Video: 3 Things About the 2026 Toyota RAV4 That a 2017 RAV4 Owner Likes

The first thing that impressed both me and my wife was the technology in the new RAV4. It starts with this gigantic 12.9 inch touchscreen display. It's a lot bigger than the seven inch screen in our RAV4. It's also bigger and better than the one in the previous RAV4. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto connectivity. Our RAV4 doesn't even have wired connectivity, and this is also the best touchscreen you can get in any Toyota right now. It's the most user friendly and the easiest to use, and every new 2026 RAV4 also comes with a standard digital instrument panel. The second thing that really impressed us about the new RAV4 is just the improved ergonomics in the cabin. You have a lot more storage space up front. You have the shelf here. There's another shelf down here, dual wireless device chargers, a cool double hinged center console bin. So that's really convenient and you also have a lot more comfort and convenience features like a rear view camera mirror, USBC ports in the back and actual climate vents in the back. I really, really wish my 2017 RAV4 had rear climate vents. The last thing that really impressed us about the 2026 RAV4 is just how familiar it feels. This may be almost a decade newer than our family SUV, but it still very much feels familiar, like you're driving a RAV4, as it should. My wife described it as almost like when you upgrade your smartphone, you still know how it works. Everything's the same sort of operation, but it's just much, much better. So if you're like me and looking to replace your RAV4 after almost a decade, or you're just in the market for a new compact SUV, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is sure to impress. For our full review of the 2026 Toyota RAV4, head to cars.com/news.