The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is All-In on Style, Options and Performance, All Boosted by Electric Power
Toyota's best-selling RAV4 received more than just a facelift—it's been updated to be more powerful, capable, and partially or fully electric.
If we were to sit down and list all the reasons the 2026 Toyota RAV4 was a chart topper since its debut in 1996, it would make for a very long read. So, we’ll summarize: for an affordable price, buyers of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and tax brackets could enjoy a compact SUV that felt more like part of the family than an appliance.
There’s a trim level for every buyer, ranging from the budget-conscious base model to the adventure-hungry AWD Woodland edition for campers and off-roaders; those who enjoy subtle luxury can find it in the Limited and Platinum editions; those eager to save on fuel and leave less of a carbon footprint are drawn to the industry-leading hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric, or PHEV models.
They’re also fairly customizable. Nearly every trim can be fitted with AWD, ordered as a hybrid and upgraded with packages and accessories. You can even buy an AWD hybrid that still averages more than 30 MPG.
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.
30 Years of Toyota RAV4 Demands a Bit of Evolution
Toyota looked at what made the RAV4 successful for the past nearly 30 years and thought, “How can we make it even better?” The first very clear answer was to go all in on what has defined Toyota in recent years: Hybrid power and superior fuel economy; the sixth generation RAV4 will no longer have gas-only options. Each trim has some amount of electric power to boost its performance, and it’s all better than ever. PHEV models have been vastly improved to generate 320 horsepower and go 50 miles in EV mode, and the Woodland edition is even more capable.
If you’ve been one of many to feel less enthusiastic about the Toyota RAV4’s software and multimedia bugs, Toyota’s fixed those too, with the all-new “Arene” software. We won’t know about pricing until later this year when it’s closer to hitting dealership lots, but what we do know is pretty incredible.
Toyota RAV4’s Gas Engines Are Boosted By Electric Power
Gone are the days when you can buy a Toyota RAV4 with just a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. For 2026, every Toyota RAV4 is offered in either a hybrid or PHEV. If you opt for the PHEV, Toyota took notes over the past few years and vastly improved that its performance.
The new PHEV now boasts 320 combined horsepower—143 more than the 2025 model year—to put a little more pep in its step. That’s thanks to Toyota’s new generation of PHEV battery technology paired with the trusty 2.5-liter engine we all know and love.
Additionally, the PHEV will have an all-electric range of 50 miles in EV mode, an improvement of almost 10 miles, and all-wheel drive is standard. For the first time ever, any hybrid can be configured with front-wheel drive—previously, all hybrid models were AWD only.
The new hybrid models have been to the gym, too. Toyota’s updated hybrid powertrain now puts out 226 horsepower on front-wheel drive models and 236 horsepower for all-wheel drive models, which is a much-needed improvement from the previous generation.
And, Of Course, The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Has Been Under the Knife
It seems like Toyota has learned from the redesign of the 4Runner, which was the subject of very mixed reviews. Some thought it modernized the long-running design just enough not to scare away owners of the previous generation looking for an upgrade, while others felt it was too much.
The new design for the RAV4 feels right. It doesn’t break away from the approachable design of the previous generation, but obviously takes notes from the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra’s angular and blocky design language just right.
The grille is sporty-ish, the design of the headlights is tasteful and helps separate it from its competitors, the wheels are a little muted, but those not wanting something ostentatious like those from Kia or Hyundai will adore them.
It’s not much bigger, either. The size still envelopes the age-old Toyota RAV4 motto of being right in the middle. The new generation will be built on an all-new platform, which Toyota says will make it more rigid and resistant to road noise, too.
READ MORE: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited: The Car I Wish We’d Purchased
Performance Lovers Rejoice: The RAV4 Gets the GR Treatment
This is one of the most exciting updates to the Toyota RAV4 lineup: a GR-Sport trim. If you loved the Toyota Corolla GR, you’ll love the RAV4 GR-Sport. Playing on the power of the PHEV, which produces a respectable combined 320 horsepower from Toyota’s new PHEV technology paired with the company’s trusted 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it delivers sporty power that the outgoing models did not.
