The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Is Still the Compact SUV to Beat: Review

Redesigning a vehicle for a new generation comes with inherent risks. What if people hate the new look? What if the technology doesn’t deliver? What if the driving dynamics change for the worse? It’s an even more daunting challenge when the vehicle in question is one of the most popular cars on the planet.

You can't talk about the Toyota RAV4 without acknowledging how insanely successful it is. The RAV was the third best-selling vehicle in the US in 2024—trailing only the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado—and the best-selling nameplate globally, just edging out the Tesla Model Y.

Now, nearly eight full model years after the fifth generation debuted back in 2018, Toyota is hoping that its new and much-improved sixth-generation RAV4 will remain atop the sales chart for the next decade to come. No pressure, right?

It all starts with a fresh look. The 2026 RAV4’s redesign isn’t revolutionary, but it doesn’t need to be. The RAV retains its familiar silhouette but introduces updated elements, like Toyota’s now-signature boomerang-shaped headlights. Core models, like the XSE and Limited, have a color-matched grille that almost looks EV-esque, but it works. The Woodland trim gets a more aggressive front end with extra lighting elements, while the GR Sport essentially rips off the GR Corolla’s sporty grille—not that we’re complaining.

Around back, the taillights stand out. The light fixtures extend onto the trunklid, with vertically stacked LEDs creating a distinctive pattern. As expected in any modern SUV, the “RAV4” name is boldly stamped across the tailgate in a chunky font. Depending on the trim, a subtle roof spoiler adds a sporty touch—though the GR Sport gets the biggest wing of the bunch. Because sporty.

2026 Toyota RAV4 Limited

2026 Toyota RAV4 Limited

Photos by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

The biggest news, though, is under the hood: Every 2026 Toyota RAV4 is now electrified. That means even base models like the LE and XLE come with a hybrid powertrain. The plug-in hybrid returns as well, now available across a broader range of trims.

The standard powertrain is a four-cylinder hybrid, producing 226 horsepower with front-wheel drive or 236 horsepower with all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid delivers up to 320 horsepower and, in the Limited trim, offers up to 52 miles of electric-only range. Other trims get slightly less range, and all plug-in hybrid models come with all-wheel drive as standard.

Pros: Sharp Design, Wonderfully Packaged Interior, Powerful Plug-In Option, Tons Of Trims

Most buyers will likely go for the conventional hybrid, expectedly thanks to its lower starting price and standard availability on every trim except the GR Sport. It uses a familiar setup: Toyota’s 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with the brand’s fifth-generation hybrid system—the same setup found in the latest Camry, and similar to the Prius hybrid.

If you’ve driven a Toyota hybrid before, you know this powertrain isn’t flawless. Even with technical tweaks for the RAV4—like a new rear motor for all-wheel-drive models—the powertrain still feels a bit rough around the edges. The engine is raspy at startup and gets loud on the highway if you’re pushing it hard, which you might need to do on steeper roads.

2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE

2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE

Photos by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Still, it gets the job done. The electric motor provides solid acceleration off the line, while the gas engine has just enough muscle to keep things moving at highway speeds. Both powertrains are paired to an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) that fades into the background—and I mean that in the best possible way.

If it’s power you’re after, go for the plug-in. Like the outgoing Prime, the new RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is seriously quick. The electric motor delivers strong low-end torque, and when combined with the four-cylinder engine, there’s still plenty of power higher in the rev range. Even in EV-only mode, it never feels sluggish.

Cons: Hybrid Setup Is A Little Loud, Still Too Much Road Noise

Winding through the mountainous roads near Phoenix, the 2026 RAV4 proves it has moderately solid handling chops. It’s no GR Corolla, of course, but the suspension strikes a good balance—composed enough to handle sharp corners, yet soft enough to deliver a smooth, comfortable ride over longer stretches.

Just like the previous model, though, the 2026 RAV4 is still too loud for my liking. The engine is rumblier than many of its competitors, and road noise is noticeable across the lineup. The Woodland trim is the worst offender here; its chunky off-road tires generate more noise and contribute to a rougher ride, making it the least comfortable of the bunch.

Steering across most trims is perfectly adequate for a compact SUV. The rack feels light, quick, and reasonably responsive, giving you decent feedback about what the front tires are up to. Compared to something like the Honda CR-V, though, the RAV4’s steering feels slightly more vague and less engaging.

Thankfully, the new RAV4 GR Sport turns things up a notch. Developed with input from Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, it features unique suspension tuning, a slightly lower ride height (7.5 inches of ground clearance), and a revised steering setup. The result is a noticeably sharper ride through corners than trims like the XSE or Limited. There’s less body roll and a touch more steering feedback—subtle changes, but ones you can feel behind the wheel.

2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport

Photos by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Powering the GR Sport is the plug-in hybrid setup—fitting, since it's the most powerful option in the lineup. It offers 48 miles of electric-only range on this trim and, like all PHEV models, comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Inside, the vibe shifts significantly depending on which trim you choose—but honestly, it’s hard to go wrong. The XSE features suede-like upholstery that looks and feels upscale. The Woodland uses rugged, outdoor-friendly materials with bronze accents for a more adventurous aesthetic. The Limited goes premium with Toyota’s excellent SofTex faux leather. And the GR Sport steps things up again, combining suede and faux leather in supportive, sporty bucket seats.

While materials vary by trim, one thing remains consistent: The RAV4 has some of the smartest interior packaging in the segment. There are two large phone storage areas below the touchscreen—including one with a wireless charging pad—a third deep cubby underneath that, and a surprisingly spacious center storage compartment. Even the passenger has a small cubby atop the dashboard. And the center console lid has a clever trick up its sleeve:

The RAV4’s center touchscreen ranges from 10.5 inches in the base and Woodland models to a massive 12.9 inches in the Limited and GR Sport trims. Every version also includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard—a welcome feature.

No matter the screen size, all models come with Toyota’s latest infotainment system, which now includes updates to the audio interface, navigation, and home screen layout for improved usability. One of my biggest complaints about the previous setup has finally been addressed: There’s now a dedicated home button.

However, not all changes are upgrades. One clear downside is the lack of physical buttons. While Toyota wisely kept the physical knobs for temperature and volume—and says those aren’t going anywhere—functions like fan speed and a few other basics have been moved into the touchscreen. It's not a dealbreaker, and certainly not unique to Toyota, but it does add a minor annoyance. You’ll find yourself glancing at the screen more than you used to.

2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland

Even with these changes, the RAV4 stays true to its roots. It’s still the same relatively simple, no-nonsense compact SUV it’s always been—just better. A hybrid-only lineup, updated tech, and some genuinely fun new trims make the 2026 model feel meaningfully improved without losing its core appeal.

One thing we still don’t know? Pricing. Toyota says the base MSRP will start in the low $30,000 range, which keeps it in line with the outgoing model. Trims like the Woodland and GR Sport will likely land higher on the pricing ladder.

But no matter which version you choose, one thing’s clear: Toyota has another winner on its hands.

Competitors

• Chevrolet Equinox
• Honda CR-V
• Kia Sportage
• Nissan Rogue
• Subaru Forester