The electrified RAV4 will apparently gain some new drive modes for unpaved surfaces.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreToyota is apparently already gearing up to give its most popular SUV a sizable update. Despite launching only last year, the latest version of the gas-electric RAV4 hybrid will reportedly gain some new tech in the near future.According to the Japanese car blog Creative311, Toyota engineers are preparing to revive the company's latest Multi-Terrain Select drive mode system for the part-gas, part-electric RAV4. The system was left in a simplified state with the launch of the latest sixth-gen model.AdvertisementAdvertisementNow, Toyota is ready to implement the system once again to revamp the RAV4's versatility.The RAV4 will apparently get its off-road drive modes backThe Toyota RAV4 will apparently get some more versatile drive modes back for 2027. - Credit: ToyotaWhen the current RAV4 launched just a short time ago, it represented a major shift for the model and nameplate. It was the first RAV4 to fully embrace gas-electric hybridization.Meaning, only hybrid powertrains are available and all internal combustion-only options are no more. This transition to an all-hybrid lineup, however, didn't come without compromises.Unlike the previous gas-only RAV4s, the latest ones came with limited drive mode features. Those modes only included the basic "Normal," "Eco" and "Sport" modes, while a "Custom" option allows drivers to fine-tweak some of those parameters.With casual overlanding and lite off-roading more popular than ever, Toyota apparently saw an opportunity to add more versatile drive modes to its most popular SUV. - Credit: ToyotaNow, according to Creative311, all future 2027 model-year RAV4s will regain the additional drive modes that were initially omitted at launch. Those are apparently the "Mud & Sand" and "Rock & Dirt" modes, which complete Toyota's signature "Multi-Terrain Select" system.AdvertisementAdvertisementCurrently, only the RAV4 Woodland offers additional "Trail" and "Snow" all-terrain drive modes. After this update, buyers won't have to specifically opt for the Woodland variant to get the additional all-terrain drive modes.Does the RAV4 really need off-road-biased driving modes?The RAV4 Woodland currently is the only model available with any sort of off-road-biased drive modes. - Credit: ToyotaHere in America, the RAV4 isn't really known for its off-roading chops. There are other far more purpose-built machines like the 4Runner and off-road versions of the Tacoma.But believe it or not, the RAV4 is widely used to traverse all sorts of terrain in other parts of the world. It is very common to see RAV4s trudging through mud in the middle of South Pacific rainforests or sand in a Middle Eastern desert.While not as capable or rugged as a Land Cruiser, RAV4s can still reliably get people from point A to point B, in most average and even rougher-than-average conditions. 2026 Toyota RAV4 Drive Modes 4 photos Toyota - Credit: ToyotaToyota - Credit: ToyotaToyota - Credit: ToyotaAdvertisementAdvertisementToyota - Credit: Toyota Expand gallery 10 1 / 4 Previous slide Next slide Return to story AdvertisementAdvertisementToyotaToyotaToyotaAdvertisementAdvertisementToyota 10 1 / 4 Previous slide Next slide With the hybrid models now dominating the RAV4 range, Toyota markets the model as a fuel-efficient family vehicle. Thus, many believe the RAV4 here in America isn't something that needs fancy off-road modes.But with off-roading and casual overlanding being more popular than ever, Toyota's engineers are apparently rethinking the RAV4's all-terrain versatility.Availability and pricingThe 2026 Toyota RAV4 is currently on sale in dealers globally and in America. The next model-year variant is expected to arrive later this year.2026 Toyota RAV4 Starts at $31,900 About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.