Toyota on Wednesday (21) announced the all-new, 2026 RAV4 where the RAV stands for Recreational Activity vehicle. It was perhaps the world’s first Sports Utility Vehicle or SUV when it was introduced in 1994. Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to get the RAV4 back then and one can still spot the first generation RAV4s on our roads.
For its sixth generation, the world’s best-selling compact SUV will be available in three new designs that include Core, Rugged, and Sport styles – among which include a new-look Woodland grade and the RAV4 GR SPORT model. Some countries will also have an Adventure model. More than 180 countries including Sri Lanka will get the new RAV4 models.
The 2026 RAV4 also joins Toyota’s ever-growing list of exclusively electrified models, as it will be available in a choice of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) power trains. However, Toyota has not yet revealed plans for an all-electric RAV4. That need is fulfilled by the new BZ4 and the CHR+.
New technologies
RAV4 also launches several new technologies for Toyota, including updates to the Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite. Most RAV4s will be equipped with the Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS). In the event that a driver becomes incapacitated due to sudden illness or other reasons while driving, the system automatically slows down and stops the vehicle. By using sensor information to identify a safe place on the road shoulder to pull over, the system has been improved to slow down and guide the vehicle to that safe area. Moreover, a sudden acceleration suppression system restrains acceleration when it detects excessive or accidental accelerator input, whether or not there are obstacles.
The 2026 RAV4 Core design combines a sleek, paint-matched grille, with Toyota’s signature hammerhead front end for a modern take on RAV4. Wide over-fenders with black cladding and an ascending belt line with chiselled body panels complement its SUV proportions. Wheel combinations vary, with 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels available, depending on the grade. Core models include the well-equipped LE, XLE, and Limited grades.
The Rugged design is exclusive to the outdoor-inspired Woodland model, which now becomes a standalone grade to the RAV4 line-up. For the Rugged design, the peak of the hammerhead front end is slightly raised and its black, split upper and lower grille with integrated Rigid Industries LED lighting give it an adventurous look. The model also stands about a half inch higher due to standard All-Terrain tires, has standard raised roof rails with crossbars, and a 1¼ -inch rear activity mount for travel-ready versatility. The Woodland grade will have standard AWD and be available in a HEV or PHEV powertrain.
The new RAV4 comes in PHEV and HEV models, with the PHEV models featuring 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. The HEV system increases output over the prior generation, climbing to 236 combined system net hp on AWD models. The RAV4 hybrid will also be available in FWD for the first time, and will have 226 combined system net horsepower, a 23 hp improvement over the prior generation’s 203 hp FWD gas model.
Variety is the name of the game for PHEV models, moving from two to four grades in model year 2026, 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 150 Km range rating. The new PHEV RAV4 offers improved convenience with vehicle-to-home (V2H) support to supply electricity in a range of living scenarios. The PHEV XSE and Woodland grades will have DC fast charging, capable of charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes.
Expected in the US market this year
New 2026 RAV4 models are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships across the U.S. later this year, and pricing will be announced closer to on-sale date. The 2026 RAV4 HEV debuts Toyota’s fifth-generation Hybrid system on an SUV model. Powered by a 2.5-L, 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.
A new Plug-in Hybrid system will also debut on RAV4. It will have a 2.5-L, 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 miniaturisation 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 AC onboard charger available.
Exterior colour options also bring standout style. The Woodland grade will have an all-new available Urban Rock exterior paint colour, which is exclusive to the grade, while Meteor Shower, Everest, and Storm Cloud colours join the RAV4 colour palette. Favourites like Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blueprint will continue for the new generation. Available two-tone paint options are also carried forward, like the new combination of Meteor Shower with Black roof on the XSE or the GR SPORT’s exclusive pairing of Supersonic Red with a Black roof.
The new RAV4 uses, for the first time at Toyota, the Arene software development platform, developed by Woven by Toyota, Inc. By adopting Arene, Toyota is swinging its development of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) into full gear. Toyota’s vision of the value that SDVs can provide goes beyond simple entertainment and convenience to also include a safe future that offers peace of mind with zero traffic accidents.
Toyota hopes to introduce around 26 new models, (gasoline, diesel, hybrid, PHEV and all-electric) within the next two years, starting with the new RAV4. (PDS)
