2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Braces for New Competitors

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May 20, 2025

For 2026 Toyota RAV4 focuses on being electric and transforms the compact SUV segment by adding innovative technologies. This detailed review looks at what comes with the latest RAV4.

Powertrains & Performance

The RAV4 won’t be sold as a gasoline model in 2026; only hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions will be offered.
A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (or HEV) is offered with a 4-cylinder 2.5-liter engine and uses Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system. For front-wheel drive, the output is 226 horsepower and with all-wheel drive, it’s 236 horsepower.
In a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), an updated fifth-generation system joins a 2.5-liter engine and dual electric motors to develop 320 horsepower and offer about 50 miles of electric power without using gas. A number of trim levels provide DC fast charging, so the battery goes from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes.

2026 Toyota RAV4

Trim Levels & Design Themes

There are three design themes for the 2026 Totoya RAV4 so buyers can choose what suits their tastes best
The core group includes the LE, XLE and Limited trims which are designed for both comfort and how easy they are to use.
Rugged Offered as the Woodland trim, built for people who like off-road adventures and feature all-terrain tires and more space between the car and the ground
Sport comes with SE, XSE and the GR Sport trims, all highlighting sporty features and looks.

In addition, only the GR Sport version is a PHEV and it brings sport-tuned suspension, unique visual details and updated interior materials.

Interior & Technology

2026 Toyota RAV4

This model brings many upgrades to its interior.
The digital gauge cluster measures 12.3 inches and can be customized, with directions for map navigation.

The example comes with a standard 10.5-inch Infotainment touchscreen, while better versions offer a larger 12.9-inch one. Toyota’s Arene software is powering the new system, allowing for wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and updates performed from afar.The center console was redesigned as a two-tiered bin and now adds wireless charging and additional storage areas.

2026 Toyota RAV4

Safety Features

All 2026 Toyota RAV4 come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 and its features.

Adaptive Cruise Control Gives you automatic distance from the car in front of your vehicle by adjusting cruise control. Helps you keep your car on the right side of the road. If a crash situation is found, the vehicle slows down automatically by braking. Front Cross-Traffic Alert notifies you if someone is driving toward your car on your side at a junction.

Pricing & Availability

The price of the LE hybrid hasn’t been announced, but industry insiders suggest it will start close to $30,000, while the XSE and GR Sport could cost over $40,000 and $50,000. The new Toyota RAV4 will be available across North America in late 2025 and worldwide soon after in early 2026.

Specifications Overview

Feature Hybrid (HEV) Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Horsepower 226 hp (FWD) / 236 hp (AWD) 320 hp (AWD)
Electric-Only Range N/A Up to 50 miles
Charging Capability N/A DC fast charging (select trims)
Towing Capacity Up to 3,500 lbs (AWD) Up to 3,500 lbs (AWD)
Infotainment Screen Sizes 10.5″ or 12.9″ 10.5″ or 12.9″
Digital Instrument Cluster 12.3″ 12.3″

 

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