First Drive Review: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Has Something for (Almost) Everyone

While the sixth-generation RAV4 isn’t a radical departure from the crossover that came before, it has enough going for it that it’s certain to win back loyal owners while also “conquesting” buyers from the competition.

That starts with a cleaner, more appealing design, inside and out, an assortment of new features, and upgraded technology. Toyota has also upgraded the off-road–oriented Woodland edition while adding a first-ever GR package.

Notably, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 lineup goes all-in on electrification, with a reasonably peppy hybrid and an even sportier plug-in that manages to deliver both improved performance and better fuel economy.

In short: Toyota’s RAV4 was America’s third bestselling vehicle last year, and based on what we’re seeing — and experiencing after a first drive — the sixth-generation crossover should retain its position in 2026. It helps to have more options, including the all-new GR package and the updated Woodland edition. Switching to a hybrid-only strategy is another plus, achieving what once seemed a contradiction: better mileage as well as improved performance. And, the plug-in version is the sportiest package of all while also delivering up to 50 miles per charge.

2026 Toyota RAV4 Review

Considering compact SUVs make up one of the largest segments in the U.S. new vehicle market, it’s no wonder we’re seeing so many new and updated entries lately. That includes, of course, the Toyota RAV4, which gets a big makeover for 2026.

Is it “all-new,” as Toyota officials like to suggest? That’s the sort of question that heats up the conversation when automotive reviewers get together — as we did earlier this month in Phoenix to take the latest edition of the RAV4 for a first drive.

By my definition, this falls into the “major makeover” category, rather than starting afresh from the ground up. But that’s not meant to be dismissive. What Toyota has accomplished here is impressive enough to keep current owners loyal while likely winning over some buyers of competing products, such as the Honda CR-V.

What’s New for 2026

The look of the gen-6 RAV4 is cleaner, fresher and more muscular, albeit instantly recognizable as a RAV4.

The interior is a bit more modern and refined, especially with the Limited trim, which gets a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen and head-up display. There’s a new, more interactive multimedia system, and technology upgrades also include the latest version of the automaker’s digital safety package, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0.

For 2026, Toyota offers three distinct styles, including the Limited package and the upgraded Woodland, which boasts a nearly 1-inch taller ride height. A performance-oriented GR edition is also new for this year. As always, the 2026 RAV4 will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive options.

The big news from the powertrain front is the decision to go exclusively with a pair of “electrified” powertrains. That includes a fifth-generation “conventional” hybrid making up to 236 horsepower. The available plug-in hybrid bumps that to 320 horsepower and will offer owners the ability to travel up to 50 miles on a charge.

Electrifying

No automaker has made more of a push into electrified driving technology, and Toyota today offers hybrid, plug-in, or all-electric options for all but two U.S. models. And, in the case of the 2026 RAV4, all versions of the crossover will come with either a conventional or plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

A fifth-generation version of the Toyota hybrid system pairs a 2.5L inline-4 with two electric motors. It produces up to 226 horsepower in front-wheel-drive configuration and 235 in the all-wheel-drive package.

An upgraded plug-in hybrid, offered only in all-wheel-drive, adds a larger battery and takes power up to a peak 320 horsepower. Range on the new 2026 model jumps to 50 miles.

An 11kW 240V charger is standard with the plug-in. It offers an optional DC fast-charge system on the Limited and Woodland models but not on the RAV4 GR.

RAV4 Woodland

More and more American motorists are heading off-road these days. And even if you’re not looking to spend time out at Moab, the added capabilities of the 2026 RAV4 Woodland edition could win you over. The package gets a premium upgrade for 2026, with more features and a more refined cabin — and with a roughly 1-inch increase in ride height.

From a visual standpoint, the most immediate differences include the “hammerhead” grille with integrated foglights, unique 18-inch matte metallic grey alloy wheels shod with all-terrain tires, a rear tow hitch receiver with wiring harness, and raised black roof rails with cross bars.

The cabin has SofTex trimmed seats — eight-way power for the driver and six-way for the front passenger. There are all-weather mats, and along with plenty of USB-C ports, there’s a 120V AC outlet in the cargo bay.

