Toyota to update its popular RAV4 SUV: high-profile details revealed

The fifth generation of the Toyota RAV4 crossover was released in 2019 with an update in 2021. Therefore, it is likely that the Japanese automaker will soon completely update the popular model.

According to Motor1, the release of the sixth generation RAV4, although it has no specific date yet, is expected in 2026. The car will be based on the TNGA-K platform, which already underpins the updated Camry. Journalists expect that Toyota will borrow styling elements from other updated models, improve its technological component, and switch to hybrid powertrains.

Design

Currently, the appearance of the Toyota RAV4 remains a secret and is well guarded. However, experts do not expect the Japanese stable to deviate much from the latest stylistic principles of the brand. In a rendering created by a designer for Motor1, you can see that journalists are assuming that the tougher, square styling of the Tacoma and Sequoia will be applied to the next-generation crossover.

The model may get a large trapezoidal grille with a vertical front panel surrounded by tall, narrow headlights. A more brutal style may also be carried over to the rear, where thin taillights wrap around the side panel and enter the wing.

The updated RAV4 interior is likely to inherit the layout used in other recently released Toyota models. It includes a large center screen, a digital instrument cluster, and many physical buttons. The car can also get a redesigned center console and dashboard with a new instrument layout.

Technical equipment

Toyota recently updated the 2025 Camry, ditching the entry-level non-hybrid engine from the sedan. The 2026 RAV4 will likely follow suit and ditch the base engine in favor of a full hybrid powertrain lineup.

Toyota already offers the RAV4 Hybrid, and this could be a new entry point for the 2026 model. Currently, the hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor mounted at the rear. Journalists speculate that it could be carried over to the new crossover, but receive several improvements for better efficiency.

Toyota also offers the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid. This version may be carried over into the new model year. It uses an improved version of the RAV's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but Toyota combines it with two electric motors instead of one for a total system output of 302 horsepower and a 0-60 km/h time of 5.5 seconds.

The RAV4 Prime uses an 18.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack that provides up to 67 km of pure electric range. The publication assumes that this figure will be increased in the new generation.

Probable price of the RAV4 2026

Competition in the segment where the RAV4 is represented is very high. Therefore, consumers can expect a good price. Currently, the price of the popular crossover starts at $30,245. The next generation should be released in a similar price range if Toyota wants to continue to attract buyers.

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