We recently tested the all-new Mazda CX-5 and came away impressed – and it needs to impress, because it’s one of the automaker’s best-selling vehicles. You don’t want to mess with success!

Well, Toyota has an all-new RAV4 for 2026, and it’s the same challenge – maybe even more so – how do you improve the industry’s best selling compact SUV, without killing the goose laying the golden eggs?

So does the 6^th generation of RAV4 stayed perched at the top of the class or are new competitors like that CX-5 ready to steal the crown. Let’s find out!

And so, it begins….

First things first, Let’s talk about the line up. Where Mazda is offering a simple menu with all models featuring the same engine and standard all-wheel-drive, Toyota has gone the other direction and spoiled you for choice. You’ve got three distinct styles, Core, Rugged and Sport, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and available Front- or All-Wheel Drive.

 Solid to the Core

Our tester is part of the Core design family, and while it still looks like a RAV4, we’d say Toyota was more willing to make changes to the design than the Mazda CX-5.

At the front, Toyota calls the new look a signature “Hammerhead” front end, and it’s a strong cohesive look, with a large grater-style, paint-matched grille, new U-shaped headlights with signature LED lights, projector fogs on the side and a blacked out lower grille. Even the branding is more subtle, gone is the upright badge prominently displayed on the nose for a more laid-back logo resting on the hood.

The profile retains the rugged looks of the previous model with wide muscular fenders, a sweeping beltline and deeply chiseled door panels. Black squared off over fenders give a rugged look, and we really loved our tester’s multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. (Toyota says depending on grade, there’s a choice of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels available.)

The rear echoes the front, with a new slimmer horizontal taillight treatment that wraps around the width of the tailgate. Interestingly, like the CX-5, the Toyota badge is gone and now R A V 4 is spelled out in block letters, that look modern and upscale. A lower bumper with contrasting lower fascia finishes off the look that’s a lovely blend of rugged and upscale.

Another interesting coincidence, our tester wore a creamy dark gray called Storm Cloud that is very similar to the exterior color on our Mazda tester. Great minds thinking alike? It certainly looks elegant on the RAV as it did on the CX-5.

RAV-ishing Interior

Inside, the RAV4 gets an interior upgrade, and just like the Mazda we tested, it shows off the design with a two-tone tan/black interior that looks quite upscale. Where the CX-5 went full-boat luxury with a massive touchscreen that immediately impresses, the RAV4 takes a more measured approach, and to tell the truth, we like it better.

The new standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is handsome and driver configurable, while the 12.9-inch info-tainment touchscreen is smaller than the Mazda’s 15-inch jumbo-tron, we like the system better. It boils down to everything is done on the CX-5 screen, and it means you have to go fishing, or double tap items – and that means more time looking away from the road. It’s a common issue with one-screen-can-do-it-all designs.

The ’26 RAV features the newest version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. There’s some added cool tech here – the native Voice Assistant is also improved with quicker response times, and Native map and navigation functionality are integrated into the digital gauge cluster.

On the RAV4, the large info-tainment screen layout is bright and crisp, with dedicated climate controls on the screen. Toyota smartly puts some of the key items like temp setting and defrosters on separate switches below – easy to get at and manipulate. And we love that Toyota manages to put a real volume knob at the bottom of the screen. Yay!!

Toyota uses the squared-off design to put other items within reach like Drive and EV modes, and Trail/Snow/Normal configurations. Just below are other key items including the activation for the around view monitor. We’re not as sold on the stubby little shift lever – it works fine, and takes up little space on the center console, but with the rugged, sporty vibe, we might have liked a more traditional shift lever. Making up for that, our tester’s optional 9-speaker, JBL audio system sounded fantastic.

Settling in, you enjoy the faux leather Toyota calls SofTex, with heated and cooled front seats, with a nice mix between plush and supportive. The rear seats are adult friendly, and we were surprised to find the dimensions are about the same as the previous model – it looks larger to the eye. Cargo space is quite good with the rear seats up, and the seats fold easily to create a large flat floor.

Hello Hybrid

Driving the RAV4 suits the upscale and sporty vibe. All RAV4 models are now hybrid, featuring a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. Front wheel drive models include two electric motors, and pump out 226 horsepower. All-wheel-drive models like our tester add a 3^rd electric motor on the rear axle for 236 hp. Those wanting even more can go for the plug-in hybrid with an impressive 320 horsepower!

While that does sound impressive, we’d say the 236-horse set up is plenty, and combined with the super smooth EV mode, it feels quick and refined. The 4-cylinder engine is a little gruff when it kicks in, but overall, the experience is serene, and with 0-60 mph around 7 seconds it’s plenty quick for the real world.

You’ll be expecting hybrid fuel efficiency and the RAV4 delivers with a 43-mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Fully topped off, you’re looking at over 500 miles on a tank – you’ll need a pit stop before your RAV4 does! If you want to bring the toys along, a 3,500 lb. towing rating is a solid number as well.

While there are sportier models available, the Limited is a cush conveyance, with an impressively smooth ride, responsive handling and especially good brake feel. It’s not the kind of vehicle that goads you into finding a twisty road, but for a comfortable, efficient and upscale ride, it does a great job.

Toyota’s best-seller gets some added love in the driver-assist department, being the brand’s first model to receive Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, using AI-supported logic for over the air updates faster hazard processing and smoother corrective inputs. All good.

How much more, RAV4?

With standard hybrid power, the base price has gone up from last year’s non-hybrid $28,850 to $31,900. Good news penny pinchers! Last year, the hybrid started at $32,850, so it’s actually less expensive in an apples-to-apples way. Our Limited AWD tester is the top-of-the-line in the Core trim and started at $43,300.

A smattering of tasty options included Head-up Display ($600), Low profile Crossbars ($320), and accessory mats and protectors etc. Add in $1,450 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $46,883.

Competitors would include the Honda CR-V Hybrid, a tad less expensive at $44,000. It’s a great drive too, with performance and efficiency similar to the RAV4, but with 203 horsepower, and only a 1,000 lb. towing rating the RAV4 may be stouter for your needs.

We also like the vibe of the Subaru Forester Hybrid, but it only serves up 194 horsepower, and that makes it a bit pokier than the RAV4. Still, it has that unique Subie vibe, and at $42,995 comparably equipped, it’s an attractive value as well.

Rugged new looks, a handsome and well-thought-out interior, and a super smooth and efficient standard hybrid powertrain, the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 looks ready to keep the crown of the King of compact SUV’s!