The Toyota RAV4 has rapidly become the rolling symbol of volume sales for Toyota. While the Camry sedan has sales numbers that regularly go over 200,000 units a year, the RAV4 manages to double that figure with over 400,000 sales annually.
As such, when Toyota goes about the business of giving it a revamp, it leaves nothing to chance and no stone is left unturned with the 2026 model being one of the most important revamps ever.
All in on hybrid power
Before we get into some of the other changes Toyota made, we might as well focus on the changes Toyota made under the hood of the 2026 RAV4. The Hybrid model is a familiar sight, but with the non-hybrid models being axed for 2026, the hybrid engine is now the sole powertrain offering across virtually all of the RAV4 lineup (the PHEV versions being the lone exceptions.)
All-wheel drive used to be the only way you could get a hybrid but thanks tot he removal of the aforementioned pure ICE version, there’s now a front-wheel drive hybrid model too. This choice in drive layout plays a role in how much power you get from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Stick with front wheel drive and you’ll get a setup that produces 226 hp. However, if you go for all-wheel drive, power gets boosted to 236 horsepower.
Our Limited tester had the latter and it was enough to get the utility to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. This figure ensures the RAV4 will continue to be pure transportation versus an outright performance model but the 2.5 liter did a good job delivering responsive power. Transitions between hybrid and pure ICE modes are seamless and there’s even a built in EV mode for slow driving. Like other Toyota hybrids, buyers get a very short leash to work with and once you cross the threshold, the engine kicks in. A CVT is the lone transmission available.
The EPA says the 2026 model can get 42/44/39 mpg which is very impressive for a hybrid SUV. The engine will also make sure you will not forget about it either with the mill in our tester being very noisy at freeway speeds.
An interior that’s not boring, and an exterior that’s better than ever
After your done admiring Toyota’s handy work under the hood, the rest of the RAV4 demands your full attention. The exterior styling of the RAV4 has largely played it safe for the bulk of its existence. This new one continues that trend but Toyota designers did take some baby steps out of the proverbial kiddy pool this time around.
The front end gets a new grille treatment that is similar to what we have seen in recent Toyota models including the Camry and the Corolla Cross with the look in the RAV4 being complimented by new headlights and a reworked front bumper. Chunkier elements and a more upright profile lead the eye to the rather busy rear end which gets new taillights and re-worked badging. Certain trims stand out more than others with the PHEV exclusive GR Sport even adding in a roof mounted spoiler.
Tech breakdown
The interior of the 2026 model has also been reworked. The old cabin was well-built but did little to stir the soul or create any excitement. This time around, Toyota made little changes to add more flair to the layout. The center armrest is a trick unit now and it hides a large hard pad which makes its appearance when it is flipped around. The hard pad also accompanies equally hard plastic pieces and we wish Toyota would have added more soft materials to help boost the Limited’s luxury intentions.
Our tester featured Toyota’s 12.5-inch infotainment system with lesser models getting a smaller 10.5-inch unit. The software here is improved versus the outgoing model and we were able to easily get our phone to hook up to Android Auto with minimal fuss. The second row also offers plenty of space and cargo room in the RAV4 continues to be very abundant especially with the rear seats folded down.
Value Quotient
Pricing for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 starts at $31,900 for the base LE model with the bulk of the Hybrid lineup being firmly in the $30,000 range. The two exceptions are the sporty $41,300 XSE and the chrome infused $43,400 Limited with our range-topping Limited going over $44,000 thanks to some optional extras.
This pricing puts the RAV4 firmly in the hunt with rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox, the recently axed Ford Escape, and the Hyundai Tucson. It also puts it firmly in competition with the Volkswagen Tiguan but when you look at the cabins of some of these rivals, the RAV4s material shortcomings do become more apparent.
But look past the cabin and you’ll find that the 2026 RAV4 continues to be a strong player in other regards. The exterior styling is very solid and the decision to make the entire RAV4 lineup hybrid could help Toyota get strong success in the long run as broader demand for EVs slips and hybrids once again make their way into the spotlight.
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