2026 Toyota RAV4 debuts – sixth-gen SUV gets 2.5L hybrid, 320 hp PHEV versions; up to 150 km EV range

2026 Toyota RAV4 debuts – sixth-gen SUV gets 2.5L hybrid, 320 hp PHEV versions; up to 150 km EV range

Toyota has unveiled the new, sixth-generation RAV4 SUV, built on the latest iteration of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that underpinned its predecessor. Propulsion for the latest RAV4 is by hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the latter offering a claimed 150 km of range on purely electric running.

The latest SUV model from the Japanese manufacturer is offered in three trim variants – Core, which gets urban-oriented styling; Adventure, with off-roading-focused details; and GR Sport, with motorsport-inspired elements.

For dimensions, the latest RAV4 Core measures 4,600 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,680 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm; the Adventure and GR Sport variants are slightly wider at 1,880 mm. Depending on specification, wheels are offered in 17-inch, 18-inch or 20-inch diameter sizes.

2026 Toyota RAV4 debuts – sixth-gen SUV gets 2.5L hybrid, 320 hp PHEV versions; up to 150 km EV range

L-R: GR Sport, Core, Adventure trim variants

Powertrain specifications for the United States market model reveal that the 2026 RAV4 gets a 2.5 litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive layouts. The hybrid FWD is rated to produce 226 hp while the hybrid AWD gets slightly more at 236 hp, while the PHEV gets an AWD driveline, with up to 320 hp.

For battery charging in the plug-in hybrid versions, the 2026 RAV4 supports AC charging at up to 11 kW, while faster charging comes courtesy of DC charging which Toyota says can bring a 10-80% recharge in approximately 30 minutes.

2026 Toyota RAV4 Adventure (above), GR Sport (below)

The sixth-generation RAV4 gets Arene, the manufacturer’s software development platform created by Woven by Toyota, and is its first step towards fully software-defined vehicles, says Toyota. The 2026 RAV4 is also the first Toyota to receive the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) suite of driving assistance systems.

This now features additional functionality such as Emergency Driving Stop Function (EDSS) in case the driver becomes incapacitated due to sudden illness or other reasons, as well as sudden acceleration suppression, which restrains acceleration when excessive or accidental throttle input is detected. Further details on these for the RAV4 will be made available closer to its on-sale date, says Toyota.

2026 Toyota RAV4 debuts – sixth-gen SUV gets 2.5L hybrid, 320 hp PHEV versions; up to 150 km EV range

Inside, infotainment is provided through a touchscreen of up to 12.9 inches across, supplying a new interface that brings a customisable home screen as well as quicker and more accurate voice recognition. Meanwhile, all trim levels get a 12.3-inch digital driver instrumentation display. Higher trim levels additionally get a head-up display, while six-speaker and nine-speaker audio systems are offered.

The driver instrumentation display is now of a freestanding screen configuration, without cowling as is increasingly commonplace, while the transmission selector is now a much smaller toggle compared to the conventional gear lever in the fifth-generation RAV4.

The pair of cupholders are now side-by-side with the transmission selector, and the centre console box armrest is reversible to also serve as a tray. Meanwhile in the second row, the rear seat backs can fold even flatter when stowed, and with the seats in place the luggage compartment now holds more at 749 litres, up from 733 litres in the previous model.

For market launches, Toyota will be launching the sixth-generation RAV4 in Japan and the United States later this year, and it will eventually reach over 180 countries and regions globally. In Malaysia, the RAV4 was last on the market as the fifth-generation model that went on sale here in June 2020 with 2.0L and 2.5L petrol powertrains.

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Mohammad Que Qushairy on May 21, 2025 at 2:14 pm

    Toyota Malaysia please bawak masuk RAV4 Baru ni

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 11
  • Viron on May 21, 2025 at 2:37 pm

    Hyundai or Kia looks better, but only not smart people will buy this car but poor quality

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 14
  • anonymous on May 21, 2025 at 7:41 pm

    ‘global model’ but seems to always skip malaysia for some reason. ya lah toyota malaysia is doing the most to sell rebadged peroduas…what to do… :(

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 2
  • All over the world people know that RAV4 is in the same segment as CR-V, X-Trail, CX-5 etc. While in Malaysia, Malaysian think that their Corolla Cross is. This is because RAV-4 when it comes into Malaysia, it was stinking expensive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Arnav Nishanth on May 22, 2025 at 6:53 am

    Lemme guess, not coming to Malaysia. Is All Toyota Malaysia is capable of is selling using either Perodua rebadges, or in the good days, old JDMS? Sellus what we want! We want the cool Toyota. Not like the overpriced junk they sell here. Don’t mention the Camry, good good car but so damn overpriced

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 0
  • Upgrade ur kilang on May 22, 2025 at 10:59 am

    The factory in malaysia is not capable of doing this. When they bring CBU, harga kayangan.
    Get through recon is the next option

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • The fanboy on May 22, 2025 at 3:35 pm

    Always wanted a RAV4, since the last gen. Will this come true?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

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