2026 Toyota RAV4
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This new spy shot of the upcoming Toyota RAV4 for 2026 shows how different the new SUV will be from the current model.
We can already see a far less angular design. Something smoother and seemingly a lot cleaner as well. Side windows seem a little bit narrower, for a sportier look and less visibility maybe? However, that could be due to the angle of the photo.
The rear hatch design is much more upright which could result in a roomier cargo area.
The new RAV4 is also rumored to be a new hybrid-only model in North America, with an updated PHEV model with a longer EV range as an option. People who insist on using gas will be happy with the standard hybrid setup. Since there is nothing to plug in and it basically runs on gas all the time. At the same time, others who are not ready for a full EV might accept the PHEV compromise. Which consists of carrying a big battery when you are using gas. And lugging around a full engine and its related parts when you drive it as an EV. It is the best of both worlds and the worst of both worlds.
As far as its design, there is nothing too crazy. With over 475,000 of them sold last year in the US alone, I can see why Toyota would be very afraid to rock the boat in any way.
Besides the usual suspects, one of the RAV4’s main competitor on the world’s stage is actually the Tesla Model Y. Which also got quite a few revisions for the new year.
So far in the US, the Model Y is still loaded for around $46,000. Its only options besides the “full self-driving” gimmick are just colors and wheels as well as AWD. Everything else is standard. The RAV4 PHEV starts at almost the same price. However, if you add a premium package to the top model it comes to over $52,000, which is more than $4000 over the AWD Long Range Model Y.
It seems the next-generation RAV4 could be the best choice for those who really do not want an EV at any cost. With the EV market growing every single year by at least 7 to 8%, that pool is slowly shrinking.