The Upcoming 2026 Toyota RAV4 Redesign, Release Date, and Price

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The Upcoming 2026 Toyota RAV4 Redesign, Release Date, and Price. The new compact crossover SUV from Toyota, the 2026 Toyota RAV4, features a more rugged appearance, and the company also claims improved off-road capability. The terrain selection system, in conjunction with the torque-vectoring drive system, will be of assistance in accomplishing this goal. The model will also be available in a hybrid configuration, and it will give a high level of efficiency.

Following in the footsteps of the three best-selling trucks, Toyota has updated its best-selling vehicle in the United States. Over four hundred thousand units of the well-balanced RAV4 were sold by Toyota, and the company is hopeful that the new fifth-generation version will continue the great path that it has been on.

Additionally, the brand-new RAV4 is built on the brand-new modern base, and it also undergoes some modifications to its proportions. Additionally, the usual safety suite is provided, in addition to the newly developed technology.

When the current version of the Toyota RAV4 is produced, the year 2026 will mark the sixth year of manufacturing for the RAV4. In the time since the vehicle was first introduced for the 2019 model year, Toyota has only made minor adjustments, such as introducing some new technological features and new trim levels. But taking into account the fact that the RAV4 has been so successful in terms of sales, it is maybe not surprising that Toyota does not want to meddle with success too much.

As reports abound about a new generation of the RAV4 that is scheduled to be released for the 2025 model year, this pattern continues for the 2026 RAV4. In the not-too-distant future, Toyota may decide to discontinue the use of the gasoline engine and switch the RAV4 lineup to an exclusively hybrid lineup, which would be comparable to what we will see for the new Camry. However, for the time being, the RAV4 is in competition with competitors that have undergone more recent redesigns, such as the Honda CR-V and the Kia Sportage. For a more in-depth analysis of how the RAV4 compares to the other vehicles in the compact SUV class, please refer to the Expert Rating that we have provided below.

The Upcoming 2026 Toyota RAV4 Redesign, Release Date, and Price

THE 2026 TOYOTA RAV4 PERFORMANCE

With regard to its performance, the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 is offered with both the standard gasoline engine and the hybrid drivetrain as an option. This vehicle comes standard with a front-wheel drive configuration, an eight-speed automated gearbox, and a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine. The power ratings have not been released by Toyota; nevertheless, information that has been leaked suggests that there will be a 15 percent increase in power over the existing 176 horsepower, which should convert to approximately 200 horsepower.

Both a new electric motor system and a continuously variable transmission will be utilized in the hybrid configuration. Toyota has stated that the RAV4 hybrid will be the version with the maximum performance, and that it will be available with a model that features sharper steering and a more firm suspension. The four-wheel drive system will be offered with or without torque vectoring, and the hybrid version will have four-wheel traction thanks to the additional electric motor. Both of these options will be accessible. The traction control system will also be included in the all-wheel-drive vehicles, and it will be controlled via a control knob that is positioned on the center console.

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Not surprisingly, the RAV4 does not impress in this regard. The engine is willing to move throughout town, and merging and passing are both smooth and uncomplicated. However, if you are in a tremendous hurry, you might become aware of the engine’s power delivery, which is ultimately quite small. In the testing conducted by Edmunds, our RAV4 Adventure test vehicle required 9.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour, which is slightly slower than the average for the class.

One more thing that we have a problem with is the steering, which is ambiguous at the center point and does not have the required levels of feel and heaviness. As a result, it is simple to evaluate your amount of input incorrectly. In more positive news, the RAV4’s optional improved all-wheel-drive system incorporates rear-axle torque vectoring as well as more advanced traction control systems that include hill descent control and terrain settings that may be selected. In comparison to other small SUVs, the RAV4 Adventure has above-average off-road capability thanks to these systems and its reasonable ground clearance in addition.

The Upcoming 2026 Toyota RAV4 Redesign, Release Date, and Price

THE 2026 TOYOTA RAV4 PLATFORM AND DESIGN

Beginning with the brand’s new TNGA modular platform, which is already the foundation for the CH-R, Prius, and Auris, the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the first vehicle to undergo this change. In addition, the new RAV4 has a wider stance and reduced overhangs, both of which, according to Toyota, will improve the vehicle’s ability to perform off-road.

A more angular design and horizontal taillights can be found on the back of the vehicle, while the profile features a character line and fenders that have been slightly detailed.

To achieve a satisfactory equilibrium between control and softness, the suspension of the RAV4 has been fine-tuned. When you drive over bumps, the body does not bind or float, and it absorbs minor to moderate shocks without much drama from the impact. When it comes to the front seats, they are attractively carved and properly padded; nonetheless, the seat bottoms start to feel flat during extended trips. An additional factor that can make it challenging to achieve a comfortable position is the absence of adjustment on the passenger side.

It is normally quiet when traveling at highway speeds in the RAV4. The only time this is not the case is when you press the gas pedal for a sustained burst of speed; at that point, the sound of the engine becomes quite rough. The performance of the climate system is well received by us. With vents for the rear seat and vents for the front seat, the air distribution is perfect. The vents in the front seat can be fully closed off.

