First Drive: 2026 Toyota RAV4

When you’ve got one of America’s best-selling product lines you can’t risk resting on your laurels. So, Toyota has pulled out the stops with the debut of the sixth-generation RAV4. It gets not only a new look and an updated array of technology and comfort features but a first-ever GR Sport package. The off-road Woodland package also becomes more capable. Buyers meanwhile, get a choice of either a conventional or plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Headlight.News has this first review.

In an SUV world, Toyota’s long-running RAV4 remains a standout, the third best-selling vehicle in the U.S. last year. And the Japanese giant intends to remain the king of the compact sport-utility market as the sixth-generation RAV4 starts rolling into U.S. dealer showrooms,

The 2026 model is marked by a number of firsts. Among other things, this will be the first fully electrified version of the SUV, buyers getting a choice of either a conventional hybrid or an updated plug-in offering what Toyota claims is enough all-electric range to more than meet the average American motorist’s daily driving needs.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 also will is available with a first-time GR Sport package and what the automaker describes as a “new-look,” off-road-oriented Woodlands trim, both of which Headlight.News had a chance to check out during a day’s driving in Phoenix earlier this month.

What’s new for 2026

While not quite a complete, ground-up makeover, enough has changed with the 2026 Toyota RAV4 to justify calling it all-new. For one thing, buyers will have an almost dizzying array of options to choose from, starting with a base package, up to the lavishly equipped Limited. Add to the list the upgraded RAV4 Woodland, and the first-ever GR Sport packages.

As we’ve been seeing across the line-up, Toyota is deeply committed to electrified powertrain technology – and more and more products – including Camry and Crown — are being offered exclusively with hybrid drivetrains. RAV4 goes a step further, giving buyers a choice of conventional and plug-in hybrids. There also are front- and all-wheel-drive options.

The newly redesigned SUV introduces the new Arene software platform, an updated Toyota Audio Multimedia system and an expanded list of digital safety features.

Powertrain options

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 becomes the latest product line from the Japanese automaker to go fully electrified. In this case, that means a choice of two battery-based powertrains:

• Toyota conventional hybrid is itself the latest two-motor system, here paired with a 2.5-liter inline-four to produce up to 226 hp in front-wheel-drive configuration and 235 in the all-wheel-drive package;
• The plug-in hybrid system has also been upgraded and is now paired with a substantially larger 22.7-kWh lithium-ion battery. That yields better mileage – and up to 50 miles of all-electric range – along with improved performance, providing a peak 320 hp. Offered only in AWD.

The PHEV comes with an 11-kW 240-volt charger and offers an optional DC fast-charge system – except on the GR Sport.

All front-drive models can tow up to 1,750 pounds. With the exception of the LE AWD package, all-wheel-drive bumps towing up to 3,500 pounds.

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Design

The 2026 RAV4 redesign yields more distinct personalities for each of the various trim packages. But there are some common elements, starting with the Toyota “hammerhead” nose and wider fenders, along with a rising beltline and black cladding.

With Woodland, the front end is slightly raised and the grille is split, with integrated Rigid Industries LED lighting. Woodland also has higher ground clearance and integrated roof rails. GR Sport, meanwhile, has a GR grille, unique 20-inch wheels and front and rear wing-type spoilers.

The SUV’s interior puts a premium on functionality, with a larger touchscreen – either 10.5 or 12.9 inches, depending on trim and option choices — and all models feature a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The center cluster combines the shifter – a shift-by-wire version only on the Limited trim — cupholders and a removable divider. Several different materials are used. also depending upon trim. Woodlands, for example, features the durable SofTex, while Brin-Naub microsuede is used on XSE and GR Sport packages.

New and updated trim packages

Considering the high volume that RAV4 delivers – a total of 475,193 sold in the U.S. in 2024 – it’s no surprise Toyota wants to expand its appeal to more potential buyers. That includes:

• The new GR Sport developed by the Gazoo Racing division, with unique suspension and chassis components to improve handling and performance. The package exclusively uses the PHEV powertrain. It features a matrix-style grill, wide wheel arch moldings wrapped around unique 20-inch wheels and summer tires, a rear diffuser and high-mounted rear wing spoiler. It rides 0.8 inches lower than other trims, and is 0.6 inches wider. Add a GR-badged steering wheel, a red shifter boot, sport alloy pedals and trim designed to keep you in your seat during hard cornering;
• The newly redesigned Woodlands package. Available with a choice of conventional or plug-in hybrid drivetrain technology, it features standard all-wheel-drive, a roughly 1-inch higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a split grille and other useful features for off-road adventures, including SofTex-trimmed seats and all-weather mats, Aalong with plenty of USB-C ports, there’s a 120-volt AC outlet in the cargo bay;
• Core models are available in three trims, including the more luxurious Limited grade.

Driving impressions

During a day’s driving around Phoenix I had the opportunity to check out RAV4 Limited, Woodlands and GR Sport packages. The more mainstream of the three is also the most traditional, if you will. The basic look is attractive, with the interior a welcome upgrade from the prior package, with more features – including a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen – and an overall more refined appearance. The new hybrid powertrain delivers a reasonable amount of power, though it’s clearly not going to peg the “passion” meter.

That’s where the GR Sport comes in.

Though I didn’t have the opportunity to run a controlled test – and Toyota has yet to release hard data – but the more powerful PHV drivetrain appeared to shave off more than a second in foot-to-the-floor 0-60 launches. The revised all-wheel-drive system did a good job directing torque where needed, with a better rear-biased balance in most situations. And the lower ride height and various chassis and suspension modifications made for less body roll in hard cornering. My only reservation: Despite their grippy fabric, the seats were too squishy, making it hard to stay firmly planted in tight turns.

The upgrades made to the RAV4 Woodland were much appreciated as I headed off the main route and onto a rugged trail on the Indian reservation near my hotel. The higher ground clearance allowed me to straddle the rock-strewn course, and the off-road tires and driver mode settings allowed me to climb some steep hills with virtually no slippage. The new hill descent control system was particularly welcome coming back down, largely eliminating any need to bounce back and forth from throttle to brakes.

Woodland isn’t quite up to what I’ve experienced with Subaru Wilderness packages. And for those looking for truly serious off-road capabilities in a Toyota, the 4Runner would be the better option. But for overlanding and for light to moderate trail-crawling, it’s a big step forward from the prior generation.

Technology

All 2026 RAV4 trims get a 12.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge cluster. Depending upon trim and option choices, there’s either a 10.5 or 12-9-inch touchscreen, as well. A 6-speaker audio system is standard, with an upgraded 9-speaker JBL system available, depending upon grade. A head-up display will be available on Limited Hybrid and XSE plug-in models.

The Arenne operating system will enable future upgrades on the path to a fully software-defined vehicle. Much of the vehicle’s software can be updated using RAV4’s over-the-air update capabilities. And to speed operation, this is the first Toyota model with 5G cellphone technology. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system features a native voice assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standards and there’s dual Bluetooth connectivity.

The latest Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 system integrates a wide range of advanced driver assistance technology, such as forward collision warning with emergency auto braking.

Pricing and availability

Pricing for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 has yet to be released but preliminary indications suggest you’ll b looking at something in the range of $33,000 to $42,000.

The RAV4 currently is assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky, and Ontario, Canada, as well as in Japan. Toyota may adjust production plans due to the Trump tariffs. Even U.S. models will experience some increase in production costs due to the use of imported parts and components.

The new SUV will arrive in U.S. showrooms before the end of this year.