Toyota’s best-selling vehicle in America is back with a sharper new look, more personalities, and not a drop of gas-only power in sight. The 2026 RAV4 is the sixth generation of a nameplate that helped define the compact SUV segment, and this time around, it’s gone all-in on electrification. Every model is either a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, but Toyota hasn’t taken a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they’re offering seven trims across three distinct design directions: Core, Woodland, and Sport.
That lineup now includes a first-ever GR SPORT grade that taps into Toyota’s motorsport DNA, while the Woodland returns as an outdoorsy option with off-road cred. With up to 324 horsepower, 52 miles of EV range, and real character infused into each trim, this isn’t just a RAV4 with new clothes; it’s a more versatile and engaging vehicle across the board.
Design and Grades
The RAV4 lineup branches out into three main visual identities. Core models (LE, SE, XLE Premium, XSE, and Limited) wear color-matched bumpers and trim with more traditional styling and a straightforward approach to utility. Highlights for the XSE include 20-inch black alloy wheels, an available black roof, and a power moonroof. The Limited stands at the top of this group with LED accent lights, LED fog lamps, a body-colored rear spoiler, and a panoramic glass roof that brightens the already airy cabin.
The Woodland Edition leans into its rugged persona with a split “hammerhead” grille, matte black overfenders, 18-inch all-terrain tires, and a roof rack with crossbars that looks ready to haul a rooftop tent. Orange accents and unique seat upholstery add flair inside, while under the skin, it gets a lifted suspension and dampers tuned for light trail duty.
The new GR SPORT is a different beast altogether. Developed with help from Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, it’s the sharpest-driving RAV4 to date. A functional honeycomb grille, shiny piano black overfenders, GR badges, and 20-inch wheels with red brake caliper covers give it an aggressive style. Inside, it features sport seats with suede inserts, red stitching, and aluminum pedals. But the upgrades are more than just aesthetic. It also includes unique suspension bracing, firmer dampers, and a lower, wider stance for better cornering.
Powertrains and Performance
Every RAV4 now runs on a hybrid or plug-in hybrid system. The hybrid models pair a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 236 horsepower in AWD guise. It’s a setup that delivers 44 mpg combined in FWD trims, and between 39 and 44 combined mpg in AWD trims, and manages up to 3,500 pounds of towing when equipped with AWD. Add to this a 14.5-gallon fuel tank, and you’re looking at roughly 600 miles of range between fill-ups.
The real kick comes from the PHEVs, which boast a best-in-class 324 combined horsepower. Acceleration is snappy, especially in EV mode, where throttle response is near-instantaneous. The Limited PHEV gets up to 52 miles of electric driving range, while the Woodland and GR SPORT follow closely at 49 and 48 miles, respectively. That’s a noticeable bump from the previous model and puts the RAV4 squarely in daily commuter EV territory. Interestingly, only the XSE and Woodland grades offer DC fast charging via a CCS1 charge port, while the SE and GR SPORT are capped at Level 2 AC charging via a J1772 charge port. The 11kW onboard charger in the XSE and Woodland can refill the battery in about 2.5 hours, while the SE and GR SPORT need about 3.5 hours to juice up.
Driving Impressions
I tested the hybrid Woodland Edition first, and despite its knobby all-terrain tires, it’s quite smooth on the highway. Ride quality is commendable, and the cabin stays quiet most of the time, except under hard throttle. There’s also a bit more road noise from the all-terrain tires than from those on other grades. On a mild off-road course, the lifted, trail-tuned suspension and camera-based terrain view proved effective in navigating steep climbs and loose surfaces. The hill descent control feature worked seamlessly, and the AWD system kept things composed without drama. That said, recent rains had washed away the more aggressive off-road trail I had hoped to drive on, so the off-road course Toyota provided us with was quite tame.