Then, Toyota in partnership with its GAZOO racing division, tightened up the suspension, refined the braking, decreased body roll, improved the steering and throttle response, and outfitted the GR-Sport with wider model-specific 20-inch wheels to accommodate wider performance summer tires.
All those components prioritize handling and make for a more car-like driving style, perfect for those who enjoy a spirited drive on mountain roads or canyons every now and again. It’s a car that can haul the whole family and add a little spice to grocery trips or a commute.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a “Sport” model without some exterior upgrades, too. The GR-Sport stands apart from other models with a shiny, red trim-specific paint color, front and rear spoilers, a matrix grille, and GR badging throughout.
The Woodland Edition Sees Upgrades, Too
The Woodland, for both the RAV4 and the Sienna, was a more “rugged” appearance package. Both models were all-wheel drive hybrids, but this time around, the RAV4 Woodland can be bought as a PHEV, so campers, hikers, skiers, and more can choose from either 226 horsepower or 320.
Like the Woodland before it, it has more rugged styling, comes with raised and improved roof rails to accommodate cross bars, roof top tents, cargo boxes, and any other gear you want to throw on top, as well as all-terrain tires from the factory.
For 2026, instead of bronze wheels, the Woodland comes with model-specific matte black 20-inch wheels. Toyota says the all-terrain tires from the factory raise it by half an inch, increasing its off-road capabilities over other trims. The Toyota RAV4 Woodland will also come with all-weather flooring and cargo mats from the factory, as well as red-orange accent stitching.
Toyota’s partnership with Rigid Industries translates to LED lighting throughout, making it especially useful on the backgrounds when the light is low. The Woodland, as well as the other trims, can tow around 3,500 lbs—perfect for a small pop-up camper. Oh, and that gray color with the blacked-out exterior bits, like door handles and mirrors, is exclusive to the model, as well as outdoorsy “Woodland” badging throughout.
READ MORE: Toyota RAV4 Woodland vs. Subaru Forester: The Ultimate Off-Road Hybrid Showdown
Toyota Upgraded the RAV4’s Interior and Safety Tech
Along with new styling and improved powertrains, Toyota is fitting the new RAV4 with “Arene,” the company’s latest software development that enables Toyota Safety Sense (4.0). Part of the update means a more user-friendly Audio Multimedia System that’s more reliable, intuitive, and easy to keep updated.
The company made it a point to note that a “Home” button will always be on display, regardless of whether a phone mirroring software is being used, making it easier to switch between the company’s operating system and whichever phone mirroring system you’re using.
Toyota says the voice assistance software, which has always been one of the best, has been upgraded, too. Now, it’s more sensitive, can navigate softer voices and accents, and has quicker response times. Toyota’s Safety Sense has improved detection capabilities paired with Arene, making it that much safer. The company says more details on the safety suite will be published closer to the for-sale date later this year.
Toyota RAV4 Interiors are Tailored to the Style Of Each Trim
Not only are the exteriors and performance features a bit different on each trim line, but the interiors are customized, too. The Limited edition, for instance, has a sleek toggle gear selector on the center console, giving a more open, minimalist feel to the cabin. The Woodland edition, above, has a more tactile lever-style gear selector and red trim on the steering wheel. The GR edition has a GR badge on the bottom of the steering wheel.
The basics, though, are still uniform across the lineup, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a larger touchscreen, and dual Bluetooth connectivity to allow a driver and a passenger to switch between two connected phones for media, to make phone calls, and more.
All together the new trims and details are just a few more reasons that we expect the Toyota RAV4 to continue to be the most popular SUV in the country. That Toyota is adding hybrid MPG and more power might just make it … even more popular. If that is even possible.
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