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2026 Toyota RAV4.

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Toyota is hard at work on a next-generation RAV4 SUV and the illustration above shows what the new model could look like.

Toyota is now thinking about going “Hybrid-only” in the US, which makes sense and would give them some edge over other manufacturers. Except they really offer hybrid versions of pretty much all of their models on sale here already. That means hybrid versions of almost all Toyotas are already available for those who want them, and it wouldn’t be such a huge practical change for consumers.

Considering this and the fact the 2025 Toyota Camry is already a hybrid-only model, this is probably what will happen with the new RAV4.

What is still unclear is the extent of the redesign for the 2026 RAV4. The 2025 Camry was just an extensive facelift of the 2017 model with a new interior. And of course, the only available powertrain is the Hybrid. The RAV4 is Toyota’s most popular model with over 434,000 sold last year. Which was actually a huge improvement from 2022 with 367,000 sales. Toyota has already announced the new 2026 model will stick to the current recipe. And that could mean just a refresh of the recurrent model.

That would be too bad for car nerds but probably would help Toyota suits sleep a bit better at night next year. A new front end is all it takes for most people to believe the car is new. Especially if the interior is actually new. Even current owner would feel they got something very different. Especially the ones who bought the base models and will now drive a standard hybrid version.

However, it would be nice to actually see a new RAV4 for the 2026 model year at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. And let’s also hope skipping all new generations is not a new trend for upcoming Toyota models.

Conversation 13 comments

  1. Toyota going hybrid only is not about the consumers, it’s about what is best for Toyota.

  3. going all hybrid I think it’s a mistake because I still want the regular 4 cylinder automatic transmission RV4 it’s a lot of people out there that still want that set set up

  4. Toyota’s hybrids are so good and their gas-only RAV4 powertrain is so lacklustre that this is an obvious move IMO.

  5. Was going to get new rave 4 in next 2 years(love the one I have) but not going for a hybrid

  7. I see some dumb comments here. Hybrid gas engine is same as no hybrid. Dont understand people that dont want to save 30-40% on local driving which is what 90% of people do most of the time. I had a hybrid 2020 Highlander hybrid that at most used 10L per 100km in the city or less with 3.5L engine. Now I drive 2022 Lexus RX350 non hybrid with same 3.5L engine
    That uses up to 16L per 100k in local driving.
    It’s a no brainer. Go hybrid. Trading RX350 for same in hybrid.

  8. Toyota hybrid is the only way to go these days because you save alot on gas.I had a prius v 12 years and now I have a rav 4 hybrid and l love it. So think twice before not wanting a hybrid.
    Ps. Do your home work and do the math you will save money . I know I did.

  10. In my opinion, if Toyota goes strictly hybrid they will lose customers. If you like a hybrid that’s great, however if you don’t you won’t buy it. I would pass and go non hybrid.

  11. “I see some dumb comments here.”

    Because you’re clueless.

    1.CVTs are notoriously unreliable.
    2. NiMH batteries only have about a 4 year life span. Li-ion/LiPO about 8. Replacement cost will far exceed saved-fuel-cost.
    3. Toyota’s 2.5L naturally aspirated engine is one of the most reliable motors ever made, 400k + mi. Adding batteries, motors, and power transfer cases will only increase the cost of the vehicle and decrease reliability.

    This exact same example applies to Honda, who abandoned their 2.4L 400k+ mi. engine in lieu of hybrids and turbos.

    For those blaming the manufacturers, spend time researching how the EPA has forced them into this situation with unrealistic goals. Look at the current shift in the 4-cylinder market away from 2.2s, 2.4s, and 2.5s and towards the 1.5L turbo engine.

    And for those of you that worship at the Church of environmentalism, get help. You’re in denial of the hazards of lithium,
    child-labor of Cobalt, and the lack of battery recycling and its failure to be cost-neutral.

    The end result of less reliable vehicles will yield a shorter vehicle life-span which will, in turn, cost consumers more money.
    The bottom line is that the EPA’s crusade to save us all is actually a bureaucratic illusion that is damaging the American auto industry while costing consumers more money.

  12. I had a 2021 RAV4 PRIME plug-in loved the car so much that I leased a 2024 RAV4 PRIME plug-in. The 2024 was a slight upgrade. The car basically the same as a 2021 except for the multi media display. The 2021 was very easy to use with push buttons controls, the new one is not user-friendly at all. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA.
    Howard Nielsen

  13. I have a 2014 Rav4. I’m going to get a new SUV in the next 2 years but I going for a full electric EV.

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