2026 Toyota RAV4 features and model range confirmed for Australia, on track for next year

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 will expand the model range from nine to 11 variants when the new model arrives in showrooms between April and June next year.

The new-generation RAV4 will be the first with plug-in hybrid power, and is set to introduce new technology and styling across the range to keep up with Toyota’s rivals from South Korea, Japan and China.

Prices are yet to be announced, but Toyota executives have confirmed the 2026 model will be “slightly” more expensive than today’s RAV4, which ranges from $42,260 to $58,360 before on-road costs.

The 11-variant range will span six equipment levels, topped by a new GR Sport performance edition, as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid power in front- and all-wheel-drive forms.

The current Edge grade has been repositioned from a flagship model to a middle-of-the-range variant with fewer features but similar off-road-themed styling, while all-wheel-drive is now standard on the XSE ‘black pack’.

Plug-in hybrid power will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive forms on the XSE, as well as all-wheel-drive-only on the GR Sport.

Said performance flagship includes unique bumpers, a rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels, sports suspension and steering, a stiffer chassis, and a wider wheel track, as well as various cosmetic extras.

It is powered by a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine paired with front and rear electric motors, and a 22.7kWh battery, for a combined output of 227kW.

The front-wheel-drive version will be exclusive to the XSE, with a single electric motor paired with the same battery and engine for 200kW combined, and up to 100km of claimed electric-only driving range in lab testing.

Regular hybrid models will combine the 2.5-litre engine with a new-generation front electric motor and battery for 143kW combined, down from 160kW to 163kW in the old model due to new emissions rules.

All-wheel-drive hybrids include a second, rear-mounted electric motor, with no connection between the engine and rear axle, as with today’s model.

New features for the GX will include a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen (up from 8.0 inches) running all-new Arene software – claimed to respond faster than the current system – and a widescreen 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (previously on higher grades only).

However, it will not gain a leather steering wheel for the new model – retaining a plastic item – and will keep 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and more.

More expensive models add a standard or panoramic sunroof, leather trim, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, dual wireless phone chargers, a 360-degree camera, heated and ventilated seats, and more. A list of features as confirmed so far by Toyota is included at the bottom of this story.

Available safety features on certain models will include front cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking with motorcycle detection, and a 3D-view 360-degree camera.

New colour options include Massive Grey, Urban Rock, Feverish Red, Dusty Bronze and Daintree Green, joining the carry-over Glacier White, Frosted White, Eclipse Black, Atomic Rush and Saturn Blue, depending on the model grade.

XSE models will offer Frosted White, Dusty Bronze, Massive Grey and Saturn Blue in conjunction with an optional black roof.

More details on the 2026 Toyota RAV4 are due closer to its Australian arrival next year.

• RAV4 GX Hybrid 2WD
• RAV4 GX Hybrid AWD
• RAV4 GXL Hybrid 2WD
• RAV4 GXL Hybrid AWD
• RAV4 Edge Hybrid AWD
• RAV4 XSE Hybrid AWD
• RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2WD
• RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid AWD
• RAV4 XSE PHEV 2WD
• RAV4 XSE PHEV AWD
• RAV4 GR Sport PHEV AWD

• 2.5-litre hybrid system with front- or all-wheel drive
• 17-inch dark grey alloy wheels
• LED headlights with auto levelling
• 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Five USB-C ports
• Dual-zone climate control
• Full suite of safety features
• Temporary spare wheel (full-size spare optional)
• Downhill assist control (AWD only)
• Trail and Snow mode (AWD only)

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rear and side privacy glass
• Leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar
• Wireless smartphone charger

• All-wheel drive as standard
• Unique front and rear bumpers with integrated silver skid plates
• Wider black wheel arches
• Synthetic leather-look upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Power-operated tailgate
• 12.9-inch touchscreen with integrated air-conditioning controls

• 20-inch black alloy wheels
• Black-accented front and rear bumpers
• Regular-width wheel arches
• Stainless steel-look mouldings
• Tilting and sliding sunroof
• Two-tone exterior paint
• Synthetic leather-look and sueded upholstery
• Ventilated front seats (includes three-stage heating)
• Driver memory
• Power-adjustable front passenger seat
• 360-degree camera
• Climate concierge

• 20-inch machined black alloy wheels
• ‘High-grade’ LED headlights
• Panoramic sunroof
• Leather-accented seat upholstery
• Head-up display
• Dual wireless smartphone chargers
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Nine-speaker JBL premium audio

• 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid system with front- or all-wheel drive
• 1500-watt power outlet

• GR-themed front and rear bumpers
• Wing-type rear spoiler
• 20-inch machined alloy wheels
• Aluminium pedals
• GR Sport seats, steering wheel and suede knee pads
• Paddle shifters
• Unique interior stitching
• High-performance dampers
• Stiffer rear suspension brace
• Retuned suspension and power steering calibration
• 20mm-wider wheel track

Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner

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