2026 Toyota RAV4 Debuts With Hybrid-Only Power

Plano, TX — Compact crossovers are massive sellers in Canada – and increasingly, the world – and when an all-new version of any given model in this ultra-competitive segment gets revealed, it really is a red-letter day. Especially when said model is one of the biggest sellers in the segment. So it goes that when a new Toyota RAV4 gets revealed, well, people stand up and listen.

Which is why we’ve been dispatched to Toyota’s North American headquarters in Plano, TX just outside of Dallas – to see the debut of the sixth generation of one of the segment’s all-timers “in the metal”, as it were. A quick side note: though we may be in the US now, Toyota is still planning on building the RAV4 Hybrid in Canada, at its Woodstock, ON and Cambridge, ON facilities.

For 2026, the RAV4 gets all-new styling, new in-car tech and a host of new trims, including a rugged “Woodland” version as well as – wait for it – a performance-oriented GR Sport version. Yes, GR; those same folks that brough you the latest Supra, peppy GR 86 and altogether bonkers AWD GR Corolla have been given a chance to deliver their take on the brand’s bestselling model. Powertrain-wise, gone is the gas-only version as going forward, the RAV4 will be available only as a hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicle. That stands to reason when you consider the world of ever-contracting emissions requirements and the fact that the RAV4 hybrid has been the biggest seller of the line-up. When you put those factors together, there simply isn’t much room for a gas-only version.

The RAV4 may be in its sixth generation but its hybrid system is actually in its fifth generation, and this marks the first time we’ve seen it in an SUV, after it debuted in the Toyota Prius. It makes 236 horsepower (up 17 hp from last year) which means more get-up-and-go as well as better towing. The PHEV version (formerly known as “Prime”) also sees a jump in power, up 18 hp to 320. It will be available in the GR Sport trim, meaning overall availability has grown from three trims (SE, XSE an XSE with tech package) to four for ’26.

The power jump is nice, but for many the fact that you can now charge the RAV4 with a DC fast charger to the tune of 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes is the bigger news. With charging that quick and with a range likely in the 80 km range (a 20 per cent jump over previous), you can bet that if folks are spending most of their time in the city with the ability to charge regularly, they’ll be able to treat their RAV4 PHEV as a RAV4 EV for most of the time.

While the power and range figures are obvious touchpoints, there have been more subtle improvements thanks to the change to Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, namely in terms of more rigidity and more cabin comfort thanks to better noise reduction.

While the Woodland and GR Sport versions get a host of unique styling bits, all 2026 RAV4 models get Toyota’s “Hammerhead” front-end treatment with all-new c-clamp style headlights, new grille shape, new wheel choices, subtle fender flares and neat squared-off wheel arches to provide a chunkier, more purposeful look. The GR Sport model gets unique 20-inch wheels, blacked-out grille and special front- and rear spoilers while the Woodland model gets a special Urban Rock exterior colour choice, integrated Rigid LED fog lights, all-terrain tires and a taller ride height as a result, standard roof rails and crossbars and 1.25” hitch mount.

Inside, all RAV4 models come with a 10.5” touchscreen display as standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3” digital gauge cluster, and six-speaker audio. Optional upgraded include a 12.3” centre display, nine-speaker JBL audio and a head-up display.

We’ve seen wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto before, but it gets augmented here with Toyota’s new, faster and more powerful Arene interior tech as well as dual wireless charging surfaces, dual Bluetooth connectivity and a faster “Hey, Toyota” voice assistant.

The Woodland and GR Sport models also get unique interior bits such as aluminum sport pedals and paddle shifters on the GR Spot, and special “Mineral” seat colouring and perforated soft-touch door panels and red/orange accents on the Woodland.

The arrival of Arene also signals the arrival of Toyota’s all-new Toyota Safety Suite 4.0 and while Toyota is being coy at this juncture about what that will include, we’re sure it will be faster and have a larger sphere of influence than previous.

We’ve not been given any pricing at this juncture; watch for that closer to the 2026 RAV4’s on-sale date later this year.