2026 Toyota RAV4 review: Quick drive

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Forget roaring engines and rugged terrains; the Toyota RAV4 reigns supreme on Australian roads. It’s not just a best-seller; it’s a sales juggernaut, crushing the competition and claiming the SUV throne in 2024. This isn’t just Toyota’s top performer; it’s Australia’s most-wanted SUV, period.

Hold onto your hats, because a legend is reborn! Slated for 2026, the sixth-generation model isn’t just an update; it’s a revolution. Prepare for a rugged, head-turning exterior, a completely redesigned interior that screams sophistication, and – in a historic first for Australian drivers – a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option to electrify your adventures. The future is coming, and it’s looking powerful.

The throne room has been renovated, but at what cost? Toyota’s new hybrid boasts a steeper price tag and a trimmed-down engine. We braved the proving grounds, pushing the redesigned champion to its limits. Will the king maintain its reign, or will challengers usurp the crown?

How much does the Toyota RAV4 cost?

Brace yourself. Australia’s beloved SUV just hit a major price bump – we’re talking jump-out-of-your-seat territory.

2026 Toyota RAV4 HEV

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Toyota RAV4 GX FWD | $45,990(+$3730)| | 2026 Toyota RAV4 GX AWD | $49,340(+4080)| | 2026 Toyota RAV4 GXL FWD | $48,990(+3180)| | 2026 Toyota RAV4 GXL AWD | $52,340(+3530)| | 2026 Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD | $55,340(-$3020)| | 2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE AWD | $58,340(-$5755)| | 2026 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD | $56,990(+$5580)| | 2026 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD | $60,340(+$5930)|

2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE FWD | $58,840 (new) | | 2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE AWD | $63,340 (new) | | 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport AWD | $66,340 (new) |

Prepare for a jolt to the wallet! The entry point to the range is now the GX 2WD Hybrid, clocking in at $45,990 (before on-road costs). That’s a hefty $3730 price surge compared to the previous base model.

Prepare for sticker shock. The price of admission just jumped significantly. That coveted Cruiser 2WD? Now a staggering $5,580 steeper. And hold onto your hats, hybrid lovers: the all-new XSE AWD – replacing its humbler predecessor – will lighten your wallet by an eye-watering $6,430 more.

Toyota’s electrified lineup just got a jolt! Buckle up, because three new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models are joining the fray, injecting a serious dose of power and efficiency – for a price. Leading the pack is the GR Sport AWD PHEV, boasting a thrilling combination of performance and eco-consciousness, but demanding a hefty $66,340 (before on-road costs) to park it in your driveway.

The Toyota Edge AWD HEV, built for adventure, now boasts a tempting $3,020 price slash. But hold on Toyota’s calling it a "repositioning." Translation? This formerly top-tier trim likely shed some bells and whistles to achieve that appealing sticker price. Is the thrill of the deal worth sacrificing some features?

To see how the Toyota RAV4 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the Toyota RAV4 like on the inside?

The old RAV4’s interior? Let’s just say it screamed "last century." The infotainment system was practically a relic. Thankfully, Toyota dragged the RAV4 kicking and screaming into the modern age with this new model. It’s a night-and-day difference.

Forget the RAV4 you know. Toyota just dropped a tech bomb, blasting this family SUV into the future. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a full-blown digital revolution, catapulting the RAV4 from the Stone Age to the Space Age.

All models get a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster as standard, which is clear, easy to read, and configurable.

Ditch the lag, embrace the brilliance. Toyota’s revamped multimedia system, showcased on a crisp 10.5-inch screen in the GX or a sprawling 12.9-inch display in the Edge, XSE, and Cruiser trims, is a revelation. Finally, a system that doesn’t feel like it’s running on dial-up. Prepare for lightning-fast response times and a visual feast that makes the previous generation look like ancient history.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are finally standard, along with embedded satellite navigation.

Overseas model shown

Imagine every new car shipped with its own eyewitness. That’s the reality with the Embedded Drive Recorder. Utilizing the vehicle’s existing forward-facing safety camera, it transforms into a built-in dashcam, silently capturing your journeys. It’s a feature so essential, so fundamentally valuable for peace of mind, that itshouldbe a universal standard.

