Toyota Unveils the All-New 2026 RAV4: Electrified, Stylish, and Tech-Forward

Toyota Motor North America has revealed the sixth-generation 2026 Toyota RAV4, America’s top-selling compact SUV. This latest iteration introduces three distinct designs—Core, Rugged, and Sport—including the new Woodland grade and the U.S. market’s first-ever RAV4 GR SPORT model. Exclusively available with electrified powertrains, the 2026 RAV4 offers Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) options, alongside cutting-edge technologies like the Arene software platform, an updated Toyota Audio Multimedia system, and enhancements to the Toyota Safety Sense suite.

“At Toyota, customer choice is paramount,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “With three distinct styles, two highly efficient electrified powertrains, and available Front- or All-Wheel Drive, the all-new RAV4 offers something for everyone and is ready to take on all of life’s adventures.”

Three Distinct Designs for Every Lifestyle

The 2026 RAV4 offers three unique design trims tailored to diverse preferences:

• Core Design: Featuring a sleek, paint-matched grille and Toyota’s signature hammerhead front end, the Core design delivers a modern aesthetic. Wide overfenders with black cladding, chiseled body panels, and an ascending belt line enhance its SUV proportions. Available with 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels, Core models include the well-equipped LE, XLE, and Limited grades.
• Rugged Design (Woodland Grade): The standalone Woodland grade embraces an outdoor-inspired look with a raised hammerhead front, a black split grille with integrated Rigid Industries LED lighting, and All-Terrain tires that elevate ground clearance by half an inch. Standard raised roof rails with crossbars and a 1¼-inch rear activity mount add travel-ready versatility. Available with HEV or PHEV powertrains and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
• Sport Design (GR SPORT, XSE, SE): Leading the Sport lineup is the RAV4 GR SPORT, crafted with input from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. It boasts a GR-tuned suspension, enhanced power steering, improved body rigidity, and 20-inch wheels with summer tires for superior handling. Exclusively offered with a PHEV powertrain, it features a GR Functional MATRIX grille and aggressive spoilers. The XSE and SE grades, available with HEV or PHEV powertrains and Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or AWD, include up to 20-inch wheels, blue interior stitching, and optional two-tone paint.

Powerful and Efficient Electrified Powertrains

The 2026 RAV4 is exclusively electrified, offering HEV and PHEV powertrains:

• HEV Powertrain: Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, the HEV delivers 236 combined system net horsepower on AWD models (up from 219 hp) and 226 hp on FWD models, a 23 hp increase over the prior FWD gas model. FWD is available for the first time on hybrid LE, XLE, and SE grades.
• PHEV Powertrain: The new Plug-in Hybrid System, paired with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a high-capacity battery, produces up to 320 combined system net horsepower, an 18 hp improvement. The PHEV lineup expands to four grades (SE, XSE, Woodland, GR SPORT) with standard AWD and an estimated 50-mile all-electric range. XSE and Woodland grades support DC fast charging, reaching 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, while SE and GR SPORT models use a J1772 charging port. An available 11-kW AC onboard charger enables faster home or public charging.

Select AWD grades (HEV XLE, Woodland, SE, XSE, Limited, and PHEV SE, XSE, Woodland) offer a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, while FWD models and the LE AWD model support 1,750 pounds.

Modern Design with Functional Versatility

Built on the Toyota New Generation Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform, the 2026 RAV4 enhances structural rigidity through reinforced frame joints and suspension mounting points, improving handling and ride comfort. A high-damping adhesive reduces micro-vibrations and road noise. The exterior design emphasizes SUV proportions with large tires, elevated ride height, and a spacious rear cargo area. Stylish LED taillights and unique trim details like spoilers and wheel treatments distinguish each grade.

The interior blends functionality and technology, with a smartly organized center stack, a touchscreen display, drive mode selection, and a versatile center console. Select grades feature a shift-by-wire system with a minimalist toggle switch. Seating options range from fabric to SofTex® and BRIN•NAUB® microsuede, with colors like black, light gray, and the exclusive Mineral shade on the Woodland grade. The GR SPORT model adds sporty touches like GR logos, paddle shifters, and aluminum pedals.

Advanced Technology Powered by Arene

The 2026 RAV4 introduces Toyota’s Arene software platform, a step toward software-defined vehicles. This platform powers the updated Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring a 10.5-inch or available 12.9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, dual Bluetooth® connectivity, and an improved Voice Assistant. Native map and navigation functions integrate with a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. A Head-Up Display is available on Limited (HEV) and XSE (PHEV) grades, with audio options including a standard six-speaker system or an available nine-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system.

The RAV4 also debuts Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0), with updated hardware and detection capabilities powered by Arene. Additional details will be shared closer to the on-sale date.

Color Options and Availability

Exterior colors include new additions like Urban Rock (exclusive to Woodland), Meteor Shower, Everest, and Storm Cloud, alongside favorites like Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blueprint. Two-tone options, such as Meteor Shower with a Black roof (XSE) and Supersonic Red with a Black roof (GR SPORT), add distinctive flair.

The 2026 RAV4 is expected to arrive at U.S. Toyota dealerships later this year, with pricing announced closer to the on-sale date.

Warranty and ToyotaCare

The 2026 RAV4 comes with Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty, 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 60-month corrosion perforation warranty. Hybrid components are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery for 10 years/150,000 miles, both transferable. ToyotaCare includes two years or 25,000 miles of factory-scheduled maintenance and two years of unlimited-mileage Roadside Assistance.