all wheel drive, the Core Sport XSE PHEV has an available 11 kW onboard charger and DC fast charging capability.
The RAV4 GR Sport Will Delight Thrill Seekers with Racing-Inspired Performance
As much as we love Toyota’s other GR models—Corolla, 86 and Supra—for anyone who actually needs a comfy SUV with heated seats for daily drives, this is a great option. The RAV4 GR Sport edition ads not just enhanced power, braking and handling, but also some exterior details that make it more aerodynamic. This compact SUV is Gazoo Racing infused at every level.
Here’s what the GR Sport adds to the RAV4:
- Paddle shifters for manual mode
- New front grille with vertical lights and functional mesh design
- Active cooling ducts
- Split wing spoiler and rear diffuser
- Exclusively a PHEV
- 20” Wheels
- Red accents and stitching
- GR badge throughout on the steering wheel, seats, and driver digital display
Behind the wheel of the GR Sport you’ll feel your heart beat a bit faster; the instant torque from the electric motor gives it a more responsive and powerful feel.
It’ll make you feel like a badass, even when just on life’s little adventures like errands, after school pickup and running to taekwondo class.
Driving the RAV4 Core, Sport and Woodland: Confident and Easy
We took the RAV4 Sport XSE, Core Limited and Woodland editions for a spin, touring the desert roads and low hills around Phoenix. The PHEV is definitely a favorite for its easy power and quick acceleration, though the hybrid model delivers a confident amount of power, too.
Our drive in the Woodland edition took us out on the highway and back roads for the morning and then on a short trek across a rocky, rain-rutted trail. Once on the trail we engaged Trail mode for added traction, but I’m not sure we needed it. Not for the trail, which was slippery and bumpy, but because the RAV4 Woodland’s AWD is quite capable and the model has good ground clearance. Once in Trail mode the surround view camera came on at speeds below 13 MPH, which was helpful making tight turns and crawling between narrow passes lined with trees.
The clear-view camera system also let us see everything around and under the car and downhill assist crawled down the hill without having to constantly ride the brake. I can see this for a dirt road to the lake, towing a trailer on a trail or a slushy climb to a ski slope.
Two Power Choices, Three Editions and Seven Trims Make Deciding … Easy?
After spending time behind the wheel and driving the Core, Rugged, and Sport RAV4 editions, it’s easy to see which one fits best with your life. I love the GR Sport and can’t wait to drive it more. The extra power and sporty feel make every drive feel just a bit more thrilling.
For my drive partner Scotty, though, the Sport XSE was it; she loved the electric driving, the suede seating accents and the premium feel, though she also really loved the premium features in the Limited model, too.
But we can also see how the Woodland edition will add practicality and capability to daily and getaway adventures, even if that’s mostly appreciating how easy it is to wipe toddler spills and dog hair out of the car. Either way, everyone gets hybrid MPG and power, all around a nice upgrade for the 2026 Toyota RAV4.
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