The Gen 6 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 for our 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.

Toyota might say customer choice is paramount, but it comes with a bewildering array of options and packages to climb over that are the antonym of the once famous Honda tagline “We Make it Simple.”