Scotty ReissWith the introduction of the refreshed 2026 Toyota RAV4, Toyota has redesigned nearly very single vehicle in its lineup of SUVs. And increasingly, these SUVs are exclusively hybrid or have hybrid powertrain options. There are a lot of choices, so no matter what you need—seating for 7 or 8, all wheel drive, 4 wheel drive, room for lots of gear or a fuel-efficient SUV, Toyota offers an option.Here's how Toyota's SUVs break down and what you need to know about each, including passenger capacity, how well kids car seats will fit, cargo space, fuel efficiency, and how well each fares against challenging weather and terrain—plus a link to our coverage and a look at its competitors.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.Follow A Girls Guide to Cars for exclusives, first looks, reviews, buyer's guides and more!Toyota SUVs are Adventure-Focused and Off-Road WorthyThe Toyota Land Cruiser in its natural habitat… on a dirt trailThese Toyota SUVs are designed for off-roading and while they have a hybrid engine or offer one, here, hybrid is more about efficient power delivery than efficiency: the battery-electric system adds to the overall HP and boosts fuel economy a bit, but not to the level we might expect from a hybrid. The Redesigned Toyota 4Runner Adds Rugged Good LooksThe Toyota 4RunnerThe 2026 Toyota 4Runner is ready to adventure and she's awesome. We're still excited to see one of the most popular off-roaders finally—finally!—rock a fresh makeover. The Toyota 4Runner is designed for trail riding and hill climbing. Also, its model lineup, includes two new models and new engines, reflect that. Pricing ranges between $41k to $68K.In addition to the SR5, Limited and TRD Pro models, Toyota includes a Platinum top of the line model, a Trailhunter edition for off-road trail riding. Plus, it recently expanded the TRD line to include TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road and TRD Off-Road Premium models.AdvertisementAdvertisementEach has a 4-cylinder turbo that generates 278 HP or the option of the i-Force Max hybrid engine that generates 326 HP. The 4Runner hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined.This five passenger SUV has a 3rd row option in the SR5 and the Limited gas-powered models, but it's not offered in any of the other models. This would not be our first choice for kids car seats, as the rear seat is the smallest of Toyota's SUVs and installing a rear-facing child car seat may not be possible to do safely. Inside, buyers will find a fresh, rugged interior with many details shared with the Toyota Tacoma, including the center console, grab bars and multimedia system. That's not a bad thing at all; the 4Runner feels modern and capable. See our full Toyota 4Runner story here. Worthy rivals include the Jeep Wrangler, Subaru Outback, Ford Bronco, and Honda Passport.The Toyota Land Cruiser Marvels With Authentic CharmOn the road in the Toyota Land CruiserWelcome the Toyota Land Cruiser back to the family! Priced from $57k-$75K, this is a full-fledged off-roading SUV with all the rugged capabilities of top 4-wheelers. The Toyota Land Cruiser has evolved to the four-wheeling elite world from a three-row family SUV, which it was previously known for; it no longer has a third row option (and even if it did, it would be tight, as this is a smaller SUV than it's predecessor).AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's good for small families, even those with kids in car seats; it'll fit one or possibly two rear-facing car seats, and forward facing seats or boosters will easily fit. Three slim child car seats will fit across the rear bench seat. The Land Cruiser comes in 3 flavors: 1958 (base model), Land Cruiser (mid-trim) and First Edition and each has the same engine, a four-cylinder i-Force Max hybrid engine that generates 326 HP. Keep in mind that this hybrid is designed for power more than MPG; it is estimated to get about 23 MPG. Also, the Land Cruiser's new look harkens to the brand's heritage with an iconic 1950's-style logo and a confident, boxy shape. This will no doubt appeal to adventurers looking for the ultimate hill and dale climber. See our full Toyota Land Cruiser story here. Competitors to consider include the Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender, Kia Telluride X-Pro, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.The Rugged, Truck-Based Toyota SequoiaThe Toyota SequoiaWe were thrilled that the first off-road capable Toyota SUV to be redesigned was the Toyota Sequoia, which made its debut in 2022 just after the introduction of its fraternal twin sister, the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Sequoia, priced from about $64K-$84K, is lovable for all the space and capability it offers: it has seating for up to eight, it can tow up to 9,520 lbs, and it has a full-fledged 4WD system for true off-roading, which is enhanced by the TRD Pro version.Its redesign gave it a fresh, modern interior with Toyota's revamped multimedia system and even more passenger comforts such as "Hey Toyota" voice activation and a massive panoramic sunroof. The Sequoia carries Toyota's i-Force Max V6 turbo hybrid engine which generates 437 HP and gets about 22 MPG combined. Most models come standard with rear wheel drive and can be upgraded to 4WD for about $3,000.While the Toyota Sequoia has three rows and plenty of interior space, configuring kids car seats can be a challenge. The second row seats are the tumble forward type, so to accessing the third row to install a child car seat is impossible. Then, there are only two full LATCH sets in the center row and none in the third, which only has one upper tether in the center seat. AdvertisementAdvertisementCaptains chairs, which create a pass-through for third row access, are an option but not in the lower trim models. However, rear facing car seats should fit and this wide SUV can easily accommodate three seats across the center bench (but again, slender seats are best for this). See our full story on the