Rugged styling is on the menu for the new Toyota RAV4, in what is likely its final official preview ahead of its global debut tomorrow morning.
Family Cars
The reveal of the new-generation 2026 Toyota RAV4 family SUV is less than 36 hours away, after months of reports, leaks and spy photos.
Toyota has released what is likely to be its last batch of teaser images of the new RAV4, giving a clearer – but still cryptic – look at the boxier, more off-road-themed appearance of the new mid-size SUV.
Due to be unveiled this Wednesday, May 21 at 11:00am AEST, the new RAV4 is set to be familiar under the skin, but usher in new styling, an overhauled cabin with improved technology, and updated hybrid power.
The latest images all but confirm the line-up will be expanded in Australia with a new sporty flagship – likely under the GR Sport badge – alongside cheaper, more conventional models.
Toyota Australia has elected to publish in its media bulletin only three of the six photos released by head office in Japan, two of which show an red example with an aggressive front bumper and rear spoiler.
It is not identified as a GR Sport, but the styling cues and colour scheme align with the smaller, recently-revealed Corolla Cross GR Sport.
The C-shaped headlights and sharp lines seen in earlier leaked images are clear in these teasers, as well as black trim stretching across the tailgate that will include the tail-lights and 'RAV4' badging.
Not included in Toyota Australia's teaser set – and therefore likely to skip local showrooms – is an off-road model, with black wheels, more aggressive tyres, wider wheel-arch flares, a roof rack, and a different front bumper.
Inside, earlier teasers show an all-new cabin with two large displays, a Prado-esque steering wheel, a shrunken gear shifter, and physical controls retained for key functions.
Technical details of the new RAV4 are yet to be published, but Drive has previously reported it will adopt Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid technology.
It means a familiar 2.5-litre petrol engine matched with an upgraded electric motor and new lithium-ion battery, which in the related Camry sedan delivers a 10kW power boost (from 160kW to 170kW) and 10 per cent lower claimed fuel use.
A plug-in hybrid variant is expected to remain part of the range, which could come to Australia for the first time, Toyota has hinted.
Stay tuned to Drive for full details on the 2026 Toyota RAV4 once it is revealed tomorrow, Australian time.
Below: 2026 Toyota RAV4 leaked image
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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
