2026 Toyota RAV4 Review | Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid First Look
[Music] Looking for a compact SUV that’s stylish, practical, and reliable enough to last for years. Today, we’re diving deep into the Toyota RAV4, one of the bestselling SUVs in the world. By the end of this review, you’ll know exactly whether this is the right SUV for you. The Toyota RAW 4 has been around since the mid90s, and today it’s in its fifth generation. It’s built on Toyota’s TGA platform, which gives it a stronger, sportier stance compared to older versions. It comes with multiple trims from the more budget friendly LE to the luxurious Limited and even the adventurous TRD off-road edition. You also get hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, which are very popular for fuel efficiency. So whether you want a family car, a daily commuter, or something to take off the beaten path, Toyota has designed a RAV 4 to fit your lifestyle. On the outside, the RAV 4 has a bold and rugged design with sharp edges and an athletic profile. The front grill gives it that mini 4Runner look, and the LED headlights are sleek and modern. Depending on the trim, you can get larger alloy wheels, blacked out accents, roof rails, and even a two-tone paint job that really makes it stand out. It’s definitely less of a cute crossover and more of a tough-l looking SUV. Now, for those who love adventures, the higher trims offer increased ground clearance and skid plates for better off-road capability. Step inside and the RAV4 continues to impress. The cabin is well thought out with durable materials mixed with soft touch surfaces in the right places. Toyota gives you a modern design with easyto-reach buttons and a floating infotainment screen in the center. You get options like an 8 in or even a 10.5 in screen in newer models, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a fully digital driver display in higher trims. The RAV 4 also has plenty of storage spaces from big cup holders to clever cubbies for your phone and keys. And if you love good sound quality, you can upgrade to a JBL premium sound system that really fills the cabin. When it comes to comfort, the RAV 4 is very familyfriendly. The front seats are supportive with available heating and ventilation, and the rear seats provide plenty of leg room and headroom even for taller passengers. Cargo space is another strong point with over 37 cubic feet behind the second row and nearly 70 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. That’s plenty for road trips, camping gear, or a big Costco run. The ride quality strikes a nice balance, firm enough to feel confident on the road, but soft enough to handle daily commutes with ease. Now, let’s talk about performance because this is where buyers really pay attention. The standard RAV4 comes with a 2.5 L 4 cylinder engine making about 203 horsepower. It’s not the fastest SUV out there, but it’s more than enough for daily driving, highway merging, and even some light towing. Fuel economy is excellent, ranging from 27 to 35 m per gallon, depending on whether you go with the gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid model. The hybrid version is a real standout. It’s smoother, quieter, and far more fuelefficient, making it perfect for city drivers. And then there’s the RAV4 Prime, the plug-in hybrid. This one is the most powerful of the lineup with close to 300 horsepower and a 0 to 60 time of just 5.7 seconds. That sports car quick in a compact SUV. Plus, it gives you up to 42 mi of all electric driving before the gas engine kicks in. For adventure seekers, all-wheel drive is available across most trims. And the TRD off-road model adds beefier suspension and terrain modes, making it one of the few compact SUVs that can actually handle rough trails. So, what’s the final verdict on the Toyota RAV4? It’s practical, fuel efficient, safe, and packed with features. It’s not the flashiest SUV, and if you’re chasing luxury interiors, you might prefer a Mazda CX-5 or Honda CRV, but the RAV4 hits a sweet spot. Great reliability, strong resale value, and a variety of trims that cater to different lifestyles. Whether you need a daily driver, a family hauler, or a weekend adventure companion, the RAV 4 is one of the safest bets in the SUV world. If you’re shopping for a compact SUV in 2025, the Toyota RAV4 definitely deserves a spot on your test drive list. Thanks for watching, and if you found this review helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments. Would you pick the RAV4, or are you leaning toward another SUV like the CRV or Tucson? I’d love to hear what you think, and I’ll see you in the next one.
The all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 is here — and it’s gone fully electrified! In this review, I cover everything you need to know about Toyota’s best-selling SUV: design, interior, comfort, performance, and whether it’s worth your money.
From tougher styling and upgraded tech to hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the 2026 RAV4 is a big step forward. Stick around as I walk you through all the details, share the pros and cons, and give you my final verdict.
Would you choose the Hybrid or the Plug-in Hybrid RAV4? Let me know in the comments!
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