Imagine summoning a blast of cool air on a sweltering day, all before you even unlock the cabin. Toyota’s Connected Services transforms your smartphone into a remote control for your car, letting you monitor vehicle health and, quite possibly, pre-set the perfect temperature.

Beyond stylish looks, the RAV4 delivers everyday practicality. Thirsty? Two jumbo cupholders await. Need a spot for your phone? The GXL and above boast a clever storage nook beneath the wireless charging pad. And for serious cargo? The centre console bin is cavernous – practically begging to swallow your odds and ends.

But wait, there’s more! That center armrest isn’t just for resting. Give the tab a tug, andvoila! It transforms into a nifty little tray – perfect for stashing snacks or propping up a tablet. Road trip snack spills? Consider them history. This ingenious touch is a lifesaver for families conquering car journeys.

Overseas model shown

The steering wheel? A tactile delight. But step into the Cruiser or GR Sport, and prepare for a transformation. Gone is the clunky gear lever, replaced by a sleek, shift-by-wire system that liberates the center console, offering a newfound sense of space and modern sophistication.

Even adults will relish the surprisingly spacious second row. Now, about those USB ports… the base GX boasts a generous five USB-C ports – a definite win. However, a word of caution: the pre-production models we encountered only delivered 15W of power.

Wireless CarPlay and snail-paced charging? Prepare for battery anxiety. Unless you shell out for the top-tier GR Sport, you’re stuck with charging speeds that feel like they’re from a bygone era. Forget quick top-ups; you’ll be watching that battery icon drain faster than you can say "road trip." The upgrade to the GR Sport and its 45W USB-C is not a luxury, it’s practically a necessity.

The wireless charging pad (GXL and higher trims) felt like a sauna for our phone. Without any apparent cooling, we’re concerned about overheating, especially on extended road trips. Hopefully, the production model will offer a way to keep things cool.

To see how the Toyota RAV4 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

This is a hybrid-only range for the first time, but it’s split into two very different types of hybrid.

| Specifications | RAV4 Hybrid | RAV4 PHEV | | — | — | — | |Engine| 2.5-litre 4cyl hybrid | 2.5-litre 4cyl PHEV | |Engine outputs| TBC | TBC | |Electric motor outputs| TBC | TBC | |System outputs| 143kW | 200kW(FWD) 227kW (AWD) | |Battery| TBC | 22.7kWh lithium-ion | |Transmission| e-CVT | e-CVT | |Drive type| FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD | |Electric driving range| – | 100km (WLTP) | |Max AC charge rate| – | 11kW | |Max DC charge rate| – | 50kW |

All hybrid variants (GX, GXL, Edge, XSE, Cruiser) come with Toyota’s fifth-generation 2.5-litre series-parallel hybrid system.

Australia’s Toyota models are taking a hit under tightening emissions standards, sacrificing raw power at the altar of environmental responsibility. The days of the 160kW (2WD) and 163kW (AWD) beasts are gone. Now, both the 2WD and AWD versions peak at a comparatively tame 143kW. It’s a power cut impacting drivers directly, but is it a necessary sacrifice for a greener future?

The XSE and GR Sport models get Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid system for Australia. This is all about performance.

It pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a much larger 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery and more powerful electric motors.

• PHEV 2WD (XSE):****200kWcombined output
• PHEV AWD (XSE, GR Sport):****227kWcombined output (making it the most powerful RAV4 ever)

Toyota is targeting an EV-only driving range of up to 100km (WLTP).

What truly sets this PHEV apart is its charging prowess. Forget agonizingly slow top-ups; it boasts both a robust 11kW AC charging capacity and a blazing-fast 50kW DC fast-charging capability. This is a rarity in the plug-in hybrid world, allowing you to surge from a mere 10% to 80% battery in approximately 30 minutes – reclaiming your time and getting you back on the road faster than you thought possible.

To see how the Toyota RAV4 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Toyota RAV4 drive?

Toyota didn’t shatter any molds with this platform, it’s true. Familiar foundations lie beneath, but the driving experience? A mixed bag of evolution. Some changes sing, others stumble.

The numbers don’t lie: 160kW to… less. The old RAV4 packed a punch, especially the AWD’s 163kW. Now? The difference is palpable. We pitted the new model against its predecessor, and the result was clear: flooring the accelerator no longer delivers that satisfying surge. The new RAV4 feels noticeably less eager, a shadow of its former self when you demand full power.

