Abstract
- New RAV4 solely accessible as hybrid, dropping ICE powertrain, following Camry’s hybrid-only transfer.
- The brand new RAV4 gives wonderful gas effectivity, with a PHEV model boasting 302 hp and 42 miles of electrical vary.
- Toyota’s next-generation RAV4 guarantees superior tech options, improved security, acquainted design, and simplified mannequin vary.
The subsequent-generation Toyota RAV4 is coming, changing the best-selling mannequin launched in 2018. The brand new RAV4 will solely be accessible as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, discarding the ICE powertrain fully. That is according to Toyota’s latest follow, having modified the favored Camry sedan to hybrid-only for the 2025 mannequin.
The present, outgoing RAV4’s reputation is constructed on a strong basis. It’s a compact crossover SUV, the preferred type of automobile within the US. Beginning at simply over $30K for the hybrid, it is vitally inexpensive, and gives true worth to your cash as nicely.
The superb gas effectivity of the hybrid made it a no brainer in comparison with RAV4 ICE, or every other ICE crossover of comparable dimension. The Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) model comes with a spicy 302 hp and may run 42 miles on battery energy alone. And, after all, it’s a Toyota, with the highest reliability and strong resale worth constructed into the model.
The brand new RAV4 will solely be the sixth era, changing the present one launched in 2018. As with earlier generations, Toyota appears to be bettering what’s already a profitable components, fairly than developing with radical adjustments.
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2026 Toyota RAV4 overview
Making a fantastic automobile higher
Toyota is at all times very cautious when launching a brand new era of a preferred mannequin, and the outgoing RAV4 was extremely popular certainly. Final 12 months, it unseated the Ford F-150 as bestselling mannequin within the US. However regardless of a serious facelift in 2021, the seven-year-old RAV4 was getting outdated, and it was time for a brand new one to wow drivers.
Software program-defined automobile
Drivers at this time need vehicles to have performance that mimics or enhances our smartphones. The brand new RAV4 is Toyota’s subsequent step to a completely software-defined automobile, with superior connectivity, security, and safety features that may be constantly up to date over-the-air to offer the newest tech because it turns into accessible.
This RAV4 would be the first automobile with the newest model of Toyota’s audio multimedia system. It nonetheless gives Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and twin Bluetooth connectivity, however with a extra user-friendly interface. Voice assistant is now higher and sooner, whereas maps and navigation will likely be built-in into the digital gauge cluster. This RAV4 will even be the primary automobile to get the newest Toyota Security Sense 4.0 system.
Acquainted form made higher
Whenever you take a look at the brand new mannequin, it’s nonetheless unmistakably a RAV4. The traces and shapes are acquainted, however every part has been up to date. With the ICE possibility dropped, the vary has been simplified, with patrons getting fairly just a few luxurious and pricing choices, in addition to a standard on a regular basis RAV4, a extra off-road vibe, and extra performance-oriented choices.
Below the pores and skin, the brand new RAV4 is constructed on the newest model of the Okay chassis, a common platform utilized in fashions such because the Highlander, Crown Signia, and Lexus RX. In line with Toyota, this chassis is extra inflexible than earlier than, and improved development supplies within the physique resulted in much less micro-vibration when driving.
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New hybrids solely
Subsequent-gen HEV, PHEV with extra energy
The massive, however not sudden, information is that Toyota is dropping the ICE engine in favor of the extra highly effective and environment friendly HEV and PHEV drives. The engine remains to be the acquainted 2.5L Atkinson inline 4 cylinder, however the energy has been elevated considerably.
Hybrid accessible in FWD and AWD
The hybrid is now accessible in FWD, beforehand solely on the ICE variations. The present AWD hybrid makes 219 hp, and the brand new FWD ups that to 226, with the AWD with a 3rd motor going to 236 hp. It will put stress on the RAV4’s nearest competitor, the Honda CR-V, which makes 203 hp with its 2.0L hybrid.
New PHEV, extra energy, longer EV vary
The RAV4 PHEV prices fairly a bit extra, however has the double good thing about extra horsepower and longer electrical vary. The brand new PHEV goes up from the present 302 hp to 320 hp, which takes it into high-performance territory, one thing Toyota used very cleverly.
Apart from the ability benefit, the principle good thing about a PHEV is that it may run as an EV solely for far earlier than having to make use of the ICE engine. The present RAV4 PHEV can run for 42 miles on battery solely, which is greater than most drivers want in a day, and the battery could be recharged in a single day like an EV at minimal value. The brand new mannequin will go over 50 miles on a cost, and a few trim ranges have DC charging quick sufficient to go from 10 to 80% in half-hour.
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From gravel journey to avenue racing
What you want, how fancy you need
The 2026 RAV4 brings order to a mannequin vary that bought fully out of hand with the 14 completely different powertrain and trim stage combos of the present mannequin. The client can determine what they need the automobile to do, after which select a trim stage and drivetrain choice to match their funds. The brand new RAV4 is split into the next three teams:
- The Core is the conventional RAV4 we use for on a regular basis driving and weekends away, so the design is fundamental RAV4 smart. There are three trim ranges, all utilizing the conventional hybrid drive, with a selection of FWD or AWD on two of them.
- The Rugged is the Woodland trim, with chunky tires, higher floor clearance, and a usually extra off-roady vibe. It comes solely in AWD, and you may select between the HEV and PHEV drives.
- Sport is clearly designed for higher efficiency on paved roads, and two letters pay testomony to this: GR, or Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s motorsport division, and a reputation not frivolously bestowed. The Sport is out there in HEV and PHEV, FWD and AWD within the backside trim, and the GR solely as PHEV and AWD.
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