The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best sellers in the company’s inventory. The SUV is a bread-and-butter model for Toyota and competes in a key slice of the SUV market. The RAV4 managed to sell 475,193 units last year but the outgoing model was also six years old and despite a refresh a few years back, it was already starting to show its age. Toyota is finally giving the RAV4 the update it needs for 2026 with the model also helping debut a new GR Sport trim for the first time ever.
GR Sport brings RAV4 to the fun side
A key change for 2026 is the addition of the new GR Sport model which is part of a new family of design categories (more on that later.) The GR Sport is the first formal performance model for the RAV4 but while the model is not a true GR model, it still has plenty of spice to live up to its moniker with all models being powered by a beefed-up version of the 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder that makes 320 horsepower with the model also getting standard AWD. The setup should allow the GR Sport to be quicker than the outgoing RAV4 Prime but Toyota was not ready to talk about formal performance figures just yet.
GR Sports also gets visual add-ons including a larger front grille, 20-inch wheels, roof spoiler, and an interior filled with suede and leather accents. As mentioned, Toyota is injecting new design categories into the RAV4 family with the GR Sport joining the SE and XSE in the “Sport Design category. The next category is “Rugged Design” and this is where you will find the Woodland. The Woodland is the lone entry for now but buyers can get several off-road focused add-ons and styling upgrades with the Woodland being the trail-ready member of the family.
The last category is the “Core Design” category and Toyota is treating this as the volume sales side of the business with the SE, LE, XLE, and Limited all being included. The LE and the XLE get the choice of FWD or AWD but the Limited joins models like the Woodland in offering all-wheel drive only.
Hybrid-only powertrain
The RAV4 joins the Toyota Camry in offering a hybrid-only powertrain lineup for 2026. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder has been pitched and in its place is a hybrid-equipped version of the 2.5-liter that comes in standard and PHEV forms. The standard hybrid model makes 226 horsepower with FWD with that figure going up to 236 horses when equipped with all-wheel drive. The PHEV powertrain gets some enhancements and while we touched on the power side of it earlier, all-electric range is up from 42 miles in the outgoing Prime model to an even 50 miles here in the 2026 model. Part of this increase is due to a larger battery pack which makes the PHEV compatible with DC fast charging when equipped to certain trim levels.
The Woodland and XSE versions of the PHEV get a CCS charging port for fast-charging but the SE and the GR Sport use a J1772 port that is not fast charge ready. An 11-kWh onboard charger is standard on all trim levels. Towing capacity goes up with the new hybrid engines with Toyota saying both flavors of RAV4 can tow more with the traditional hybrid towing 1,750 lbs while AWD versions maintain their 3,500 lb rating.
RAV4 gets better styling
While the three design families inject their own distinct DNA into the mix, the RAV4 does benefit from some core changes. The headlights are brand new and are similar to the ones that we first saw on the revamped Camry. The taillights have also been tweaked but the RAV4 will continue to maintain the same core profile that has defined the model for the past few generations now. The front end is also cleaner and eliminates some of the awkward lines we have seen on past RAV4s.
Slip inside and you’ll find that screens will make up a large chunk of the interior with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster being paired with a standard 10.5-inch infotainment system. Buyers can get an optional 12.5-inch screen but it will only be available on select trim levels. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with dual-Bluetooth capability being included too. A static home button is standard too and Toyota says the system benefits from improved software but we get to wait until we experience it ourselves to fully understand what Toyota is talking about. Safety will also continue to be a key cornerstone with the 2026 RAV being the first Toyota to arrive with the brand’s Safety Sense 4.0 system, which has all the same technology as the previous system—adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, etc—but with enhanced hardware and detection capabilities for sharper operation.
When can I buy one?
Toyota didn’t release pricing information for the 2026 RAV4 but expect the 2026 version to maintain the value-focused pricing ladder that has always defined the model as a whole though some trims like the GR Sport will come with a newfound premium. The outgoing model has a starting price of just under $30,000 so look for core models like the LE and XLE to maintain this general direction which is important for Toyota since the model will be a key player in the company’s broader strategy of beefing up its presence in the hybrid vehicle market.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.