Toyota Sequoia here. Shopping the whole category? Consider the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, Nissan Armada, and GMC Yukon.A Toyota SUV that Seats 7 or 8 Passengers: Toyota Grand Highlander The Toyota Grand HighlanderIf you'd asked me us Toyota needed to add a new SUV to its lineup we'd have said no. The brand produces so many great SUVs. But once we experienced the Grand Highlander, we were convinced. This was missing in the Toyota lineup and is what many families would love have in their driveway. The Grand Highlander, priced from $41K-$59K, offers fantastic basics, such as a spacious cabin for seven or eight passengers, slide and tilt center row seats, and great capacity for kids car seats. They'll all fit, even with rear facing seats.AdvertisementAdvertisementToyota also provides nice powertrain options in the Grand Highlander. To keep prices friendly, it offers a four-cylinder turbo gas-powered engine that generates 265 HP. For buyers who want true hybrid efficiency there is a four-cylinder hybrid that puts out 245 HP and for those who want power, there is an i-Force Max hybrid that produces 362 HP.The hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined and the Hybrid Max gets about 27 MPG combined. All models are available in all wheel drive with multiple drive modes including sport, eco, normal and snow; AWD models add sand/mud/rock drive modes, too.Grand Highlander's interior options span from the basics and to opulence, with leather seating, a panoramic sun roof and more. But the seating space is primo: The third row, which has three seats, is big enough for adults or for maneuvering to install kids car seats. And it has features such as air vents, cup holders and USB ports so everyone will be happy. See our full Toyota Grand Highlander story here. Shopping the whole category? Compare the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Lexus TX, Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-90.2026 Toyota Highlander (+Hybrid): Get It While You CanThe Toyota Highlander HybridThis SUV is the OG Toyota family SUV, especially for its standard four-cylinder hybrid powertrain which gets 35 MPG and generates 243 HP. The Highlander is priced from $45K to $55k, and AWD is standard.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut get it while you can. Next year Toyota will replace it with an all-electric version and then, the mid-sized, not-too-large but not-too-small Highlander Hybrid will be gone (though we have hopes it'll return in one form or another).The Highlander features two engine options: The non-hybrid is a four-cylinder option that generates 265 HP and gets 25 MPG. Then the four-cylinder hybrid generates 245 HP with an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined.We love this mid-size SUV for its flexibility; it's great for four or five passengers on the daily. When the third row is folded down, there's plenty of cargo space. Also, the third row, which seats three, is there when you need it. So, you can go to dinner in one car when family visits or bring an extra friend or two to the movies.Kids car seats fit nicely, though there are only two full sets of LATCHes in the center row and none in the third, which has one upper tether in the middle seat. Most models feature center row captains chairs for easy third row access, but there is a bench seat available in the entry level LE and XLE models.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Highlander is filled with all the spoilers like a premium multimedia system—an option in most trims and standard on top Limited and Platinum trims—which has wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and "Hey Toyota" voice assistance. Buyers can also outfit it with more features like leatherette or leather upholstery, head up display, premium JBL sound, and more. See our full Toyota Highlander story here. Shopping the whole category? Look at the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-90. The Super Cute, All-Electric Toyota C-HRThe Toyota C-HR, now all electricThis year Toyota brought back the adorable, but now larger and better-equipped C-HR (which stands for coupe high-rider to describe its shape and ground clearance). The C-HR is similar inside to the bZ EV but delivers more power and a sportier feel. We were really delighted by all the premium features in this version of the C-HR; owners of the last one found only cloth seats, limited USB ports and no AWD, all intended to keep the price down. But Toyota found that buyers wanted more, so they added things like a 14″ center touchscreen, dual phone charge pads, a panoramic sunroof and standard AWD.Priced from $37,000, the C-HR's dual-motor powertrain generates 338 HP and has a driving range of up to 287 miles. Upgrade to the top of the line (+$2,000) and add a few more features but reduce the range a bit to 278 miles. The C-HR has a Tesla-style NACS charge port and can replenish up to 80% of the battery's charge in less than 30 minutes at a DC fast charger (about 7 hours at a level 2 charger).AdvertisementAdvertisementHere is our review of the Toyota C-HR along with more photos.The EV For Off-Roading: Toyota bZ WoodlandThe all-electric Toyota bZ WoodlandA few years ago Toyota added its first EV to the lineup in the bZ4x, a clunky name with insightful meaning: bZ stands for Beyond Zero, Toyota's initiative to lower its carbon footprint to zero, and then giving back. Part of this is reducing the use of fossil fuels and eliminating tailpipe emissions. The bZ4x was a good first step, but it didn't really deliver all the things that drivers need: Space, capability in snow and mud, and a rugged drive feel.So with the redesign, Toyota delivered two options: The newly named bZ and the bZ Woodland, an off-road-dedicated version with a "go ahead, get me dirty" attitude.The redesigned bZ is more of a city girl's EV: it has a starting price of just under $35,000 and delivers 236 miles of range and 168 HP: Perfect for around town errands and commutes. The bZ Woodland adds