2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid PHEVToyotaRAV4s have been rolling across America since the Clinton administration, and with good reason - they're great vehicles. A recent test of their Plug-in Hybrid Woodland trim, part of the completely redesigned sixth-generation RAV4, revealed a versatile winner. This is a compact SUV I would like to have in snow, dirt or to drive long distance with.What's new for 2026?The big change is that Toyota has dropped the conventional gas-only RAV4 entirely. Every 2026 RAV4 is now either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. The PHEV lineup expands from two trims to four, and Woodland is offered as a PHEV for the first time. Many are calling it the best of the bunch. It's certainly the hippest, if such a word can be applied here.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe new plug-in system is considerably stronger, now producing 324 combined horsepower. Woodland also gets standard AWD, DC fast-charging capability, an 11-kW onboard charger, 8.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a 3,500-pound towing capacity and Toyota's latest multimedia and Safety Sense 4.0 systems.2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid PHEVEngine, horsepower, torque, mileage and priceYou've got a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder PHEV coupled with electric motors and electronic AWD. The gasoline engine itself makes 186 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque and Toyota lists the front drive motor at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft, with the rear motor contributing 91 lb-ft. Toyota does not publish a meaningful combined system torque number, but total system horsepower is 324 hp.As to mileage, Woodland sits about 37 mpg combined after the battery is depleted and 94 MPGe. Toyota's current site now advertises an EPA-estimated 54 miles for the SE, but doesn't put a current Woodland EV-range number front and center. More than likely they are similar.2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid PHEVPricing: Base price MSRP is $45,300. Add Toyota's $1,595 delivery/processing fee and you're at $46,895 before options, taxes and fees.AdvertisementAdvertisementDriving impressionsIt's got plenty but not too much power, predictable brakes, perfectly competent handling and, above everything, that solid, assured driving character. It is neither a bellicose beast nor a wet noodle - it's right in there in the middle. It would make a good choice for a new driver, or younger one. There weren't any surprises during the week's test.Why buy it?It has that unusual combination of serious acceleration without behaving like a performance SUV. It's assured without being obnoxious. There's plenty of highway zoom when called upon, but it settles right back down afterward.2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid PHEVIt also does the practical stuff exceptionally well. My full-size bicycle went into the back with the seats folded without wrestling, jamming or cussing. Officially, there's roughly 33.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded.Why not buy it?Price is the biggest obstacle. You're pushing $47,000 before options for a RAV4. The PHEV Woodland costs roughly $5,400 more than a comparable regular-hybrid Woodland. It feels bigger than you expect during parking maneuvers and K-turns. It's 74 inches wide, about 182 inches long and weighs roughly 4,500 pounds. It isn't enormous, but it's definitely a "thing" to park sometimes.AdvertisementAdvertisementFinally, Woodland looks more trail-ready than it actually is. It has no special off-road suspension and no serious skid-plate protection. The trim is really aimed at rough roads, snow, dirt roads, campsites and trailheads, not hardcore off-roading.Lookswise, you get a unique rugged front bumper, satin-black grilles, chunky black cladding, 18-inch matte-gray wheels with all-terrain tires, raised Woodland roof rails and crossbars, black exterior details and rectangular Rigid Industries LED fog lamps.2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid PHEVInsideIt's more functional than luxurious, which fits the Woodland personality. SofTex upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, power driver's seat, 12.3-inch digital instrument display, power liftgate, multiple USB-C ports, wireless phone charging and even a 120V/1500W outlet in the cargo area are standard or included equipment.There's plenty of passenger room for a compact SUV, although competitors such as the Tucson offer a little more rear-seat room and a somewhat richer cabin.Sound systemHere's one place Toyota clearly economized. The Woodland gets a 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with a six-speaker system, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and SiriusXM compatibility.AdvertisementAdvertisementConclusion: If you've got the coin, the RAV4 PHEV is a nice ride indeed. Treat it right and it'll last years.This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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