This is the new Toyota RAV4 – due on sale in early 2026.
It doesn't really matter what we say here. Toyota will continue to sell millions of these all across the world, such is the strength of the RAV4 name.
The new car arrives with enhanced plug-in-hybrid engines for the UK market, as well as improvements to the infotainment system and active safety aids.
2026 Toyota RAV4 styling
Up front, the new RAV4's face has certainly been modernised. The hook-shaped LED headlights are connected by a slim opening, which sits above a stamped hexagonal-pattern grille. This look is an evolution of the styling found on newer Toyotas like the bZ4X electric SUV and Camry saloon.
Moving down the side, you'll spot the 'floating' contrast-colour roofline like the outgoing RAV4, plus heavy creases across the rear door and rear wheelarch. To our eyes, the rear-end is more upright, without as much of a sloped rear windscreen as the old RAV4, which should bode well for boot space.
Toyota's also offering a GR Sport trim for the new model. This gets a smattering of handling upgrades, as well as more aggressive exterior styling with a broader front grille and larger alloy wheels.
2026 Toyota RAV4 interior
While the cabin is clearly overhauled compared to the outgoing RAV4, the new car's layout isn't radically different. The centre console connects to the base of the dashboard, with two jutting controls by the centre air vents for the car's driving modes – echoing the old car's look.
Reassuringly, Toyota hasn't ditched all the car's physical buttons in favour of on-screen controls. Some of the more involved climate controls now appear to be a toolbar at the bottom of the infotainment screen, but temperature adjustment – as well as stereo volume – all remain proper easy-to-grab controls.
Toyota's also keen to highlight its new 'Arene' software that controls both the infotainment system and the active safety aids. The screen's layout looks pretty clean and clear, similar to recent Toyota and Lexus models we've reviewed. You also have the full suite of active driver tech, including a system that'll change lanes for you when you press the indicator while using adaptive cruise control and auto-steer.
2026 Toyota RAV4 engines and performance
Mainland Europe gets the option of a full-hybrid RAV4 with either 181hp and front-wheel drive, or 188hp and all-wheel drive. Sadly these models aren't coming to the UK, with only plug-in-hybrid engines being offered here.
New for this generation is a choice of PHEV engines. There's a new entry-level front-wheel-drive version with 264hp, as well as the familiar all-wheel-drive version with 300hp and an impressive 5.8-second 0-62mph time.
Toyota has fitted the PHEV model with an upgraded 22.7kWh battery pack, enabling up to 62 miles of electric-only driving. More important, however, are charging speed boosts. Like recent VW-Group PHEVs, the new RAV4 can DC fast charge at up to 50kW, with a 10-80% session taking just 30 minutes. It can also accept AC power – like those found at hotels and destinations – at up to 11kW, with 10-80% taking three hours.
Spec a GR Sport RAV4 and you don't get any extra power, but you do get some improved hardware. There's a 20mm wider wheel track plus high-performance suspension and beefed-up rear bracing. You also get retuned power steering and special sports seats to complete the experience.
2026 Toyota RAV4 price and specs
Enhancements to the RAV4 and the removal of the full-hybrid models from the UK lineup mean we expect this car to cost a little more than its predecessor. With outgoing PHEV RAV4s priced around £45,000, it's a safe bet to assume the new car will be at least this much, with all-wheel drive and higher-spec trims pushing this number up.
On the plus side, the PHEV engine should mean running costs will be extremely low – especially if you can regularly recharge your RAV4 at home or at work. Maintenance should be manageable too, backed by the reassurance of Toyota's 10-year service-activated warranty.
2026 Toyota RAV4 release date
Toyota hasn't confirmed a launch date for the new car yet, but we're expecting it to arrive at some point in early 2026.
Save thousands by shopping used Toyota RAV4s
With the new car still a while away, why not shop nearly new and used Toyota RAV4 cars, with massive savings off the brand-new price. Find out what the outgoing model is like to live with by reading our full Toyota RAV4 review.
