Toyota’s best-selling crossover goes under the knife.
We didn’t see white smoke coming from the chimney of the maker’s Aichi, Japan, headquarters, but do fully acknowledge that to the auto community, an all-new Toyota RAV4 is nearly as important as a newly elected pope is to the Catholic community.
2026 Toyota RAV4
And those among the brand faithful need not fear, the redesigned RAV4 appears to be a worthy replacement for the existing—and hyper-popular—existing small crossover.
Changes afoot for 2026 include:
- New exterior design
- New cabin with even more tech
- New trim levels
- Hybrid-only drivetrain offerings
- Sporty new GR trim level
- First—ever front-wheel-drive hybrid variant
Design
Last redesigned for the 2019 model year, Toyota’s best-selling model is all new for 2026, but should feel familiar to current owners. The updated exterior still looks like a Toyota, just a little edgier and more rugged.
Cabin
The big news inside is the usefully larger touchscreens augmented by new—and presumably easier to use—infotainment software. Console screens range in size from 10.5-12.9 inches, while the digital gauge cluster is presented on a 12.3-inch screen. The usual connectivity systems are still in play, as is an available JBL-brand audio system
The 2026 RAV4 is the first Toyota model to feature the maker’s new software architecture: Arene (uh-reen). The new software runs not only the infotainment system, but is Toyota’s first step towards building a complete “Software-driven” vehicle. Expect to hear more about Arene in the months and years ahead.
Trim Levels
Toyota has divided the 2026 RAV4 trim level portfolio into 3 categories: core, rugged, and sport. In the core group with have entry-level LE, plus the XLE and Limited. These RAVs more or less look alike, and are meant to appeal to tradition shoppers. The rugged group consists of just one model, dubbed Woodland. The Woodland features off-road oriented wheels and tires, and a unique, off-roady exterior design. The sport group includes a surprising three models, the SE, XSE, and new GR (Gazoo Racing) Sport. While the SE and XSE are sporty mostly in terms of trim, the GR Sport boasts significant chassis upgrades, and is offered only with the more-powerful plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain.
Hybrid and PHEV
For 2026, all RAV4s are powered by hybrid drivetrains. And, for the first time, RAV4 hybrids can we had with front-wheel drive. The standard hybrid again features a 2.5-liter engine mated to either 2 electric motors (front-drive) or 3 (AWD). Regular hybrids with front-drive are rated at 226 horsepower, while AWD models check in at 236.
The PHEV system, now rated for up to 50 miles of EV-only range, is available on the SE, XSE, and Woodland, and, as noted above, is standard on the GR Sport. For 2026 the PHEV system produces a stout 320 horsepower.
New for 2026 is a DC fast-charging feature for the PHEV drivetrain. Included only on PHEV versions of the XSE and Woodland, level-3 charging can, per Toyota, take the battery from a 10-percent state of charge to 80 percent in 30 minutes.
Towing and Safety
Towing capacity has improved for 2026. With front-wheel drive the RAV is rated for 1750 pounds; that doubles to 3500 with AWD. All 2026 RAV4 variants come standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense 4.0 suite of driver-assistance features. Expect pricing information closer to the 2026 RAV4’s launch later this year.
CG Says:
First, let us congratulate Toyota on simplifying the RAV4 lineup. For 2026 the RAV4 is offered in only seven trim levels, down from an exhausting 13 is 2025. And, we’re excited to see a legitimately sporty RAV4 variant for 2026, and look forward to giving the new GR Sport an evaluation drive.
As for the rest of the new RAV4 lineup, what’s not to like? We prefer the hybrid model to the old standard model, and have always been impressed by the real-world 30-plus mpg mileage we’ve observed.
The RAV4 cabin needed a little dressing up, and it’s likely the new interior comes off as significantly more premium.
Honestly, we see nothing here that doesn’t feel like a home run. Sure, a few shoppers will pass on having to go hybrid, but we expect a few more will be drawn into showrooms to check out the new look. And for the Pope, we recommend the Limited with JBL audio.
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