The subsequent Toyota RAV4 will make make an amazing automobile even higher

The subsequent-generation Toyota RAV4 is coming, changing the best-selling mannequin launched in 2018. The brand new RAV4 will only be available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, discarding the ICE powertrain utterly. That is according to Toyota’s current follow, having modified the favored Camry sedan to hybrid-only for the 2025 mannequin.

The present, outgoing RAV4’s recognition is constructed on a strong basis. It’s a compact crossover SUV, the preferred type of automobile within the US. Beginning at simply over $30K for the hybrid, it is vitally inexpensive, and gives true worth in your cash as properly.

The superb gasoline effectivity of the hybrid made it a no brainer in comparison with RAV4 ICE, or some other ICE crossover of comparable measurement. The Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) model comes with a spicy 302 hp and might run 42 miles on battery energy alone. And, in fact, it’s a Toyota, with the highest reliability and strong resale worth constructed into the model.

The brand new RAV4 will solely be the sixth technology, changing the present one launched in 2018. As with earlier generations, Toyota appears to be enhancing what’s already a profitable formulation, quite than developing with radical adjustments.

2026 Toyota RAV4 overview

Making an amazing automobile higher

Toyota is at all times very cautious when launching a brand new technology of a preferred mannequin, and the outgoing RAV4 was highly regarded certainly. Final yr, it unseated the Ford F-150 as bestselling model within the US. However regardless of a significant facelift in 2021, the seven-year-old RAV4 was getting outdated, and it was time for a brand new one to wow drivers.

Software program-defined automobile

Drivers as we speak need vehicles to have performance that mimics or enhances our smartphones. The brand new RAV4 is Toyota’s subsequent step to a totally software-defined car, with superior connectivity, security, and security measures that may be constantly up to date over-the-air to offer the newest tech because it turns into accessible.

This RAV4 would be the first automobile with the newest model of Toyota’s audio multimedia system. It nonetheless gives Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and twin Bluetooth connectivity, however with a extra user-friendly interface. Voice assistant is now higher and quicker, whereas maps and navigation will probably be built-in into the digital gauge cluster. This RAV4 can even be the primary car to get the newest Toyota Security Sense 4.0 system.

Acquainted form made higher

Once you take a look at the brand new mannequin, it’s nonetheless unmistakably a RAV4. The traces and shapes are acquainted, however every little thing has been up to date. With the ICE choice dropped, the vary has been simplified, with patrons getting fairly a couple of luxurious and pricing choices, in addition to a standard on a regular basis RAV4, a extra off-road vibe, and extra performance-oriented choices.

Beneath the pores and skin, the brand new RAV4 is constructed on the newest model of the Okay chassis, a common platform utilized in fashions such because the Highlander, Crown Signia, and Lexus RX. In line with Toyota, this chassis is extra inflexible than earlier than, and improved building supplies within the physique resulted in much less micro-vibration when driving.

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New hybrids solely

Subsequent-gen HEV, PHEV with extra energy

The large, however not sudden, information is that Toyota is dropping the ICE engine in favor of the extra highly effective and environment friendly HEV and PHEV drives. The engine remains to be the acquainted 2.5L Atkinson inline 4 cylinder, however the energy has been elevated considerably.

Hybrid accessible in FWD and AWD

The hybrid is now accessible in FWD, beforehand solely on the ICE variations. The present AWD hybrid makes 219 hp, and the brand new FWD ups that to 226, with the AWD with a 3rd motor going to 236 hp. This may put strain on the RAV4’s nearest competitor, the Honda CR-V, which makes 203 hp with its 2.0L hybrid.

New PHEV, extra energy, longer EV vary

The RAV4 PHEV prices fairly a bit extra, however has the double good thing about extra horsepower and longer electrical vary. The brand new PHEV goes up from the present 302 hp to 320 hp, which takes it into high-performance territory, one thing Toyota used very cleverly.

Apart from the ability benefit, the primary good thing about a PHEV is that it can run as an EV only for a ways earlier than having to make use of the ICE engine. The present RAV4 PHEV can run for 42 miles on battery solely, which is greater than most drivers want in a day, and the battery might be recharged in a single day like an EV at minimal value. The brand new mannequin will go over 50 miles on a cost, and a few trim ranges have DC charging quick sufficient to go from 10 to 80% in half-hour.

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From gravel journey to road racing

What you want, how fancy you need

The 2026 RAV4 brings order to a mannequin vary that obtained utterly out of hand with the 14 totally different powertrain and trim stage combos of the present mannequin. The customer can determine what they need the automobile to do, after which select a trim stage and drivetrain choice to match their funds. The brand new RAV4 is split into the next three teams:

• The Core is the traditional RAV4 we use for on a regular basis driving and weekends away, so the design is primary RAV4 smart. There are three trim ranges, all utilizing the traditional hybrid drive, with a alternative of FWD or AWD on two of them.
• The Rugged is the Woodland trim, with chunky tires, higher floor clearance, and a typically extra off-roady vibe. It comes solely in AWD, and you may select between the HEV and PHEV drives.
• Sport is clearly designed for higher efficiency on paved roads, and two letters pay testomony to this: GR, or Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s motorsport division, and a reputation not flippantly bestowed. The Sport is offered in HEV and PHEV, FWD and AWD within the backside trim, and the GR solely as PHEV and AWD.

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