All-New Design Categories

Trim levels for both the hybrid and PHEV versions of the 2026 RAV4 will fall into three clear distinct design styles: Core, Rugged, and Sport. The Core lineup will include the RAV4’s tried-and-true trim levels: the base LE, mid-level XLE, and high-end Limited. The Core trims will showcase an exclusive hammerhead-style front end with an integrated grille and wide overfenders, accented by black cladding.

The Rugged category’s sole occupant will be the Woodland. This grade will welcome adventure with a raised front end and higher ground clearance, SofTex-upholstered seats with unique embossing and stitching, new LED fog lights courtesy of Rigid Industries, a 1.25-inch rear activity mount, and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.

In the Sport category, the familiar SE and XSE will be joined by the new GR Sport. All trims in the Sport category will have unique styling, highlighted by black exterior accents and wheels, as well as an available two-tone exterior and front and rear spoilers.

A Performance-Driven RAV4 Debut

The 2026 redesign will introduce the first-ever RAV4 trim with components designed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. The exciting RAV4 GR Sport will only be offered as a PHEV that makes 320 horsepower. Look for it to have performance-driven enhancements, including a sport-tuned suspension and power steering for improved handling, chassis bracing for added rigidity, a lowered ride height, and 20-inch alloy wheels with increased offset. These trim-specific accents will add to its personality: red GR-branded brake calipers, a GR MATRIX grille with active cooling ducts, and front and rear wing-type spoilers. Inside, it will get Ultrasuede-trimmed sport seats with red stitching, aluminum sport pedals, and GR-specific interior trim.

Powertrain Shift: Hybrid and PHEV Only

The 2026 RAV4 will follow the Camry in discarding the gas-only powertrain entirely, leaving the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 PHEV. The redesigned RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain will pair a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to generate a combined 226 horsepower with the front-wheel drivetrain (FWD). With all-wheel drive (AWD), dual electric motors will combine to make 236 horsepower. The LE, XLE, and SE are offered in both AWD and FWD, while the Limited, Woodland, and XSE will get standard AWD.

The RAV4 plug-in hybrid lineup is set to double for model year 2026 with the addition of the new PHEV Woodland and the PHEV-exclusive GR Sport, joining the existing SE and XSE models. The dual-motor PHEV system will produce a combined 320 horsepower on all trims and come with standard electronic on-demand AWD and paddle shifters. The RAV4 PHEV will provide an estimated 50 miles of electric-only driving, outpacing its predecessor's 42-mile all-electric range. It’s also expected to surpass the 2025 PHEV’s 40 city/36 highway mpg.

New Technology

Every 2026 RAV4 will get a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with map and navigation integration, as well as digital HVAC controls. The Woodland alone will have a 3-D multi-terrain monitor providing a view of the road beneath the vehicle. A head-up display will be available on the hybrid Limited and PHEV XSE.

The new Toyota Audio Multimedia System will have faster processing speeds, more storage, and a more responsive voice assistant than its predecessor had, thanks to Toyota’s new Arene software. The infotainment system’s standard components will consist of a 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, simultaneous dual Bluetooth connection, and six speakers. A 12.9-inch touchscreen and a premium 9-speaker JBL audio system will be available.

The 2026 RAV4’s all-new Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite will also be powered by Arene software. Its primary technologies will be a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist. Higher trim levels should receive some additional driver-assist technologies.