Preview: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Goes Fully Hybrid, Gets GR-Tuned Trim

Toyota’s making the biggest bet to date on its hybrid technology, with the redesigned RAV4 ditching gas-only power altogether.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 will be the latest of the automaker’s models to be offered exclusively with gas-electric motivation, although there’s much more on the line this time. Because unlike the stylish Sienna minivan or even the Camry sedan that’s all but synonymous with the brand, the RAV4 has evolved into a best-seller not just for Toyota but the industry as a whole.

The RAV4 continues to dominate the Canadian sales charts, with the 77,556 units sold in 2024 making it the best-selling passenger vehicle in the country. However, only about half of those were of the hybrid variety, meaning the decision to ditch the gas version could alienate a large segment of shoppers put off by the price tag or the technology (or both).

More Power

While Toyota didn’t reveal anticipated efficiency estimates for the 2026 RAV4 at its reveal event, the fifth-generation version of its conventional hybrid system now finds its way under the hood. It’s the same setup that motivates the Camry and other models, and it makes 236 net hp here — up from 219 in the outgoing version.

As before, the powertrain relies on a 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine and twin electric motor-generator units under the hood — one for driving the wheels, and the other for charging the battery. Since the RAV4 is offered exclusively with all-wheel drive in Canada, it gets a third electric motor in the back that’s dedicated to turning the rear wheels.

Similarly, the available plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain uses a 2.5L four-cylinder and a trio of electric motors, although a bigger battery feeds the emissions-free side. Toyota didn’t announce the size of either battery, but it’s safe to assume this sixth-gen PHEV — which, it’s worth noting, will make its debut in the 2026 RAV4 — will use a bigger one than the current 18.1-kWh unit.

Toyota said it expects all-electric range in the neighbourhood of 80 km, while the outgoing version is rated for 68 km. Better still, the XSE trim’s available Technology package is set to include an 11-kW onboard charger and a DC fast-charging port. The automaker didn’t specify the speeds it will be capable of but claims the 10-to-80 per cent jump will take 30 minutes.

More Technology

Beyond the gas-electric stuff, Toyota said the RAV4 will launch a new software platform it plans to roll out to other products around the globe. Dubbed Arene, the system will power the RAV4’s infotainment and safety technologies, and is “Toyota’s first step toward fully software-defined vehicles.” In other words, the new RAV4 will be upgradeable via over-the-air updates.

With Arene acting as its digital foundation, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 will also debut in the 2026 RAV4, although the brand was short on details at the time of this writing. It did, however, note anticipated updates to its “hardware and detection capabilities” — presumably for systems like forward collision warning and more.

The newest version of the brand’s infotainment interface will also launch in the redesigned RAV4, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a voice command system that’s said to be improved. It will run through 10.5- or 12.9-inch touchscreens, with digital climate switches below in a move away from the convenience of physical controls.

A New Face

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 adopts the brand’s so-called “hammerhead” front end that’s made its way to everything from the Prius to the all-electric bZ and bZ Woodland models. It’s a polarizing look to put it mildly, with the new GR-Sport trim in particular boasting a gaping grille reminiscent of the one on the front of its hatchback sibling.

Otherwise, the overall shape is nearly identical to the RAV4 this new one replaces, with a strikingly similar silhouette — albeit with a more boldly sculpted rear haunch — to go with a larger overall greenhouse. Around back, bigger tail lights are punctuated by sleek vertical slats inside their housings, plus a new RAV4 wordmark between them.

Many of the shapes outside carry into the cabin, with the touchscreen sitting high atop the dashboard and a new low-profile gear selector barely poking above the centre console. While the space is a little bland overall, the GR-Sport and Woodland trims get a bit more character through the use of different colours, patterns, and materials.

More Excitement

The RAV4 has never been known to be especially exciting, although the GR-Sport and Woodland trims could help to change that. While a Woodland package was previously available, this one looks a little more interesting, with more aggressive styling to match its all-terrain tires and raised roof rails. The Woodland trim will be a conventional hybrid offering in Canada.

Meanwhile, the PHEV-exclusive GR-Sport doesn’t just look the part — Toyota claims its Gazoo Racing engineers fiddled with the suspension and power steering, and enhanced the structural rigidity for a more engaging drive. Of course, judgement will be reserved for a later date, but it’s interesting if nothing else to see a sporty small crossover hit the mainstream market.

Final Thoughts

Pricing won’t be announced until closer to the redesigned RAV4’s on-sale date, but it’s hard to imagine the switch to an entirely hybrid lineup won’t come with a considerable price increase. Granted, Toyota could have a surprise in store; but then there’s currently a nearly $3,000 price difference between the cheapest RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid trims ($33,685 versus $36,635).

While the smaller — and cheaper — Toyota Corolla Cross is also available with a hybrid powertrain, it’s not nearly as spacious as the RAV4 (nor is it built in Canada like the RAV4). That remains the one big question that hangs over this sixth-generation model in its lead-up to launch later this year, but it looks like a promising proposition otherwise.