New Design, More Technology, and Electrification: Introducing the New Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4, a model that has defined and popularised the SUV segment for over three decades, is gearing up for the arrival of its sixth generation. Scheduled for launch before March 2026, the new RAV4 promises significant evolution, maintaining its focus on electrification, enhancing its performance, and showcasing a renewed design and equipment.

Launched in 1994, the RAV4 is widely recognised as one of the pioneers that paved the way for the SUV craze that now dominates the automotive market. Although the honour of the "first SUV" might belong to the 1984 Jeep Cherokee XJ, it is undeniable that Toyota's model was instrumental in popularising this versatile body style.

Throughout its more than thirty-year history, the RAV4 has demonstrated its global relevance with over 10 million units sold worldwide. During this time, it has evolved remarkably: from a compact and sporty model, it has grown into a larger and more family-oriented vehicle, solidifying its position as a fundamental pillar in Toyota's strategy, alongside the Corolla.

With the imminent arrival of the sixth generation, Toyota reaffirms its commitment to electrification, offering improvements in performance and efficiency. Additionally, a notable change in exterior and interior design is expected, along with a significant update in technology and comfort, aiming to keep the RAV4 at the forefront of the competitive SUV market.

The engine range of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 consists of two hybrid versions and two plug-in hybrid versions. The Toyota RAV4 hybrid is available with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The front-wheel-drive variant develops 183 hp, while the all-wheel-drive version reaches 191 hp. These versions combine the operation of a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with one or two electric motors, depending on the drive configuration.

Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid Toyota RAV4 with front-wheel drive offers 268 hp, while the all-wheel-drive version raises this figure to 304 hp. The latter can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, according to official data. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 23 kWh, allowing an all-electric range of approximately 100 kilometres. The maximum charging power is 11 kW in alternating current and 50 kW in direct current.

The exterior design of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 maintains a robust aesthetic, retaining the dimensions of the generation it replaces, with sharp lines and a redesigned front that incorporates new LED headlights and a body-coloured grille reminiscent, albeit distantly, of the Lexus RX. The side view retains the characteristic trapezoidal wheel arches of the previous model, housing alloy wheels up to 20 inches.

The new RAV4 will enter the market with three trims (Core, Adventure, and GR Sport), each altering the exterior appearance, especially at the front, with, for example, a more aggressive design for the GR Sport trim level.

Inside, one of the main advancements is the integration of the Arene operating system, developed by Toyota, which allows remote updates (OTA), function customisation, and a faster, more intuitive interface. Additionally, the voice assistant now allows interaction with natural language, eliminating the need for pre-set commands.

The instrument cluster is digital and features a 12.3-inch screen, while the central multimedia system screen reaches 13 inches and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly.

In terms of safety, the model integrates the latest evolution of the Toyota Safety Sense package, with improvements in driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and active lane keeping.