The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is 100% Hybrid
The 2026 RAV4, like Toyota’s latest Camry model, is exclusively a hybrid. However, unlike the Camry, the 2026 RAV4 gives buyers a choice when it comes to hybrid type.
The new RAV4's standard powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with Toyota’s updated hybrid tech. For the first time, the hybrid powertrain will be available with front-wheel drive (FWD); previous RAV4 hybrids were only offered with all-wheel drive (AWD).
In FWD form, the 2026 RAV4 has a combined system output of 226 horsepower, a nice power boost over the 203-horsepower offered in the last-generation gas-only RAV4 with FWD. The AWD setup is even more powerful, with a combined 236 horsepower on tap. For those keeping score, that’s an improvement of 17 over the previous model.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the RAV4 returns for 2026 and ushers in a new, sixth generation for Toyota’s PHEV tech. Its availability doubles from two grades to four, and tech improvements boost both power and range. 2026 RAV4 PHEV models are AWD only and now boast up to 320 horsepower (an increase of 18) and 50 miles of all-electric range (an increase of 8).
Choice, Choice, and More Choice
In addition to powertrain options, 2026 RAV4 buyers can also select from three styles, Core, Rugged, and Sport, across seven grades.
The LE, XLE, and Limited grades are on the Core branch of the RAV4 family tree. Core models are comfort-focused and can be optioned with FWD or AWD. The PHEV powertrain is not offered in any of the Core trims.
The rough-and-ready Woodland is the only grade beneath the RAV4’s Rugged banner. It’s AWD only, though Woodland buyers can choose the conventional hybrid or PHEV powertrain.
RAV4 models under the Sport umbrella focus on performance and include the SE, XSE, and all-new GR-Sport grades (GR is short for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s in-house racing and engineering division). The SE can be optioned with any of the RAV4’s powertrains, while the up-market XSE and GR-Sport are available only with the AWD configurations.
AWD RAV4s can tow up to 3,500 pounds; FWD models are capped at 1,750 pounds.
Tough and Modern Looking
Toyota toughened up the 2026 RAV4’s exterior looks with a wider stance, pronounced fender flares, and chiseled door panels. All RAV4 models adopt Toyota’s latest “hammerhead” front-end design language, which is spreading through the company’s lineup and is already in place on the nose of the Prius, Camry, and 2026 C-HR.
The Woodland trim features unique styling and equipment to help it stand out as the RAV4’s off-road offering. It sits higher than other RAV4 models thanks to a set of all-terrain tires, and its rugged demeanor is further amplified with integrated Rigid Industries LED lights, high-rise roof rails, and a split front grille that’s raised and finished in black.
On the other end of the RAV4 spectrum, the GR-Sport model boasts a number of upgrades befitting of its on-road performance positioning. Chief among them are a GR-tuned suspension and steering systems, 20-inch wheels wrapped in wide-tread summer tires, and front and rear spoilers for a more aggressive look. Toyota says it also improved the body rigidity of the RAV4 GR-Sport, which should help the SUV’s handling prowess.
The new Toyota RAV4's length ranges from 180.9 inches to 181.1 inches, depending on the trim. It is virtually unchanged in size compared to the last model.
New Interior with Next-Gen Technology
The 2026 RAV4 features a new interior design with several upgrades over the previous model. All RAV4s will get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen is also available. Both infotainment systems feature simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Regardless of screen size, the RAV4 uses digital controls for the HVAC system, permanently displayed at the bottom of the touchscreen for added convenience. There’s also a home button, which you can see no matter if you’re using the vehicle’s native infotainment or one of the phone mirroring systems.
The 2026 RAV4 will be the first vehicle to use Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0). Toyota promises that TSS 4.0 will improve the system’s hardware and detection capabilities, though the automaker declined to provide further details.
Toyota’s latest tech is based on a new software development platform called Arene. Toyota says the platform, which can receive over-the-air updates, will serve as the foundation for its most advanced safety, security, and connectivity technologies.
But back to the hardware. Inside the new RAV4, you’ll find an innovative new center console. It's reconfigurable, so you can arrange the cup holders and removable divider to suit your needs. Additionally, both the front and back seat passengers can access or close the storage bin.
Certain grades of the 2026 RAV4 use a toggle switch to perform gear changes. Other options include a head-up display and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.
Available upholstery on most RAV4 trims includes cloth and SofTex synthetic leather, while the GR-Sport gets perforated Ultrasuede with color accents. Other perks of the GR-Sport grade include GR badging, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and aluminum sport pedals.
Fuel Economy and Charging
As of May 2025, Toyota has not announced fuel economy figures for the 2026 RAV4 hybrid. However, given the new hybrid tech, it’s reasonable to assume an improvement in fuel economy compared to the 2025 RAV4, which was rated at 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg in combined driving with AWD.
As stated earlier, PHEV versions of the RAV4 will have a 50-mile electric range. Again, EPA mileage estimates aren't available, but expect a bump over the last-gen model’s 38 mpg in mixed driving.
DC fast charging is available for PHEV models via a CCS charging port on the XSE and Woodland models and a J1772 port on the SE and GR-Sport grades. An 11-kilowatt AC onboard charger allows for home and public charging. Toyota says that when plugged into a DC fast charger, the XSE and Woodland trims can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing information isn’t yet available for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, which will be available in dealer showrooms across the U.S. later this year.
