All-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 revealed! Popular mid-size hybrid SUV rival to 2026 Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, MG HS, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester to introduce PHEV tech in Australia

Toyota has globally revealed the new, sixth-generation RAV4 mid-size SUV ahead of its local introduction in the first half of 2026.

Revealed in multiple different forms, including a sporty-looking GR Sport trim for the first time, this new RAV4 will be the first Toyota model to offer plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in Australia.

Available in either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, the PHEV versions use a 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with either one or two electric motors and a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Two-wheel drive RAV4 PHEV variants have a total system output of 201kW, while all-wheel drive RAV4 PHEV variants have a total system output of 227kW and are able to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.

The new RAV4 GR Sport will only be offered with the all-wheel drive PHEV set-up locally.

Toyota claims to be targeting an electric driving range of up to 100km, according to WLTP testing.

The battery pack can be DC fast-charged at rates up to 50kW, which can top-up the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.

It can also be AC charged at rates up to 11kW, which can fully recharge the battery in three hours.

In addition to the new PHEV powertrain options, Toyota will continue to offer an “extensive” range of series-parallel hybrid options in both two- and all-wheel drive forms.

Both feature “enhanced efficiency” for the electric motors, battery, power control unit and transaxle.

Total output for both the two- and all-wheel drive hybrid powertrains is 143kW. This is down 17kW on the outgoing two-wheel drive hybrid and 20kW down on the outgoing all-wheel drive hybrid.

As speculated, the new RAV4 has a new hammerhead shark-like front end that’s similar to what the new Toyota Camry and C-HR gets.

There’s also a new tailgate design that features more prominent ‘RAV4’ badging and a full-width blacked-out section where the LED tail-lights live.

Inside, there’s a blockier interior with a large touchscreen multimedia screen that’s powered by a system called Arene and features over-the-air updates.

Other interior notes are improved screen clarity, a configurable home page and a “precise voice control” that combines features like Google Points of Interest and real-time navigation details.

The new flagship RAV4 GR Sport sets itself apart from the rest of the range with lightweight 20-inch twin-spoke black alloy wheels, “aerodynamically enhanced” front and rear spoilers, and a special GR mesh grille insert.

This is capped off by a 20mm-wider track front and rear, upgraded “high-performance” dampers, stiffer rear suspension brace, as well as retuned suspension and power steering calibrations.

Inside, there are sport seats finished in a combination of synthetic leather and suede, console knee pads, aluminium pedals, and a smattering of “discreet” GR logos and red accents.

Toyota has detailed what appears to be an off-road-focused version of the new RAV4, but it doesn’t appear to be on the radar for a local launch.

It features chunkier, all-terrain tyres, additional LED lighting up front, and roof rails.

On the safety front, the new RAV4 globally picks up front cross-traffic alert and the pre-collision system functionality has been expanded to improve recognition of obstacles, bicycles and motorcycles.

The blind-spot monitor now alerts drivers of rapidly approaching vehicles from behind, and the lane-change assist has been expanded to include turn signal-linked autonomous lane changes while using adaptive cruise control and lane centring.

There’s also a new 3D panoramic view monitor which allows for a “more complete view” around the car when parking.

Toyota Australia said more information about the new RAV4, including local specifications, the grade line-up and pricing, will be disclosed closer to the launch in the first half of 2026.