However, the compromise brings a welcome reward: a leap in refinement. Where the current RAV4’s engine can become a bit raucous under heavy acceleration, its CVT straining, this next generation whispers a smoother song. The delivery of its (admittedly reduced) power is now silkier, a testament to Toyota’s dedication to sound insulation and a more premium driving experience.

The brakes are a revelation. Toyota has masterfully tamed the often-jerky handoff between regenerative and friction braking found in many hybrids. Instead of a clumsy stumble, the pedal offers a smooth, confident response, bringing you to a halt with grace and precision. It’s braking, perfected.

The suspension shines, especially when the tarmac ends. We threw it down rutted tracks and across corrugated gravel, the kind that rattles lesser vehicles to their core. Yet, this car remained planted and composed, a testament to its outback-ready engineering. It didn’t just survive; it thrived, inspiring confidence with every kilometer.

The one major area of concern was the over-eager safety aids.

The lane-keep assist fought a phantom battle on the gravel, each twitch a clumsy correction against a road that offered no lines, only shifting stone. The steering wheel pulsed with misguided confidence, urging me off course with every well-intentioned intervention.

Imagine a backseat driver, but instead of snide remarks, it’s an electronic nanny constantly tugging at the wheel. That’s precisely the sort of meddling youdon’tneed. And the real kicker? You can’t just silence it with a button. You’re forced to navigate a digital labyrinth, diving deep into obscure menus just to shut it up. Even then, one fellow journalist confessed, the darn thing still whispered warnings, a phantom interference you just couldn’t shake.

The driver distraction monitor proved surprisingly subtle, a welcome respite from overzealous safety tech. We’re holding our breath, however, for the real showstopper: the all-new PHEV models, slated to electrify the roads in 2026.

Forget what you think you know about plug-in hybrids. We just wrestled the RAV4 Prime, the forbidden fruit of electrifying thrills, and emerged utterly stunned. This isn’t just efficient; it’s shockingly quick. Think hot hatch performance, but with a plug. Prepare for a surge of instant torque, a silent rush of acceleration, and a genuinely engaging driving experience that redefines what a hybrid can be.

Judging by that, the upcoming GR Sport AWD PHEV, boasting a potent 227kW, promises neck-snapping acceleration. Even the entry-level 2WD PHEV packs a serious punch with 200kW on tap.

Boasting a hefty 22.7kWh battery, this plug-in hybrid aims for a sweet spot: a 100km all-electric range. Plus, it’s one of the few PHEVs packing a 50kW DC fast-charging punch. The catch? Prepare for sticker shock. At $66,000 and up, it’s a significant investment, especially now that government incentives for PHEVs are fading fast.

To see how the Toyota RAV4 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The new range is broad, with 11 variants. Here’s a breakdown of the key equipment.

2026 Toyota RAV4 GX equipment highlights:

• 17-inch dark grey metallic alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• 10.5-inch multimedia touchscreen
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Embedded satellite navigation
• Embedded Drive Record (dashcam)
• Dual-zone climate control
• Fabric upholstery
• Six-speaker audio system
• 5x USB-C ports
• Reversing camera
• Full Toyota Safety Sense suite

RAV4 GXL adds (over GX):

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Privacy rear and side glass
• Silver-painted front and rear skid plates
• Premium interior trims (doors, dash)
• Leather-accented steering wheel and shift knob
• 8-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar support
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Wireless smartphone charger

RAV4 Edge (AWD HEV) adds (over GXL):

• Dark matte grey metallic alloy wheels
• Unique front and rear bumpers
• Wider black wheel-arches
• 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen
• Premium trim upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Powered tailgate

RAV4 XSE (AWD HEV) adds (over GXL):

• 20-inch black alloy wheels
• Black front and rear bumpers
• Two-tone exterior paint
• Panoramic view monitor (360-degree camera)
• Enhanced LED headlights
• Combination premium trim and suede upholstery
• Climate concierge
• 3-stage heated and ventilated front seats
• 8-way powered front passenger seat
• Driver’s seat memory
• Tilt and slide moonroof

