The first new RAV4 in seven years introduces fresh styling, more technology, and new safety features – but it's a fair bit more expensive.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 will be hit with price rises of up to 12 per cent – or $6430 – with the new, higher-tech model due in Australian showrooms from March next year.
It will introduce the option of plug-in hybrid power to the RAV4 badge, priced at up to $66,340 plus on-road costs – or more than $70,000 drive-away – for the flagship, performance-oriented GR Sport edition.
Revealed in May, the new RAV4 uses a version of its predecessor's underpinnings, but wears boxier bodywork, an all-new interior with larger screens, and new features not offered on previous models.
It is due in showrooms in "late Q1 [first quarter of] 2026" – indicating a March arrival – in regular hybrid guise, ahead of the plug-in hybrid due between July and September 2026.
Prices now start from $45,990 plus on-road costs for the front-wheel-drive GX Hybrid 2WD, up $3730 over the previous model, and a considerable $10,490 more than the same variant – with fewer features – at the start of the outgoing model life in 2019.
It compares to $42,850 plus on-roads for the cheapest Hyundai Tucson hybrid, and is about $10,000 dearer than the cheapest GWM Haval H6 hybrid from China ($40,990 drive-away vs approx. $50,000 drive-away).
The largest price rise has been applied to the XSE Hybrid AWD, now $58,340 plus on-road costs – up $6430 – while the flagship Cruiser Hybrid AWD is now $60,340 plus on-roads, up $5930 over the 2025 version, and $15,350 dearer than its 2019 equivalent.
Toyota has repositioned the Edge from a top-of-the-range model to a mid-grade variant, citing customer demand for its off-road-styled looks at a lower price, now $3020 cheaper than its predecessor.
Plug-in hybrid prices start from $58,840 plus on-road costs for the cheapest variant, the front-wheel-drive XSE – about $6000 dearer than the most expensive version of the popular BYD Sealion 6.
The plug-in RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine matched with a single front electric motor in front-wheel-drive versions, producing 200kW combined.
All-wheel-drive XSE and GR Sport variants add a rear electric motor for a combined 227kW, for a zero to 100km/h acceleration time of 5.8 seconds.
Both layouts are paired with a 22.7kWh battery pack for up to 100km of claimed electric-only driving range in European WLTP testing, as well as charging at up to 50kW DC or 11kW AC.
Regular hybrid versions use a new-generation 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric system producing 143kW in front- or all-wheel-drive forms, down from 160kW and 163kW respectively from the previous model, due to new emissions regulations.
Fuel consumption figures for the new RAV4 Hybrid are yet to be published.
Standard features in the base GX include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch instrument display, fabric seats, a plastic steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control.
It has gained larger screens over the old model, with new Arene software and an in-built dashcam, as well as new safety features such as front cross-traffic alert.
However, it has deleted its leather-trimmed steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers, despite the significant price hike.
The GXL gains features such as 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver's seat and wireless charging, while the Edge has been repositioned from a flagship grade to a mid-spec model.
Over the GXL, it gains unique styling and wheels, wider wheel arches, a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen, and leather-look seats, while the XSE above it is now all-wheel-drive only, and introduces black styling highlights, a 360-degree camera, heated and ventilated seats, and more.
Flagship models such as the Cruiser gain 20-inch alloys, heated rear seats, a panoramic glass roof, a head-up display, a second wireless charger, and more.
Plug-in hybrids gain larger brake discs and a 1500-watt power plug in the boot, while the GR Sport introduces sportier styling, a wider wheel track, and revised suspension and steering.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is available to order now.
2026 Toyota RAV4 price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2026 Toyota RAV4 GX Hybrid standard features:
2026 Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid adds (over GX Hybrid):
2026 Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid adds (over GXL Hybrid):
2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid adds (over GXL Hybrid):
2026 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid adds (over XSE Hybrid):
2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE PHEV adds (over XSE Hybrid):
2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport PHEV adds (over XSE PHEV):
Colour options include 10 single-tone and four two-tone choices, depending on the grade.
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