A LOOK THAT IS MORE RUGGED

The appearance of the new RAV4 is more robust than the previous model, as seen from the outside. The front part has been updated with a new grille that is wider and more comparable to the one found on the Tacoma pickup truck and the 4Runner.

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According to Toyota, the regular version will be offered in a total of five possible trim levels, while the hybridized version will be offered in a total of four. An active safety suite that includes emergency braking, lane control, and adaptive cruise control is included as standard equipment on all Toyota vehicles.

There is a combination of touchscreen and fixed buttons in the RAV4’s user interface, and both types of buttons are simple to master without having to check the owner’s manual. Despite the fact that the RAV4 is a relatively new vehicle, the visuals on the touchscreen appear to be out of date. Even if it functions adequately, the sound system is not particularly noteworthy. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration are both included as standard features by default. Additionally, it is a good thing because Toyota’s native Entune software continues to be cumbersome.

An outstanding set of driver aids is included in the base package. In addition to adaptive cruise control that can operate at speeds as low as zero miles per hour, automatic emergency braking, sleepy driver detection, automatic high beams, lane maintaining help, and something called Line Tracing Assist, which is an active steering aid that does not require the driver to use their hands, it also contains lane keeping assistance.

The Upcoming 2026 Toyota RAV4 Redesign, Release Date, and Price

2026 TOYOTA RAV4 INTERIOR, EQUIPMENT

The new RAV4 has a symmetrical dashboard design, and the central screen is positioned high on it. This design is carried over throughout the interior of the vehicle. The climate controls are located even lower than the air vents that are located below the center screen. In addition, Toyota offers the Adventure model, which features distinctive front sections, a roof color that can be contracted, alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter, a black exterior, and orange accents inside.

It is easy to get in and out of the vehicle, the driving posture is comfortable, and there is plenty of space. However, if the front passenger seat of the RAV4 was not so high or if it could be moved down on the majority of trims, the vehicle would receive a higher score. A power-adjustable front passenger seat is a feature that is exclusive to the RAV4 Limited. Although there is a good range of adjustment for both the driver’s seat and the steering wheel, tall drivers may find that they would prefer a little bit more versatility. Being visible to the outside world is admirable.

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The layout of the controls is straightforward, and the labeling is large and easy to understand. The controls for the music system and the climate system are distinct islands in their own right, while everything else is located exactly where you would anticipate it to be. Also nice are the large knobs for the climate control that are made of rubber. One thing that we have a problem with is that the touchscreen is located too far away from the driver. In instance, the tuning knob requires a reaching motion in order to be turned.

The RAV4 has a cargo hold that is almost as large as the largest in its category. There is a total of 37.5 cubic feet available when the rear seats are reclined, and 69.8 cubic feet when they are stowed. In addition, the RAV4 has a low cargo floor, which makes it simple to load cargo. The front of the cabin is equipped with a multitude of shelves and bins that can accommodate a wide variety of road trip accessories. If you intend to draw a trailer, certain models of the RAV4 have the capability to pull up to 3,500 pounds, which is significantly more than the typical capacity for a compact SUV.

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It is the RAV4 that will appeal to parents who have young children. Finding the lower car seat anchors and connecting safety seats to them is a smooth and simple process. Along the same lines, tethering to the three top anchors is a simple process. When installing a rear-facing baby seat on the passenger side, it is likely that the front seat will need to be scooted up. However, forward-facing seats and booster seats can be installed without any difficulty. There is a problem with the front passenger seat being too high.

The Upcoming 2026 Toyota RAV4 Redesign, Release Date, and Price

2026 TOYOTA RAV4 RELEASE DATE AND PRICE

The hybrid version of the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 will not be available until the beginning of the following year, while the new RAV4 will be available for purchase later in the year. There will be an increase in the price as the day of the sale draws nearer, but it will not be significantly higher than the present beginning price of $25,500.

Is the fuel economy satisfactory?

With a combination of city and highway driving, the EPA forecasts that the RAV4 will achieve between 28 and 30 miles per gallon, depending on the powertrain and the trim level. For more than seven thousand miles, we traveled in an all-wheel drive Adventure that was hauling three people, equipment, and luggage. We also achieved an average of 28.6 miles per gallon across a wide range of road and weather conditions. Our best tank achieved 32.3 miles per gallon, while our lowest tank achieved 25.6 miles per gallon.

Is the RAV4 a worth-buying option?

The interior of the RAV4 is finely constructed, including nice layered materials and seams that are not evident by virtue of the fact that they are incorporated into the style. Rubberized grip surfaces on the interior door pulls, as well as knobs for the radio and climate control, are examples of the tactile touches that are included. The synthetic leather upholstery that is available as an option for the RAV4 has a pleasant and malleable feel, and the stitching is neat. There is a generous two years and 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance included with your Toyota purchase, despite the fact that the warranty coverage is average.