All-New 2026 Toyota RAV4 Debuts With Hybrid-Only Lineup

Looking at the market right now, it's safe to say the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is by far the most significant new vehicle debut of the year—at least for us Canadians, who build the compact SUV at two separate plants in Ontario and buy more of it than anyone else in the world, proportionately speaking. Consider this: no fewer than 75,000 units were sold in Canada last year versus 475,000 in the U.S. despite a population nearly ten times smaller.

The RAV4’s sixth generation is the first to come with an all-hybrid model lineup—also a first in the segment. We’re talking about four standard hybrids (made in Canada) and four plug-in hybrids (made in Japan). The Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Volkswagen Tiguan are all fresh off a complete redesign, as well, although none of them offer a hybrid variant. Meanwhile, Subaru is about to jump on the bandwagon with the Forester Hybrid, and the Nissan Rogue will soon borrow technology from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

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The 2026 Toyota RAV4’s four hybrid models feature all-wheel drive as standard: LE, XLE, Limited and the new Woodland replacing the RAV4 Trail as a higher-riding SUV equipped with all-terrain tires, raised roof rails and extra body cladding.

Unsurprisingly, Toyota is using a similar powertrain to the one we already know, albeit with an increase in output from 219 to 236 hp. To be clear, no other hybrid compact SUV is more powerful. On top of that, towing capacity is improved to 3,500 lbs except when it comes to the base RAV4 LE. Very few direct competitors can even tow more than 2,000 lbs. In fact, we count only two, namely the 2.0-litre Ford Escape (3,500 lbs) and the Subaru Forester Wilderness (3,000 lbs).

The 2026 RAV4 is built on a new, reinforced architecture called TNGA-K, and its sharp, modern looks are an evolution of the outgoing model. New LED taillights, a split grille and redesigned headlights reminiscent of those on the Camry and Crown sedans will grab people’s attention. Depending on the trim level, the RAV4 can be fitted with 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels. Chrome is tossed aside for a cleaner look.

Meanwhile, the interior is brighter and equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster, now 12.3 inches in size. The centre touchscreen measures either 10.5 or 12.9 inches depending on the model and incorporates most heating and air-conditioning controls. The driver's cockpit looks and feels fresher, obviously, but the Toyota signature is still evident. The RAV4 Woodland stands out with a sportier cabin featuring orange inserts and unique synthetic leather upholstery. As for the top-line RAV4 Limited, designers showed more restraint yet packed a number of premium amenities such as heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, a head-up display and panoramic roof.

RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Gets 20% More Range

Let’s turn our attention to the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (formerly known as RAV4 Prime). Pure electric range has been extended from 68 to 80 km (42 TO 50 miles), an increase of almost 20 percent. The automaker has not officially specified the size of the battery, mind you, saying only that it will be “optimized” (currently 18.1 kWh). In XSE Tech trim, the vehicle will be able to charge from 10-80 percent in 30 minutes using a DC fast-charging station.

Once again combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, the system gets a boost from 302 to 320 hp—unmatched in the compact SUV segment and a reason why Toyota chose to introduce a sportier model called GR Sport.

Developed in collaboration with the Gazoo Racing division, this particular RAV4 features a huge rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels with wider tires, red brake calipers and an aggressive front grille. The interior receives sports seats with suede inserts, red stitching and aluminum pedals. Alas, we don’t have much information about the chassis other than the fact that engineers revised the suspension and power steering.

In terms of technology, Toyota debuts a new software development platform called Arene, which will initially be used for the RAV4. The goal is to improve vehicle safety, connectivity and functionality, including the ability to perform OTA updates and a more advanced suite of driver assistance features called Toyota Safety Sense 4.0.

On Sale Before Christmas?

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 will go on sale late in the fall, most likely in time for the holiday season. All models should arrive at around the same time even though the plug-in hybrid RAV4s will come from Japan.

As for pricing, expect a higher entry point since the gasoline-powered models are no more. For the record, a 2025 RAV4 Hybrid LE carries an all-inclusive price of $39,744 in Canada ($30,645 in the U.S). Will the company manage to keep the cheapest RAV4 under $40,000? Time will tell, but let’s hope so.

In the meantime, it's clear that the new Toyota RAV4 has all the tools to maintain its leading position in the segment. Maybe some customers will turn to competitors because they don't want a hybrid. However, considering the many benefits of the technology, sales are unlikely to plummet, even if people have to spend a little more.