2026 Toyota RAV4 Goes All-Hybrid, Gets Upgraded Tech

• Competes with: Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Ford Bronco Sport, full-size pickup trucks (for sales dominance)
• Looks like: A more angular, angrier RAV4
• Powertrain: 226-horsepower (front-wheel drive) or 236-hp (all-wheel drive) 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid; 320-hp 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid with AWD
• Release date: Later in 2025

A new generation of one of the bestselling vehicles in the country is always going to be big news, but the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is major announcement stacked on top of major announcement. The compact SUV is switching to an all-hybrid powertrain lineup, debuting a new and more diverse trim-level structure, and introducing the automaker’s next-generation software platform and safety tech. Oh, and there’s a new paint color, too.

Related: What’s the Most Fuel-Efficient SUV?

What Are the 2026 RAV4’s Powertrain Specs?

Like the 2025 Camry, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is available exclusively with hybrid power. This new RAV4 marks the first time that the model has been offered with a hybrid powertrain and front-wheel drive, but otherwise, the gas-electric setup is largely familiar. It’s similar to the fifth-generation Toyota hybrid tech that powers the Camry, but here it makes slightly more power: 226 horsepower in front-drive models and 236 hp with all-wheel drive (increases of 1 and 4 hp, respectively).

The SUV will also still be available as a plug-in hybrid, further differentiating the 2026 RAV4 from the Camry. This powertrain, too, sees a slight output boost from the 2025 RAV4, now producing 18 hp more for a total of 320 hp. The brand says electric-only range also increases by 8 miles, to a claimed 50 miles. Toyota attributes the gains to new silicon-carbide semiconductors and a larger battery. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will again be available exclusively with AWD.

More Diversity Than Ever

The 2026 Toyota RAV4’s seven available trim levels are now divided among three styles: Core, Rugged and Sport. The Core trims (LE, XLE and Limited) feature a body-color grille, black fender cladding, and 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels, depending on trim level. The only Rugged trim for now is the revived Woodland, which gets all-terrain tires that raise ride height about half an inch, unique front-end styling featuring lighting from off-road supplier Rigid Industries, roof rails and a 1.25-inch “activity mount” receiver for bumper-mounted bike carriers and the like. The Sport lineup (SE, XSE and the new GR Sport) features available two-tone paint with a contrasting roof and blue interior stitching. The GR Sport also benefits from sportier suspension and steering tuning and wide summer tires on 20-inch wheels.

Powertrain availability will depend on the style buyers choose. Core variants (LE, XLE and Limited) can only be had with the standard hybrid powertrain. LE and XLE buyers will have a choice of FWD or AWD, but the Limited will be AWD only. The Woodland will offer both powertrains, but only with AWD. In the Sport family, the SE and XSE will also offer both powertrains; the SE will be available with either FWD or AWD for the regular hybrid and the XSE only with AWD. Available exclusively with the plug-in powertrain, the GR Sport will — as with all RAV4 PHEVs — only be offered with AWD.

Charging equipment will also vary between trim levels. The SE and GR Sport PHEVs will be fitted with the J1772 charging port necessary for common Level 2 home plugs, while the XSE and Woodland feature an upgraded Combined Charging System plug that can accommodate DC fast charging. Toyota says these RAV4s will be capable of replenishing their batteries from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes on a DC fast charger.

Upgraded Hardware, New Software

The 2026 RAV4 uses the same platform as the outgoing model’s. Its critical dimensions are identical to its predecessor’s, but Toyota says it has reinforced the structure’s joints and suspension mounts for increased rigidity, as well as adopted a new adhesive that reduces noise and vibration.

Towing capacity is significantly increased with the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. Whereas the previous-gen hybrid topped out at 1,750 pounds and the plug-in at 2,500 pounds, AWD 2026 RAV4s can tow up to 3,500 pounds with either powertrain. Front-drive variants and the LE AWD are rated to tug up to 1,750 pounds.

The new RAV4 also debuts Arene, Toyota’s new operating system and software development platform. Said to be the brand’s “first step toward fully software-defined vehicles,” Arene provides a foundation for the latest version of Toyota’s touchscreen infotainment system, which features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two simultaneous Bluetooth connections and refined voice control. A 10.5-inch touchscreen is standard with a 12.9-inch display available. The new RAV4 will also feature a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an optional head-up display. The Arene operating system also underpins Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, the brand’s new safety suite.

What Is the 2026 RAV4’s Release Date and Pricing?

Details on the 2026 Toyota RAV4’s tech, updated safety suite and pricing information will be available closer to its launch later in 2025.

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