2026 Toyota RAV4 Up Close: A Guaranteed Sales Supernova

You’re gonna like this one. And even if you don’t, it doesn’t really matter — I can assure you the redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 will be one of the bestselling vehicles the minute its wheels touch the showfloor. Whether you seek performance, off-road capability or simple normalcy, there appears to be a 2026 RAV4 for everyone.

Related: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Goes All-Hybrid, Gets Upgraded Tech

More Power, All Hybrid

The headline news here is that for this new generation, all RAV4s operate as some manner of hybrid, offering either a traditional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The standard hybrid is similar to what you’ll find in the Camry, with 226 horsepower for the front-wheel-drive RAV4 and a total of 236 hp for the all-wheel-drive version, a step up across the board from the prior non-hybrid’s 203 hp and the non-PHEV’s 219 hp.

Meanwhile, the PHEV is juicier than ever, adding 18 hp to the prior plugger for a total of 320 hp, and its maximum expected electric range swells from 42 miles to 50. I’m a huge fan of all of these data points, but seeing as we’ve yet to drive the new RAV4 in any capacity, I can’t really comment on how it operates in the real world — but I’m excited!

More 4Runner-Lite Appeal

I can confirm, however, that the new RAV4 — in all forms — is exactly what new and returning customers have wanted before, now and always. Visually, it’s a moderate but meaningful evolution of the existing SUV, with the prior RAV4’s 4Runner-lite appeal cranked up just a skosh. Those slightly boxy proportions are right where you left ‘em, as are most of the trims and equipment.

But, not all. We’ve got a pair of new distinct editions for the new gen, starting with the performance-oriented GR Sport trim level. Yeah, I’m also a bit befuddled as to what kind of customer seeks summer tires and a stiffer suspension on their workaday hybrid SUV. But eh, it’s cool enough, especially as the GR Sport rejiggers the handling, steering and visual statement with aggressive wheels, brakes that are painted and branded, and a darkened exterior trim kit.

I’m not sure the GR Sport is the one I’d get despite being a bit of a go-fast maven, however, but I like the option anyway. It’s the off-road Woodland trim I’m most interested in, which has all the casual off-road chops for shuttling me to those remote hiking trailheads and desert clearings I frequent. Though, you’ll need to be a bit careful with which trails you attempt; full details on hardware and mechanical differences are still under wraps, but I’m fairly convinced it’s limited to relatively beefy all-terrain tires and some extra embedded lights on the front end.

I stuck my head under this pre-production example, and I didn’t see any additional underbody protection, nor did I notice any extra trail modes when poking around what little digital access we had to the interior and infotainment system. This is more of a sled for active lifestylers, campers and hikers than it is Moab monsters, and that’s fine by me.

A Step Up Inside

Inside is where folks are going to notice the biggest boost in value for the money. We were big fans of the outgoing SUV, but it was becoming a bit long in the grille — it was high time for a refresh. Materials and presentation are a notable step up, especially when compared with the old PHEV; the last PHEV XSE I tested cracked the checkbook at almost a whopping $53,000.

Well, more trims are available with the plug-in powertrain, and even if you’re still on the line for well over $40,000, it’ll sting less when you slide into the new cockpit. There are some really solid details here, such as textured switchgear, soft-touch plastics, and a neat bilevel dash design with clear truckish accents made to give a bit more character and personality to the RAV4’s usually anodyne interior.

Kit is also on the level with pricing, with the top trims that I interacted with loaded with all manner of USB-C ports, heated surfaces, premium upholstery trim, wireless charging, big displays, and accessory organizers like the flip-top reversible center console lid that is removable and subsequently flippable to reveal a hard writing surface reverse from the standard soft-touch upholstered cushion,

It’s good stuff across the board. I can say with confidence that with the new style, interior massaging, hybrid powertrains and distinct trim grades, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is slated for giga sales success — regardless of if you like it or not.

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