The subsequent Toyota RAV4 will make make a terrific automotive even higher

The subsequent-generation Toyota RAV4 is coming, changing the best-selling mannequin launched in 2018. The brand new RAV4 will only be available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, discarding the ICE powertrain utterly. That is in keeping with Toyota’s latest observe, having modified the favored Camry sedan to hybrid-only for the 2025 mannequin.

The present, outgoing RAV4’s recognition is constructed on a strong basis. It’s a compact crossover SUV, the most well-liked sort of automotive within the US. Beginning at simply over $30K for the hybrid, it is extremely inexpensive, and provides true worth on your cash as nicely.

The wonderful gasoline effectivity of the hybrid made it a no brainer in comparison with RAV4 ICE, or every other ICE crossover of comparable measurement. The Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) model comes with a spicy 302 hp and may run 42 miles on battery energy alone. And, in fact, 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 successful system, quite than developing with radical adjustments.

2026 Toyota RAV4 overview

Making a terrific automotive higher

Toyota is all the time very cautious when launching a brand new era of a well-liked mannequin, and the outgoing RAV4 was extremely popular certainly. Final 12 months, it unseated the Ford F-150 as bestselling model 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 However regardless of a serious facelift in 2021, the seven-year-old RAV4 was getting outdated, and it was time for a brand new one to wow drivers.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 automotive

Drivers right this moment 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 repeatedly up to date over-the-air to offer the most recent tech because it turns into accessible.

This RAV4 would be the first automotive with the most recent model of Toyota’s audio multimedia system. It nonetheless provides Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and twin Bluetooth connectivity, however with a extra user-friendly interface. Voice assistant is now higher and quicker, whereas maps and navigation will likely be built-in into the digital gauge cluster. This RAV4 may even be the primary automobile to get the most recent Toyota Security Sense 4.0 system.

Acquainted form made higher

While you take a look at the brand new mannequin, it’s nonetheless unmistakably a RAV4. The traces and shapes are acquainted, however the whole lot has been up to date. With the ICE possibility dropped, the vary has been simplified, with consumers getting fairly a couple of luxurious and pricing choices, in addition to a standard on a regular basis RAV4, a extra off-road vibe, and extra performance-oriented choices.

Underneath the pores and skin, the brand new RAV4 is constructed on the most recent 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 large, however not surprising, 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. This can put strain 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.

In addition to the facility benefit, the primary good thing about a PHEV is that it can run as an EV only for a long way 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 may be recharged in a single day like an EV at minimal price. 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 received utterly out of hand with the 14 totally different powertrain and trim stage mixtures of the present mannequin. The customer can resolve what they need the automotive to do, after which select a trim stage and drivetrain choice to match their price range. 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 wise. 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 calmly bestowed. The Sport is obtainable in HEV and PHEV, FWD and AWD within the backside trim, and the GR solely as PHEV and AWD.

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