GR Sport (overseas model)

RAV4 Cruiser adds (over GXL):

• 20-inch machined black alloy wheels
• High-grade LED headlights
• Tilt and slide panoramic moonroof
• Genuine leather-accented seat trim
• Driver memory seats
• Shift-by-wire gear lever
• Head-up display (HUD)
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Powered tailgate with kick sensor
• Two wireless smartphone chargers
• 9-speaker JBL premium audio system

RAV4 XSE PHEV adds (over XSE HEV):

• Larger disc brakes
• 1500W inverter in the cargo area

RAV4 GR Sport PHEV adds (over XSE PHEV):

• GR-specific mechanicals (front damper, rear brace, unique springs)
• 20mm wider track
• Exclusive electric power steering tune
• Unique front and rear bumpers, wing-type spoiler
• Red brake calipers
• Aluminium pedals
• GR Sport heated steering wheel with paddle shifters
• GR logos and red stitching
• Premium trim and suede upholstery
• Digital rear-view mirror
• 45W USB-C charging ports
• Head-up display (HUD)
• Powered tailgate with kick sensor
• Two wireless smartphone chargers
• 9-speaker JBL premium audio system

To see how the Toyota RAV4 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the Toyota RAV4 safe?

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has not yet been crash-tested by ANCAP, so it remains unrated.

Even the base GX comes loaded with safety features. Expect Toyota’s next-generation Safety Sense standard across the entire model range.

Standard safety features include:

• 8 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Emergency steering assist
• Full-speed active cruise control
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane trace assist
• Proactive driving assist
• Automatic high beam
• Blind-spot monitor
• Safe exit assist

Even the most basic model comes loaded with peace of mind: front and rear cross-traffic alert, a watchful blind-spot monitor, and safe exit assist security features that transform everyday drives into worry-free adventures.

To see how the Toyota RAV4 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Toyota RAV4 cost to run?

The all-new RAV4 has landed in Australia, but the burning question remains: how much will it cost to keep it purring? Toyota Australia is keeping mum on specific servicing costs for now. However, breathe easy knowing that your shiny new ride is shielded by Toyota’s comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty – a promise of worry-free motoring.

The outgoing model came with capped-price servicing for the first five years or 75,000km, with each 12-month/15,000km service costing $260.

We’ll have to wait and see if the new model – with its price hikes – can maintain this.

To see how the Toyota RAV4 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Toyota RAV4

To say the RAV4 dominates the market is an understatement. It isn’t just a sales leader; it’s in another league.

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October 2025: Toyota’s RAV4 didn’t just lead the Medium SUV pack; it devoured it. A staggering 4401 units rolled off lots, leaving the Mazda CX-5, with a respectable but distant 1813 sales, eating its dust. The RAV4’s dominance isn’t just a win; it’s a statement.

Toyota’s RAV4 isn’t just leading the pack; it’s lapping the competition. Through October, it moved a staggering 39,519 units. To put that in perspective, even if you combined the sales of its closest rivals, the Mazda CX-5 (18,842) and Mitsubishi Outlander (18,517), you still wouldn’t reach the RAV4’s dominance.

Toyota’s bleeding market share, and this refresh is their tourniquet. Forget the bland, outdated cockpit of yesteryear; the interior has been reborn. Infotainment woes? Banished. For Toyota loyalists, consider this absolution.

The challenge for many will be pricing. A $3730-plus entry-level price hike pushes the RAV4 further into premium territory.

Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid commands respect, even inspiring a willingness to pay a premium and endure agonizing wait times. But can that devotion withstand these bold new price hikes? The loyalty of RAV4 buyers faces its ultimate test as compelling, budget-friendly alternatives from Kia, Hyundai, and GWM emerge, poised to steal the spotlight.

The gloves are off. The latest PHEV models aren’t just entering the arena; they’re stepping into a high-stakes showdown. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the reigning champ, but a hungry pack of Chinese plug-in hybrids and all-electric contenders are circling, ready to dethrone it. This isn’t just a competition; it’s a battle for PHEV supremacy.

With a blistering 227kW output and rapid 50kW DC fast-charging, this machine boasts serious performance and tech cred. But be warned: its $66k+ price tag rockets it into a luxury league where only the elite can play.

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