2026 Toyota RAV4 Gets More Power And A GR Sport Trim
Just as an executive said not long ago, the company wasn't going to do anything that might jeopardize that demand, so it's taking a conservative tack with the 2026 model.
While Toyota says it's a new generation, it's clear that it's closely related to the outgoing model, just like what Toyota did with the Camry. Still, it comes with plenty of revisions, both aesthetic and mechanical, and it gives America its first-ever GR Sport model.
More Of The Same, But Different
Modest changes and improvements are the theme for the new RAV4. The SUV continues to use the TNGA-K platform, and clearly the hard points from the outgoing model are still in use, since the middle section looks nearly identical. The measurements are, too. The 105.9-inch wheelbase is the same, and the LE, XLE, and Limited trims all have the same 180.9-inch length, 73-inch width, and 67-inch height. The Woodland and new GR Sport are 0.9 inches longer, mainly due to styling changes. They and the SE and XSE are an inch wider. Compared to all other RAV4s, the Woodland is 0.8 inch taller while the GR Sport is 0.6 inch lower.
The styling does thoroughly modernize the RAV4's looks. It gets a version of the "hammerhead" grille and headlight design from the Prius, Camry, and other Toyotas. The rear features more softened taillights, too, to match the new nose. The inside gets updates, too, most notably to the technology. All RAV4s now come with a standard 12.3-inch instrument screen. Entry-level trims get a 10.9-inch infotainment screen, while a 12.9-inch example is available as an option. Related, all infotainment systems get standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the ability to pair two phones simultaneously. A six-speaker sound system is standard with a JBL nine-speaker example available. The Limited and XSE also are available with a head-up display.
Sportier And More Rugged Trims
The two most distinctive trim levels are the new GR Sport and revised Woodland trims. The GR Sport line has been available on a wide variety of Toyota models in other markets, even on the Prius, for years now, but the RAV4 is the first to bring it to America. It stands out thanks to its prominent front spoiler and rear wing, a grille with cues borrowed from the GR Corolla, plus GR badging and 20-inch wheels. Those wheels are wrapped in summer performance tires, too. It features unique tuning for its power steering and suspension, the latter of which is why it sits a bit lower than a regular RAV4. It also has some unspecified chassis reinforcements, plus a sportier interior with Ultrasuede, shift paddles, and aluminum pedals. It also is only available with the plug-in hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive.
As for the Woodland, it gets its very own front grille design, plus a set of Rigid Industries fog lights to evoke its off-road ambitions. Toyota fits all-terrain tires to help meet those ambitions. Those tires also add to the extra overall height and about half an inch to the total ground clearance. Roof rails come standard along with red-orange interior accents and all-weather floor mats. It's available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms, but only with all-wheel drive.
Hybrid Is The Only Game In Town
For 2026, the RAV4 is only available in hybrid forms. The standard hybrid can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid only comes with all-wheel drive. They all feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and power increases with additional motors and battery capacity. The front-drive hybrid RAV4 makes 226 horsepower, a 23-horsepower increase over last year, and the all-wheel-drive version makes 236, 17 horsepower more than last year.
The plug-in hybrid is the powerhouse with 320 horsepower, 18 more than it had before. Toyota hasn't given fuel economy numbers, but it did give range for the plug-in, which has increased from 42 miles to 50. Toyota credits this to a more efficient powertrain thanks to silicon carbide semiconductors, as well as a small bump to the battery capacity. The plug-in is even available with DC fast charging on the Woodland and XSE trims, which will enable an 80% charge in 30 minutes.
Aside from the powertrain updates, Toyota has made some other mechanical changes. It claims the chassis is more rigid thanks to reinforcements around frame joints and suspension mounts. These apply to all RAV4s, and the GR Sport's reinforcements are on top of the standard ones. Additionally, towing capacity has improved. Front-drive models and the all-wheel-drive LE now have 1,750 pounds of capacity instead of 1,500. All other all-wheel-drive models can now pull 3,500 pounds.
No pricing has been announced, but the 2026 RAV4 will go on sale later this year. Toyota may even build more of them in the US, which would potentially reduce the impact of tariffs. Pricing, efficiency, and other details should be revealed closer to when the SUV goes on sale.
