2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 created the modern compact SUV segment when it debuted 30 years ago, and for its sixth generation continues to forge new paths. For its 2026 revamp, all Toyota RAV4 models now use a hybrid powertrain, just as Toyota has done with the Camry sedan and Sienna minivan for their recent makeovers. With this setup, you get the best of two worlds: Stellar fuel economy and more power than a standard gasoline engine alone. There’s also the new 2026 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, with up to 50 miles of electric-only range, which we review separately.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 brings up-to-the-minute technology, fresh looks, and a variety of trims including the adventurous Woodland variants. With its major overhaul, the RAV4 looks to maintain its status as the best-selling model in the highly competitive compact SUV segment that includes the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and a bevy of others.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the Toyota RAV4.

In a word, everything. The Toyota RAV4 is completely new for the 2026 model year, bringing a standard hybrid powertrain, fresh looks inside and out, and innovative technology. Highlights include a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the introduction of Arene, Toyota’s latest software platform. The 2026 RAV4 is the first vehicle with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which bundles several advanced active safety systems as standard.

The Toyota RAV4’s starting price is higher than most other compact SUVs, but there’s a big asterisk: All RAV4 models have a hybrid powertrain, which often costs extra in competitors that offer one. So for example, while on paper a base Toyota RAV4 is roughly $1,000 more than a Honda CR-V, that’s compared to a gas-powered version. Apples to apples against the CR-V Hybrid, the RAV4 is a bargain. A hybrid CR-V starts at $37,080, over $3,700 more than a base RAV4. The new 2026 Jeep Cherokee, which also comes with a hybrid powertrain, starts at $36,995 and has all-wheel drive standard. More in line with the RAV4’s pricing is the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, while the Kia Sportage Hybrid begins several thousand dollars under the RAV4.

Before buying a new Toyota RAV4, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. Toyota vehicles have among the highest resale values in the business, and the RAV4 has long been part of that. We expect similar lofty values with this all-new generation.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 now comes exclusively with a gas-electric powertrain. In addition to bringing superior fuel economy over a standard gasoline engine, this setup actually has more power than both the outgoing gas RAV4 and prior RAV4 Hybrid models. It’s also available with front-wheel drive (FWD) for the first time as a hybrid, in addition to all-wheel drive (AWD).

Front-drive models have a combined 226 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive versions make 236 hp. These numbers beat the old peaks of 203 and 219 hp, respectively, of the prior RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid, not to mention current competitors.

We found the 2026 Toyota RAV4 both peppy and efficient. Thanks to its electrification, it always feels like it has power in reserve. Getting up to speed on a freeway is a breeze, as is higher-speed passing. Under hard acceleration, the engine and continuously variable transmission can drone, but Toyota is hardly alone in that respect with its hybrid powertrain.

Around town, the RAV4 is just as easy to drive as ever. Actually, it’s even easier and quieter, as some low-speed maneuvers don’t even require the engine to switch on. Steering effort is light, and brake feel is good – not always a given with a hybrid powertrain.

We are also fans of Toyota’s active driver assist and safety system, called Safety Sense. This new RAV4 introduces version 4.0 of the suite. In addition to including now-expected features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, it includes Toyota’s Proactive Driving Assist, which we highlight in the Favorite Features section.

Fuel economy

Front-wheel-drive versions of the Toyota RAV4 earn an estimated 48 mpg city/42 mpg highway and 44 mpg combined, while all-wheel-drive models get up to 46/40/44 mpg. Those are class-leading numbers, easily beating the CR-V Hybrid’s best of 43/36/40 mpg and overtaking the Sportage Hybrid’s best of 42 mpg combined.

While all new, the 2026 RAV4’s 5-passenger interior continues the Toyota tradition of being sensible and spacious. As expected, the RAV4 also sees welcome upgrades in the tech department. All models receive a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while the touchscreen at its smallest is 10.5 inches or, optionally, 12.9 inches.

Toyota has made climate controls digital and located in the touchscreen, with hard controls for changing temperature and defrost settings below the screen itself. Mercifully, there is a volume knob in the middle. Limited models offer an available head-up display.

Depending on the trim, the new RAV4 will have a traditional, upright and meaty shift lever or something more akin to a tiny nub. Some buyers have strong opinions about these setups, so we mention that here if you are among them. You can choose the trim according to the setup you like.

Seating materials range from fabric to Toyota’s sturdy SofTex leather-like material. Color choices include black or light gray, or the new Mineral shade in the Woodland trim. XSE models have premium perforated Ultrasuede seating material and colorful accents throughout the cabin.

As for interior space, the RAV4 isn’t quite best in class, but it’s still plenty roomy. Rear legroom measures 37.8 inches, and cargo area comes in at 37.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 70.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Kia Sportage has 41.3 inches of rear legroom and cargo capacity of 39.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 73.7 with it folded.

The 2026 RAV4 looks like a masterclass in revamping a vehicle’s design, yet also keeping it familiar. To wit, the new RAV4 maintains its angular profile in general and smaller details like the horizontal black line across the D-pillar. It even keeps the exact length as the outgoing model — 180.9 inches. Yet, the 2026 model is fresher, too, with a sweeping front fascia and wide-looking rear with RAV4 emblazoned in capital letters across the middle of the tailgate.

Toyota classifies the 2026 RAV4 into three unique designs: Core, Rugged, and Sport, with each aesthetic bringing distinct traits. For example, the Woodland trim, which represents the Rugged design theme, is a half-inch higher, thanks to standard all-terrain tires. Also, it comes with raised roof rails and features integrated LED lighting from Rigid Industries. Core models include the LE, XLE, and Limited trims, and Sport is home to the SE and XSE trims. Wheel sizes for the new RAV4 range from 17 to 20 inches. As before, two-tone color schemes with a black roof are available.

Hybrid powertrain: Great fuel economy? Check. Great power? Check. The beauty of Toyota’s hybrid systems is that they get you both. And in the all-new RAV4, you get the system standard.

Proactive Driving Assist: Part of the new Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, this system has an almost ESP-like ability to predict driving situations and assist as needed. For example, when switched on, the system will lightly do the braking and steering in certain situations. It’s unobtrusive, yet a real stress reliever.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: This is becoming more common on new cars, but it’s not always a given or standard. All 2026 RAV4 models get it, and we’re glad they do.

Variety: Toyota offers the new RAV4 in what it calls three designs: Core, Rugged, and Sport. Within them are various trims, from the popular XLE Premium in Core to the outdoorsy Woodland in Rugged. It means a RAV4 for just about every type of buyer.

Standard Drive Recorder: Every 2026 RAV4 includes this. When operating, it uses the SUV’s exterior cameras to capture 20-second clips of either manual or triggered events.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a hybrid powertrain that marries a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and battery-fed electric motor. Toyota arguably has the best such hybrid systems on the market, and has been making them for decades — remember, it created the Prius. The hybrid system on the 2026 RAV4 is its latest version and marks its fifth-gen debut on an SUV.

For the first time, a RAV4 Hybrid can be had with front-wheel drive in addition to the familiar all-wheel drive. Front-drive versions make a combined 226 hp, while all-wheel-drive models output 236 hp. Toyota’s hybrid systems send power to the wheels using a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Toyota’s new-vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles, which is typical for the class. Hybrid components have a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles; the hybrid battery is protected for 10 years or 150,000 miles.

The 2026 RAV4 also includes ToyotaCare, which covers factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and two years of roadside assistance without a mileage limit.

Safety Ratings

Although the 2026 Toyota RAV4 has yet to be crash-tested, we know that, like all new Toyota vehicles, it will feature a robust suite of active safety and driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.