The 2026 RAV4 also joins Toyota’s list of exclusively electrified models. It will be available with Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains. RAV4 also launches new technologies for Toyota, including the Arene software development platform, a new version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, and updates to the Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite. 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.”

The new RAV4 comes in PHEV and HEV models, with the PHEV models introducing 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 a Toyota claimed 236 combined system net horsepower on AWD models (219 combined system net horsepower previously). RAV4 hybrid will also be available in FWD for the first time, and will have 226 combined system net horsepower, a 23 horsepower improvement over the prior generation’s 203 horsepower FWD gas model. The PHEV XSE and Woodland grades will have DC fast charging, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in ~30 minutes.