2026 Toyota RAV4 Debuts: All-Hybrid Lineup, More Tech, 320-HP GR Sport

The best-selling non-pickup vehicle in North America is going all-in on hybrid power, including an uprated plug-in variant.

Here it is. At a dedicated event near its American HQ in Plano, Texas, Toyota on Tuesday night revealed the 2026 RAV4. This is a big deal for the Big T, as the RAV4 has been the best-selling vehicle without a pickup bed in both America and Canada for years now. There are plenty of changes afoot for North America's favorite SUV though, not least of which is a 100-percent hybrid powertrain lineup.

Let's start with the underpinnings. The RAV4 rides on the same platform as before and yes, is largely the same size as before too. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 105.9 inches (2,690 millimeters), and indeed some model are identical in height (67.0 in / 1,702 mm) and width (73.0 in / 1,854 mm). The Woodland is back, and its unique combination of raised ride height and all-terrain tires give it an additional 0.8 inches (20 mm) of overall height. Meanwhile it, the SE, XSE, and new GR Sport—more on that in a bit—grades all are an inch (25 mm) wider. Toyota says there have been suspension mounting point and frame joint reinforcements for improved structural rigidity.

The standard powertrain pairs the familiar 2.5-liter gas four-cylinder with Toyota's updated fifth-generation hybrid setup. A front-drive version of the RAV4 hybrid is thus new, and it produces 226 horsepower. Sticking to all-wheel drive drops an additional electric motor out back, for a combined system rating of 235 hp. With the full hybrid setup, this means no mechanical drive shaft between axles.

The plug-in hybrid powerplant is also back and sees its own upgrades, now producing 320 horsepower. This setup is only available with all-wheel drive. Toyota has switched to silicon carbide semiconductors in the front axle motor that, combined with the larger-capacity battery pack, contributes to an estimated 50 miles (80 kilometers) of all-electric range. Curiously, only the XSE and Woodland gain a CCS charging port for possible fast-charging; the SE and GR Sport stick to a slower J1772 port.

Toyota is splitting the sixth-generation RAV4 up into three streams: Core, Rugged, and Sport. Core is served by the LE, XLE, and Limited grades; the former two are available with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, while the Limited is exclusively AWD. Same goes for the one rugged trim: the Woodlands. It can be optioned with the PHEV powertrain, something all Core trims skip. Lastly, the Sport trio is SE, XSE, and GR Sport. All three Sport models can be had with the PHEV setup, though only the SE can be optioned with the front-drive HEV layout.

Toyota has adapted the "hammerhead" front-end styling of the Prius to the more upright shape of the RAV4. On the Core grades, the bumper features a body-color grille pattern not unlike that of the Crown Signia (or recently refreshed Corolla Cross), plus familiar touch points like the small, black trim pieces on the A- and D-pillars. At the rear, an intricate LED signature fans out within the taillights, which now connect with a glossy black trim piece for a full-width effect. The general shape of the taillights has a Rogue-like look to it, but we'll reserve judgment for in-person viewing.

The Woodlands goes its own way with a slightly raised edge of its hammerhead nose, along with a split grille and in-set LED lighting from Rigid Industries. There are also raised roof rails.

On the other end of the spectrum is the road-focused GR Sport. The first of its kind for our shores, the GR Sport features a lowered, GR-tuned suspension, with a unique bumper featuring wide air intakes. A large rear spoiler juts out above the liftgate, and suitably spindly 20-inch alloy wheels come wrapped in summer rubber. The GR also features a unique red-and-black exterior color scheme; Meteor Shower, Everest, and Storm Cloud join the available hues lineup, while the Woodland also has its own Urban Rock color.

Towing capacity ranges from 1,750 to 3,500 pounds, depending on trim.

Like the Camry last year, the RAV4 sees a substantial upgrade to its interior. There's a wraparound look to the upper dashboard, with a streamlined, slim center section providing a more upscale look. Toyota hasn't stuck the Prius' deep-set instrument cluster here, instead opting for a cowl-less, 12.3-inch digital instrument screen. The central touchscreen houses a new version of Toyota Audio Multimedia System, which now features a permanent home button regardless of whether (wireless) Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is running or not. A 10.5-inch setup is standard, with an optional 12.9-incher available.

While basic temperature controls remain physical buttons, the rest of the climate controls are now in the touchscreen. Toyota says they stay on-screen at all times, however. A head-up display is also available. The classic shifter makes way for a tiny shift-by-wire nubbin similar to what other automakers are adopting.

Seating materials range from cloth to SofTex, with no mention of real leather anywhere. The XSE and GR Sport also add perforated microsuede to the seats along with color-coded accents. Speaking of, in addition to the black and gray interior color options, the Woodland will feature the exclusive Mineral color.