2026 Toyota RAV4.
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A new generation Toyota RAV4 seems to be around the corner, as a new 2026 model.
Although Toyota is showing a couple of ridiculous new RAV4 concepts in Japan in just a few days, both are still based on the current generation. One is called the “Dark side performance concept”. The other is the “Outdoor lifestyle package”. Very strange since it seems way too late to introduce new versions of the current RAV4. On top of everything, both look pretty crappy…
However, the next generation is still being tested so why don’t we compare it to the current model?
It is still very hard to tell if it will be a brand-new design or not. I think it will be, but nothing is obvious under all that camouflage. At least it seems the angle of the rear hatch is very different. The camouflaged prototype rear end seems to be much more upright than the current model.
The rear lights would be new even if the 2026 model is just a refresh and not an all-new design. And they do seem very different as well. They also don’t stick out as much as the recurrent ones.
Besides this, it’s hard to tell anything. A black tape part of the camouflage is probably showing a fake rear-side window shape. It could be the same as on the current model or anything else. The side mirrors all look very similar. But maybe not exactly the same.
Even under heavy camouflage, the new 2024 Prius was obviously a brand-new design. The 2025 Camry prototypes were also very covered up, hiding a mid-cycle refresh and not a new design.
I personally think we could see something brand new from Toyota in a few weeks. It would be a shame for them not to spend the extra cash on something that at least looks all-new. Since the RAV4 has been their best seller for years now.
There is hope…
I’m not so sure about the rear hatch. I think that might just be the picture making it look a little more steeply raked. What I did notice however is that the new RAV seems lowered by about 1 inch, if you look at the wheel gap. That would make sense to improve aerodynamics and efficiency. Honda did something similar to the CRV in the last iteration.