All-new 2026 Toyota RAV brings improved hybrid performance, upgraded safety, new model grades to hammer Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson & Kia Sportage

It’s not due to arrive in Australian showrooms until the first half of 2026 but Toyota Australia has confirmed the model line-up and high-level specification for its all-new, sixth-generation Toyota RAV4.

Highlights are improved hybrid powertrains including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option, upgraded safety, new multimedia tech and an additional “performance-focused” GR Sport grade.

The new model walk-up will cover six variants, offered with a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive hybrid and PHEV powertrains.'

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The GR Sport flagship will be offered exclusively with the new PHEV AWD powertrain featuring a 2.5-litre engine working in concert with front and rear electric motors powered by a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery. Its maximum combined power output of 227kW makes it the most powerful production RAV4 so far.

Along with the extra power the GR Sport features high-performance dampers, a stiffer rear suspension brace, retuned suspension and power steering calibrations plus a 20mm wider track.

Toyota has confirmed the PHEV set-up offers EV-only driving capability and will also be offered in the mid-range XSE in AWD and 2WD, the latter’s front-drive configuration using a single electric motor generating 200kW. PHEV grades also offer a 1500W inverter capable of powering small appliances.

The PHEV GR Sport will join the existing GX, GXL, Edge, XSE and Cruiser grades.

All new RAV4s will feature a next-gen version of the brand's suite of active safety tech, which it calls 'Toyota Safety Sense', including front cross-traffic alert and improved functionality for the blind-spot monitoring and lane trace assist systems.

2026 Toyota RAV4

The ‘pre-collision safety’ system offers greater detection of obstacles, bicycles and motorbikes, while a three-dimensional panoramic view monitor is designed to assist in navigating tight spaces.

The entry-level GX will include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.5-inch multimedia display (with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, smartphone integration, five USB-C ports, dual-zone climate control and more.

Then, the GXL adds 18-inch alloys, privacy rear and side glass, a leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel, eight-way electric driver’s seat adjustment (with two-way lumbar support) and wireless device charging.

The “adventure-focused” Edge grade is all-wheel-drive only and features unique front and rear bumpers with integrated silver skid plate and wider black wheel arches, as well as synthetic leather trim, heated front seats, a power tailgate and a larger 12.9-inch media touchscreen (with integrated heating and ventilation controls).

As per other hybrid AWD grades, the Edge features ‘downhill assist control’ and a ‘Trail & Snow’ drive mode.

2026 Toyota RAV4

The XSE (hybrid and PHEV) adds 20-inch black alloy rims, dark ‘stainless steel-look’ moulding, black front and rear bumpers, a tilt and slide glass sunroof and two-tone exterior paint.

Inside, it features a combination synthetic leather and suede upholstery, three-stage front seat heating and ventilation, driver memory, electric front passenger seat adjustment, a panoramic view monitor and ‘Climate Concierge’.

The Cruiser swaps in 20-inch machined black alloy wheels, high-grade LED headlights, a tilt and slide panoramic roof, leather-accented seat trim, a head-up display, two wireless smartphone chargers, a digital rearview mirror and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio.

The GR Sport flagship includes GR-themed front and rear bumpers, a wing-type spoiler, 20-inch machined alloy wheels, aluminium pedal covers and GR Sport seats, steering wheel and suede knee pads, paddle shifters and unique stitching.

2026 Toyota RAV4

Expanded ‘Toyota Connected Services’ (accessed via the 'myToyota Connect' app) provides a range of security and convenience benefits to customers, including vehicle data, connected navigation, voice assistant and emergency communications.

The updated multimedia is powered by ‘Arene’ software claimed to deliver faster processing and over-the-air updates.

Toyota says the new system retains a home button which remains available whether running the native system or paired with a smartphone.

Fresh colours will be introduced with the new RAV4 including ‘Massive Grey’, ‘Urban Rock’, ‘Feverish Red’, ‘Dusty Bronze’ and ‘Daintree Green’. Selected colours, including some of the new shades, will be available with a two-tone black roof on the XSE grade.

A full run-down of the new RAV4’s specification and pricing will be announced closer to its local arrival in the first half of next year.