The GR SPORT sits on the other end of the spectrum from the Woodland. With its lowered suspension and stiffer suspension tuning, it’s eager to turn in and stays flatter through corners than any other RAV4. Acceleration is brisk from the PHEV drivetrain, with a 0-to-60 time right around 5 seconds. In EV mode, it’s whisper-quiet and responsive. It’s not trying to be a hot hatch, but it is engaging and entertaining to drive. Because of the hybrid drivetrain, throttle response isn’t as linear as a conventional gas engine or as immediate as a pure EV, but it’s still quick and satisfying.
I also enjoyed drives in two Core models – the XSE PHEV and the Limited HEV. The suspension tuning in these models is geared more to the RAV4’s more expected daily driver personality, absorbing shocks nicely and instilling confidence behind the wheel.
Interior and Tech
The RAV4’s interior has been completely redesigned for 2026, with a design that’s both appealing visually and functional. Storage is excellent, with thoughtful touches like a two-way-opening center console and a passenger-side shelf that’s perfect for tossing your phone or keys. The revamped center stack features intuitive button controls for drive modes, a center storage shelf, and a wireless phone charger in XLE Premium, XSE, and GR SPORT. The Limited grade has dual phone chargers — a Toyota first.
Seating varies in material and comfort features across its grades. The LE and SE come with fabric-trimmed seats, with the SE adding sporty blue stitching and standard heated front seats. The XLE Premium, Limited, and Woodland models upgrade to SofTex (synthetic leather) seating, with the XLE Premium and Woodland offering power-adjustable driver seats. The Limited adds power adjustment for both front seats, along with heating and ventilation. The Woodland also includes rugged red-orange accent stitching and details. In the sportier trims, the XSE gets Ultrasuede and SofTex sport seats with power adjustment for both front occupants, plus heat and ventilation. The GR SPORT features Brin Naub suede and SofTex sport seats with wide bolsters, red accents, GR logos on the headrests, and heated front seats with power adjustment for the driver.
All grades now feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with customizable layouts, and the Limited, GR SPORT, and XSE get a large 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen. Other grades still get a reasonably-sized 10.5-inch screen. The revamped Toyota Multimedia system includes customizable widgets, improved EV controls (with a dedicated EV Domain screen for PHEV models), and onboard 5G for real-time traffic and OTA updates. The interface is faster and more responsive, thanks to new onboard processing, and Toyota’s voice assistant responds much more naturally than before. I’m also glad that Toyota retained physical knobs for volume and climate functions, instead of burying everything in a touchscreen menu.
Second Row and Cargo Space
Rear seat comfort is solid, with nearly 38 inches of legroom and almost 40 inches of headroom. Even with the moonroof, there’s enough space for adults to sit back here comfortably. It’s a bit tight on legroom for folks taller than six feet, but for most, it’ll feel roomy. Dual USB-C ports in the rear are standard, there’s a middle seat armrest with cupholders, and the seatbacks recline and fold flat in a 60/40 split for versatility.
In hybrid models, cargo space remains generous at 70.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. PHEV variants lose a bit due to the battery, dropping to around 63.6 cubic feet, but that’s still competitive for the segment. All grades except the LE and SE have a standard power liftgate, and every RAV4 model includes a temporary spare tire under the cargo floor, which is refreshing when so many vehicles have moved to inflator kits.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 RAV4 takes what this popular SUV has done so well and expands upon it. With more personalities across grades, sharper handling on the GR SPORT, the trail-ready Woodland, and a feature-rich Limited model, the RAV4 now caters to more than just the practical crowd. If you want the most dynamic RAV4 to date, grab the GR SPORT. If utility and ruggedness matter more, the Woodland is your go-to. And if you want to load it up and drive in style, the Limited PHEV hits the sweet spot.
While official pricing hasn’t been released yet, Toyota says the entry-level LE Hybrid FWD will start in the low $30,000s. I’m guessing the higher trims to be closer to $40,000, and the PHEV models will land in the mid-$40,000 range, depending on the trim and options.