more muscle and price: it carries a dual motor powertrain, AWD, 375 HP and up to 260 miles of range and starts at $49,000.That price difference isn't in name only, though. In addition to the more powerful powertrain and AWD, the Woodland edition is 6″ longer, a full inch taller and has more cargo space. For rugged driving conditions it has a surround view camera, all-terrain tires and an off-road setting called "grip."Get more details and Kristen's opinions on the drive experience in our story on the Toyota bZ Woodland.The Toyota RAV4 Asks Only One Pressing Question: Plug-in or Hybrid?Newly redesigned Toyota RAV4 in the GR Sport trimThis is the most popular girl in Toyotaland and for good reason: She's great at everything she does while keeping all passengers happy. The 2026 Toyota RAV4, priced from about $31K to about $50K, has seating for five, tons of cargo space and an off-road version for those who need it. But the biggest change is that its now exclusively hybrid or plug-in hybrid. There is no longer a gas-only option.The base powertrain is a standard four-cylinder hybrid engine that delivers 236 HP and it gets an EPA-estimated 43 MPG combined. Upgrade to the PHEV powertrain for 324 HP, 44 MPG combined, and an EPA-estimated electric range of 52 miles.And then, there are a wide variety of trim options from simple to sporty: entry-level LE, XLE, Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited and Woodland Edition. Most trims offer the choice of front wheel drive or AWD, while AWD is standard on higher trim levels.2026 RAV4 was completely redesigned and includes brand new in-car tech. Toyota updated the RAV4 with a new multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has features like wireless charging, and of course, voice activation. The RAV4 is perfect for small families, even those who need rear facing child car seats. With plenty of rear seat legroom, a seat should easily fit behind the passenger's seat and possibly behind the driver. Keep in mind that the rear seats are fixed and do not move forward and back, so it's up to front seat passengers to ensure there's enough room for them. The RAV4 has two full sets of LATCHes for installing car seats. See our full Toyota RAV4 coverage here. Browsing rivals? Look at the Subaru Outback, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. The Toyota Crown Signia Delivers Under-the-Radar LuxuriesThe Toyota Crown SigniaOne of the newer Toyota SUVs is the Crown Signia which caters to fans who love the conveniences and reliability of the brand but want more space and luxury. Taking a cue from its sibling the Crown sedan, Toyota incorporated many of its features in order to offer an SUV version of the sedan. It also replaces the Toyota Venza when gaining many of its top qualities.The result is a compact crossover with a lot of beautiful and luxe features in one beautiful package: a four-cylinder hybrid engine that delivers 243 HP and is estimated to get 36 MPG, Toyota's 12" multimedia system, and options like leather seating with a panoramic sunroof. The Crown Signia will be available in two versions: XLE and Limited. Pricing ranges from $44k to $48k. Plus, AWD comes standard to sweeten the deal. It sits in a sweet spot for space in convenience by being longer than the RAV4 but shorter than the Highlander.See our Toyota Crown Signia story here. Shopping the whole category? Look at the BMW X1, Lexus NX, Lexus RX, Infiniti QX50, Genesis GV70, Mazda CX-50. The Toyota Corolla Cross Is Still a Very Well-Priced SUVThe Toyota Corolla CrossThis might be the sassiest SUV in the lineup: The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross wins huge kudos for taking the ease of ownership and driving that the Corolla sedan offers into the crossover space. Priced from $23K- $31K, there are seven models to choose from, four of them with the hybrid engine and all of them with standard AWD.There are two engine options to choose from: The gas-powered four-cylinder that generates 169 HP that gets 33 MPG, and a four-cylinder hybrid that generates 196 HP and gets about 45 MPG.A compact SUV, the Corolla Cross will best fit forward facing child car seats and is equipped with two full sets of child car seat LATCHes. Rear facing seats might fit with front seats pushed forward quite a bit—the rear seat isn't huge. But there are air vents for rear seat passengers, which puts this in the 'possibility' category for buyers who need a small SUV and have kids or dogs. We loved the drive experience of the Corolla Cross Hybrid; the added HP simply gives you much more confidence on the road. Also, the multimedia system, the smart cabin layout and conveniences make this a winner, especially at this price point. See our Toyota Corolla Cross coverage here. Shopping the whole category? Look at the Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Trax, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Kicks. A Stellar Toyota SUV Lineup Offers Lots to PonderA classic Toyota image soaked in nostalgiaWhile 'something for everyone' is cliché, here, it's simply true for Toyota SUVs, from price and capability to seating capacity. Add the fact that Toyota has updated its multimedia tech in every model, includes standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assist and safety features, and each model has good-to-great fuel economy, it can be a matter of simply finding the model that is the best fit for you and your family.I've happily owned a Toyota for years and get it: There's nothing like the confidence of power, reliability, and interior conveniences to make a car feel like part of the family. Perhaps the only inconvenience is deciding which one to buy!Related HeadlinesThe Truth About Worn Tires and Tire Replacement: This is What You Need to KnowThe Truth About Worn Tires and Tire Replacement: This is What You Need to Know5 Ways the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Is New and Improved—PHEV Included!Read more at A Girls Guide to Cars
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