Woodland comes exclusively in all-wheel drive, as one would expect. It offers buyers a choice of two electrified drivetrains, the 236-horsepower hybrid or the 324-horsepower plug-in hybrid that, in this configuration, musters 49 miles per charge in EV mode. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

RAV4 GR Sport

Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s Chairman — and grandson of the company founder — is a serious racer and determined to put what he describes as “passion” into the brand’s all-too-often plain vanilla lineup. We’ve seen it turn to the Gazoo Racing subsidiary for obvious choices, like the Supra and 86, and deliver a shock with the outrageous GR version of the Corolla hatchback. Now, it’s RAV4’s turn with this first-time GR package.

It gets a matrix-style grill, wide wheel arch moldings wrapped around unique 20-inch wheels and summer tires, a rear diffuser, and high-mounted rear wing spoiler. What you might not immediately notice is the added 20 mm of width, as well as 15 mm lower ride height — 0.8 and 0.6 inches, respectively.

The cabin gets the requisite sporty touches. This includes a GR-badged steering wheel, a red shifter boot, sport alloy pedals, and an artificial trim on the seats intended to better hold you in place when pushing the RAV4 GR around tight corners.

As you’d expect, the GR Sport package is offered exclusively with the Toyota PHEV drivetrain, here making 324 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is still a solid 37 mpg, while the sportier model musters up to an estimated 48 miles in EV mode per charge.

Driving Impressions

Toyota provided me the opportunity to take out three RAV4 grades, including HEV and PHEV versions of the Limited. The more luxurious package lived up to my initial expectations. It is exactly what I’d expect, with a solid road feel and a bit better handling than the outgoing model. But, I spent most of the day focused on driving the GR Sport and Woodland editions.

The route I chose for the latter model took me out onto the reservation of one of the Phoenix area’s native American tribes, up a winding, hilly, and rock-strewn trail that would have given quite a challenge to the prior Woodland trim.

The all-wheel-drive hybrid system proved pleasantly competent, the grippy all-terrain tires making easy work of the steepest hills I encountered. The hill descent control system, meanwhile, allowed me to creep back down without having to bounce my right leg back and forth from throttle to brake.

Competent, yes, but not quite up to the capabilities of Subaru’s Wilderness models, though that probably won’t matter for those who’re more likely to want a RAV4 Woodland to get to the summer cottage or cope with a winter snowstorm. For those Toyota loyalists more serious about off-roading, the 4Runner — given a makeover for 2025 — would be the alternate choice.

As for the RAV4 GR Sport, it’s a welcome addition to the lineup and the additional modifications made to the SUV’s suspension — including rear braces and front performance dampers — do make an immediate difference. There’s notably less body roll, and steering is not only more precise but also gives you a more direct feel for the road.

Though Toyota hasn’t provided hard numbers, a quick launch test suggested the GR, with its PHEV drivetrain, is at least a second faster 0 to 60 than the HEV AWD in either Woodland or Limited trims.

Surprisingly, my biggest complaint is seating. Yes, that artificial suede trim gives you lateral stability, but the lower cushion is still too soft and bouncy, and I still found myself bouncing around when cornering.

Technology

All RAV4 models now feature a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. A 12.9-inch touchscreen is standard on Limited, with base trims featuring a 10.5-inch display.

A six-speaker audio system is standard, with an upgraded nine-speaker JBL system available, depending upon grade. A head-up display is available on Limited Hybrid and XSE plug-in models.

The new Arenne operating system will enable future upgrades on the path to a fully software-defined vehicle, claims Toyota. Much of the vehicle’s software can already be updated using RAV4’s over-the-air update capabilities. And to speed operation, this is the first Toyota model with 5G cellphone technology.

The Toyota Audio Multimedia system has a native voice assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and there’s dual Bluetooth connectivity. There are plenty of USB-C ports around the vehicle. And RAV4 boasts the latest Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 system, integrating a wide range of advanced driver assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning with emergency auto braking. The Woodland’s system adds Trailer Sway Control.

2026 Toyota RAV4: Pricing & Availability

Pricing for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 has yet to be released — and the final figures could be influenced by ongoing trade negotiations, the crossover being produced both in Canada and the U.S. for American buyers. It’s widely expected to come in around $33,000 and run up as high as $42,000. Look for the 2026 RAV4 to arrive in U.S. Toyota showrooms before the end of 2025.