2026 Toyota RAV4: Five Things to Know
The Car Guide was given unique access to the all-new, sixth-generation 2026 Toyota RAV4 prior to its official debut on Tuesday night. You don’t want to miss the full story from our colleague Antoine Joubert.
Obviously, as Canada's best-selling SUV, a whole lot of people will want to know more about it. So, without further ado, here's a five-point overview of the redesigned and improved RAV4, which is scheduled to go on sale late this fall.
1. Same Size, Stronger Build
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 retains a familiar silhouette and virtually the same size as its predecessor. The wheelbase is identical and other measurements are only a few millimetres off. No mention was made of cargo space, but we imagine it to be fairly unchanged at just over 1,000 litres in the trunk and close to 2,000 litres with the rear seats folded (less in the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid).
Built on the TNGA-K platform, the newest RAV4 receives structural rigidity increases due to reinforcement of the frame joints and the suspension mounting points, both benefiting handling and ride comfort. It also adopts a high-damping adhesive that reduces micro-vibrations and road noise. What’s more, maximum towing capacity has been increased to 3,500 lbs on several models.
2. Three New Designs, Nine Trim Levels
Aesthetically, the new front end features a completely redesigned grille and headlamps, while more prominent character lines appear at the rear. As you can see from the image above, there are three different designs available: Core, Rugged and Sport.
The first one applies to LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited models. Rugged defines the new Woodland model (pictured in grey) replacing the RAV4 Trail as the preferred pick of adventure enthusiasts with extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires and raised roof rails. As for SE, XSE, XSE Technology and GR Sport models (the latter also new, riding on 20-inch wheels), their sportier design matches with increased output from their plug-in hybrid powertrain.
3. Exclusively Hybrid
Like a few other Toyota vehicles, the 2026 RAV4 no longer offers a gas-only option and is available exclusively with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid system. At the same time, forget about front-wheel drive: every model comes standard with all-wheel drive. RAV4 Hybrids now generate a class-leading 236 horsepower instead of 219 (torque is not specified). Official fuel consumption ratings have yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models feature a new system with a larger high-voltage battery whose capacity is not specified yet. According to Toyota, pure electric range will increase from 68 to 80 km, which is pretty impressive. Not only that, but output rises from 302 to 320 horsepower, and the XSE Technology model will take a page from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and offer DC fast charging, capable of charging from 10-80% in approximately 30 minutes.
4. State-of-the-Art Infotainment
Inside the 2026 Toyota RAV4, the driver’s cockpit is thoroughly transformed, and while you won’t find an ultra-large digital interface like some competitors offer, there’s definitely something to rejoice about the new 10.5- or 12.9-inch touchscreen (depending on the model), the new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the available head-up display.
The latest version of Toyota’s multimedia system has standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, a new home button that is always visible and an improved voice assistant with quicker response times.
5. The Safest Toyota Yet
Finally, you should know that the 2026 RAV4 adds a new dimension of safety and driver assistance with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (previously 3.0). The automaker failed to provide the details during the vehicle’s introduction but promised updated hardware and detection capabilities, all of which is made possible by the equally new Arene software development platform that debuts with the RAV4.
Keep following The Car Guide for more information about the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 including pricing as soon as it becomes available.
