At $33,350 the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is Technically Cheaper Than 2025 Model
Getting a hybrid costs less than before, and the RAV4 is now hybrid-only. But as ever, there's a catch.
Toyota USA on Wednesday revealed pricing for the 2026 RAV4. When we drove the new SUV last month we still didn't have pricing, and given the updates to the standard kit and switch to an all-hybrid powertrain lineup, we suspected a significant price increase. So we're happy to see the 2026 RAV4 costs less than last year's most affordable hybrid. Technically.
The previous-generation RAV4 Hybrid only came with all-wheel drive, you see. So at $34,300 including destination, it was $950 more than where the 2026 RAV4 lineup kicks off ($33,350). That figure will net buyers a 2026 RAV4 LE FWD however; opting for AWD puts the new model at $34,750.
Look, we lament the rising prices of new vehicles as much as the next person, but a sticker swelling $450 like-for-like isn't bad at all. Not only is the new model more fuel efficient (42 mpg combined for most AWD models, 39 mpg combined for Woodland), but it's more powerful (236 horsepower). There's more standard safety kit and a better infotainment experience, plus more usable cabin storage. It isn't perfect, but the new RAV4 is an improvement over the old in nearly every way.
Working our way up the trim walk, the RAV4 SE lists for $36,150, while the XLE Premium carries a $37,550 price tag. AWD is a $1,400 upgrade on these trims. The Woodland ($41,350), XSE ($42,750), and Limited ($44,750) trims are only available with AWD.
2026 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid pricing will be available at a later date. Canadian pricing was unavailable at the time of writing.
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Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
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I currently own my third small SUV, a Hyundai Hybrid, non-plug-in Tucson SEL Convenience. I owned two Honda CR-V's prior to the Hyundai, neither were hybrids. I much prefer a good midsize four-door sedan. Far better financial choice. Old age forced us into the SUV's. In my eighties, my wife a few years younger, me with rheumatoid arthritis and my wife with osteo arthritis made entering and exiting our Honda Accord a painful experience at best, and attempting to walk on our hands wearing Velcro gloves at the worst. I could still manage to fall into the Accord but couldn't fall out! The Accord handled far better, performed far better, was quieter, had a better ride and got better fuel mileage. Yep, I prefer a sedan!
and you think hybrid-only is a good thing for buyers who like choice, eh? I think not. but time of a year or two will tell. Mr. Toyoda needs to reconsider...in my opinion.