Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Welcome to Plano, Texas, for the latest adaptation of the admired Toyota RAV4, which was unveiled to journalists at a state-of-the-art digital venue experience dubbed Cosm Dallas. America’s favorite crossover is back with new styling, features, trims, and colors. The edgy vehicle is so popular that Toyota has sold 6.4 million RAV4s in the U.S. since its inception.
We purchased a 2023 RAV4 Woodland Edition for our daughter as a collegiate graduation gift so she can navigate life safely and proactively. It’s chiseled, rugged, and drives forever with each fillup. For three decades the Toyota RAV4 has won the hearts of Americans, becoming the top-selling non-truck in 2024. It’s also been the brand’s best-selling compact SUV for eight consecutive years. Last year alone Toyota sold over 475,000 units, a 9.3% increase from 2023. Its fuel efficiency, comfort, practicality, and reliability make the RAV4 a top player in the automotive market. With the 6th generation recently unveiled, momentum shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
“At Toyota, customer choice is paramount,” said David Christ, Group Vice President and General Manager, Toyota Division. “With three distinct styles, two highly efficient electrified powertrains, and available Front- or All-Wheel Drive, the all-new RAV4 offers something for everyone and is ready to take on all of life’s adventures.”
The 2026 RAV4 receives a major overhaul inside and out, featuring new electrified-only powertrains, a sharp, curvilinear design, and several trim specifications. While the internal changes are impressive, the exterior is equally noteworthy. Customers can choose either a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) for their RAV4. This move is an excellent option because hybrids are the best of both gas and electric energy worlds. Toyota made the right bet when it decided to focus on hybrid platforms.
The RAV4 is offered in three trims across seven grades: Core, Rugged, and Sport. The Core moniker represents the run-of-the-mill RAV4, featuring carved body panels, a smoothed paint-matched grille, and black-cladded fenders. For those seeking adventure off the beaten path, the Rugged model boasts a split grille with LED fog lights from Rigid Industries integrated into the lower section. Coupled with a slightly lifted suspension, standard all-terrain tires, raised roof rails, and special Woodland badging, this RAV4 is ready to get dirty. If you’re longing for track-inspired zest in your compact SUV, the GR-Sport has you covered. This model showcases a Toyota Gazoo Racing-tuned suspension, aggressive styling influenced by the GR Corolla, and enhanced stability while riding on 20” summer tires.
Power for the HEV is sourced from a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine as part of Toyota’s 5th-generation hybrid system. The brand’s 6th generation PHEV system will unite the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a high-capacity battery. The HEV churns out 226-horsepower (FWD) and 236-horsepower (AWD), while the PHEV AWD creates 320-horsepower. The plug-in’s all-electric mode increased 20% to 50 miles, and depending on the model, your RAV4 will be able to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Hopefully, you won’t be confused by all the labels, but let me break it down. The Core design is available for LE, XLE, and Limited trims, while the Sport design is tied to the SE, XSE, and GR-Sport trims. The Rugged design is exclusive to the Woodland. Additionally, Toyota is diversifying its portfolio with ten color options, such as Urban Rock.
The RAV4’s arguably dated interior has been significantly refreshed and packed with novel technology and safety features. This includes a new steering wheel, a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with navigation functionality, and a heads-up display. A 10.5-inch touchscreen featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a 6-speaker audio system, is standard, but it can be upgraded to a 12.9-inch display and a 9-speaker system sourced from JBL. The RAV4 will also be the debut vehicle for Toyota’s software development platform, Arene. Spokespersons say Arene will be the foundation for safety technology like Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 and hope to enhance connectivity with its customers through the Toyota Audio Multimedia System.
The 2026 RAV4 will surely be a hit with its cutting-edge styling and electric efficiency as Toyota brings its successful compact crossover into a new era.
