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Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) today joined Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan and debuted the 2026 RAV4. For its sixth generation, America’s best-selling compact SUV* will be available in three new designs that include Core, Rugged, and Sport styles. This includes a new-look Woodland grade and the U.S. market’s first-ever RAV4 GR SPORT model.
“At Toyota, customer choice is paramount,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “With three distinct styles, two highly efficient electrified powertrains, and available Front- or All-Wheel Drive, the all-new RAV4 offers something for everyone and is ready to take on all of life’s adventures.” New 2026 RAV4 models are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships across the U.S. later this year, and pricing will be announced closer to on-sale date.
Click to enlarge.
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 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.
The Toyota RAV4 will also be the first Toyota model to receive the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) system, also powered by the Arene software development platform. The new version of Toyota’s standard active safety suite will have updates to its hardware and detection capabilities. Additional details will be available closer to the on-sale date.
The 2026 RAV4 is built on the Toyota New Generation Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform. Therefore it will have structural rigidity increases due to reinforcement of the frame joints and the suspension mounting points, both aiding handling and ride comfort. It also adopts a high-damping adhesive that reduces micro-vibrations and road noise.
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.
The 2026 RAV4 Core design combines over-fenders with black cladding and an ascending belt line with chiseled body panels. Wheel combinations vary, with 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels available, depending on the grade.
The so-called Rugged design is exclusive to the “outdoor-inspired “Woodland model, which now becomes a standalone grade to the RAV4 lineup. For the Rugged design, the front end is slightly raised and its black, split upper and lower grille comes with integrated Rigid Industries LED lighting. The Woodland also stands about a half inch higher due to standard All-Terrain tires, has standard raised roof rails with crossbars, and a 1¼ -inch rear activity mount. The Woodland grade will have standard AWD and be available in a HEV or PHEV powertrain.
The RAV4 GR SPORT has claimed input from the Toyota Gazoo Racing engineering division. It prioritizes handling, with a GR-tuned suspension and power steering, enhanced body rigidity, and summer tires on unique 20-inch wheels with increased offset. It will be exclusively available with a PHEV powertrain and has a GR Functional MATRIX grille, along with front and rear wing-type spoilers.
The XSE and SE grades round out the so-called Sport designs. They will be available in HEV or PHEV powertrains and a choice of FWD or AWD depending on grade and have up-to 20-inch wheels, blue interior stitching, and optional two-tone paint.
Interior
Click to enlarge.
A new, slim 10.5-inch or optional 12.9-inch touchscreen have HVAC controls integrated into the bottom of the touchscreen display and have a permanent home along the bottom of the screen. Across all grades, a new, standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster will give drivers customizable options and integrated multimedia information. A Head-Up Display will be optional on the Limited (HEV) and XSE (PHEV) grades. A six-speaker audio system will be standard, and a nine speaker JBL® Premium Audio system will be available, depending on the grade.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Toyota Debuts 2026 RAV4 Compact SUV
Click for more.
Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) today joined Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan and debuted the 2026 RAV4. For its sixth generation, America’s best-selling compact SUV* will be available in three new designs that include Core, Rugged, and Sport styles. This includes a new-look Woodland grade and the U.S. market’s first-ever RAV4 GR SPORT model.
“At Toyota, customer choice is paramount,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “With three distinct styles, two highly efficient electrified powertrains, and available Front- or All-Wheel Drive, the all-new RAV4 offers something for everyone and is ready to take on all of life’s adventures.” New 2026 RAV4 models are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships across the U.S. later this year, and pricing will be announced closer to on-sale date.
Click to enlarge.
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 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.
The Toyota RAV4 will also be the first Toyota model to receive the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) system, also powered by the Arene software development platform. The new version of Toyota’s standard active safety suite will have updates to its hardware and detection capabilities. Additional details will be available closer to the on-sale date.
The 2026 RAV4 is built on the Toyota New Generation Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform. Therefore it will have structural rigidity increases due to reinforcement of the frame joints and the suspension mounting points, both aiding handling and ride comfort. It also adopts a high-damping adhesive that reduces micro-vibrations and road noise.
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.
The 2026 RAV4 Core design combines over-fenders with black cladding and an ascending belt line with chiseled body panels. Wheel combinations vary, with 17-, 18-, or 20-inch wheels available, depending on the grade.
The so-called Rugged design is exclusive to the “outdoor-inspired “Woodland model, which now becomes a standalone grade to the RAV4 lineup. For the Rugged design, the front end is slightly raised and its black, split upper and lower grille comes with integrated Rigid Industries LED lighting. The Woodland also stands about a half inch higher due to standard All-Terrain tires, has standard raised roof rails with crossbars, and a 1¼ -inch rear activity mount. The Woodland grade will have standard AWD and be available in a HEV or PHEV powertrain.
The RAV4 GR SPORT has claimed input from the Toyota Gazoo Racing engineering division. It prioritizes handling, with a GR-tuned suspension and power steering, enhanced body rigidity, and summer tires on unique 20-inch wheels with increased offset. It will be exclusively available with a PHEV powertrain and has a GR Functional MATRIX grille, along with front and rear wing-type spoilers.
The XSE and SE grades round out the so-called Sport designs. They will be available in HEV or PHEV powertrains and a choice of FWD or AWD depending on grade and have up-to 20-inch wheels, blue interior stitching, and optional two-tone paint.
Interior
Click to enlarge.
A new, slim 10.5-inch or optional 12.9-inch touchscreen have HVAC controls integrated into the bottom of the touchscreen display and have a permanent home along the bottom of the screen. Across all grades, a new, standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster will give drivers customizable options and integrated multimedia information. A Head-Up Display will be optional on the Limited (HEV) and XSE (PHEV) grades. A six-speaker audio system will be standard, and a nine speaker JBL® Premium Audio system will be available, depending on the grade.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.