Exclusively Electric

Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) announced that the 2026 RAV4 will be an exclusively electrified model that will be available as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). It marks the first time the RAV4, which is the best-selling compact SUV in North America, will not offer any gas-only models. Each 2026 RAV4 will have an electric motor, either has an HEV or a PHEV. New 2026 RAV4 models are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships across the United States later this year.

“At Toyota, customer choice is paramount,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager of 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 PHEV model features a newly developed plug-in hybrid system that combines a high-capacity drive battery and high-output charger compatible with Toyota’s latest sixth-generation hybrid. According to Toyota, the HEV system increases output over the prior generation, climbing to 236 combined system net horsepower (174 kW) on all-wheel drive (AWD) models compared to a previous combined system rating of 219 hp (161 kW).

RAV4 hybrid will also be available in front-wheel drive (FWD) for the first time and will have 226 (166 kW) combined system net horsepower, a 23 hp (17 kW) improvement over the prior generation’s 203 hp (149 kW) FWD gas model.

The latest PHEV system also adds output, with up-to 320 combined system net horsepower (235 kW), up 18 hp (13 kW) over the outgoing system. In model year 2026, the PHEV will expand from two grades to four grades, with the Woodland and GR SPORT models joining the previously available SE and XSE. All PHEV models will have standard AWD. The PHEV model also increases its all-electric driving range to a manufacturer’s estimated 50-mile (80-km) range rating. The PHEV XSE and Woodland grades will have direct current (DC) fast charging, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.

 

Two Powertrains

The 2026 RAV4 HEV debuts Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system on an SUV model. Powered by a 0.7 gallon (2.5-liter), 4-cylinder engine with the fifth-generation hybrid system, it has improvements to the transaxle, power control unit, battery, and other components, all of which contribute to its enhanced motor output, according to Toyota.

A new PHEV system will also debut on RAV4. It will have a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors and high-capacity traction battery. For the new system, Toyota has adopted silicon carbide semiconductors in the front axle to achieve miniaturization and high efficiency. This change, in combination with the larger battery, has led to the increase in range. DC fast charging is also available, with the XSE and Woodland grades being capable of high-speed charging through an equipped CCS charging port. The SE and GR SPORT PHEV models will be equipped with a J1772 charging port. Charging at home or with standard public chargers can also be quicker with up to an 11-kW alternating current onboard charger available

An increase in towing capacity on specific AWD grades adds to RAV4’s overall utility. The HEV XLE, Woodland, SE, XSE, Limited and PHEV SE, XSE, and Woodland grades with AWD, will be capable of towing up to 3500 pounds (1588 kg). All FWD models and the LE AWD model will have a 1750-pound (794 kg) towing capacity.

 

New Technology

The new RAV4 will be equipped with Arene, an all-new software development platform created by Woven by Toyota. The introduction of Arene is Toyota’s first step toward fully software-defined vehicles. The platform will be the foundation of Toyota’s most advanced safety, security, and connectivity technologies and will create new opportunities to enhance features for our customers on a global scale.

The 2026 RAV4 will also launch the newest version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which is enabled by Arene. Paired with the touchscreen display, the system will have standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. The new system changes-up the user experience with a new home button that is always displayed regardless of whether it’s being operated in the native system, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The native voice assistant is also improved with quicker response times. Native map and navigation functionality will also be integrated into the digital gauge cluster.

The Toyota RAV4 will also be the first Toyota model to receive the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) system, also powered by the Arene software development platform. The new version of Toyota’s standard active safety suite will have updates to its hardware and detection capabilities.