A new generation of Australia’s best-selling SUV, the Toyota RAV4, is due here next year, offering plug-in hybrid power and a GR Sport flagship for the first time.

Due here before the end of the first quarter (January to March) of 2026, the new RAV4 will be offered in six model grades across the lineup, including front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions with hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. 

There’s a total of 11 variants, where there were previously nine. 

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The new five-seat RAV4 SUV uses the same platform as its predecessor, and continues to battle other popular mid-sizers like the Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Tucson

The addition of a new plug-in hybrid powertrain also pits the RAV4 against the BYD Sealion 6 – the best-selling PHEV in Australia in 2024 – as well as PHEV versions of the Outlander. 

It will also face a new generation CX-5 in 2026 but will have a key advantage as Mazda is not planning to offer a hybrid powertrain in the CX-5 until the following year.

The majority of the 2026 RAV4 lineup uses the hybrid powertrain – there is no non-hybrid petrol or diesel offering – while the PHEV is reserved for high-spec variants.

While full specifications are yet to be released, here is what Toyota Australia has released so far on the new RAV4, critical to its ongoing success here. 

Pricing

The 2026 RAV4 costs more than its predecessor, starting at $45,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level front-wheel drive GX and topping out at $66,340 for the GR Sport flagship, which is available only with AWD and PHEV power.

For the core hybrid lineup, there’s a $3350 premium for AWD on the GX and the GXL, while the Edge and XSE are AWD-only. 

The Cruiser, which makes up the largest chunk of sales, is offered in FWD and AWD versions.

The RAV4 PHEV is offered in three guises: XSE 2WD, XSE AWD and GR Sport AWD.

ModelPrice before on-road costs 2026 Toyota RAV4 GX FWD $45,990 (+$3730)2026 Toyota RAV4 GX AWD$49,340 (+4080)2026 Toyota RAV4 GXL FWD$48,990 (+3180)2026 Toyota RAV4 GXL AWD$52,340 (+3530)2026 Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD$55,340 (-$3020)2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE AWD$58,340 (-$5755)2026 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD$56,990 (+$5580)2026 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD$60,340 (+$5930)2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE FWD$58,840 (new)2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE AWD$63,340 (new)2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport AWD$58,840 (new)Drivetrains and Efficiency

The RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid arrangement making a combined 143kW in both FWD and AWD models. 

The plug-in hybrid also uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but with FWD models using a front-axle motor for a total power output of 200kW.

The RAV4 PHEV AWD runs a second motor on the rear axle for a combined 227kW, the most power ever offered in Toyota’s mid-size SUV.

AWD models also add downhill assist control as well as Trail and Snow driving modes. 

Official fuel figures have not yet been announced. 

SpecificationsRAV4 HybridRAV4 PHEVEngine2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol plug-in hybridEngine outputsTBCTBCElectric motor outputsTBCTBCSystem outputs143kW (FWD and AWD)200kW(FWD)
227kW (AWD)Battery–22.7kWh lithium-ion Transmissione-CVTe-CVTDrive typeFront-wheel drive or all-wheel driveFront-wheel drive or all-wheel driveElectric driving rangeN/A100km (WLTP)Max AC charge rate N/A11kWMax DC charge rate N/A50kWServicing and Warranty

The current RAV4 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The first five services are capped at $260 each.

Safety

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has yet to be tested by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), so is currently unrated.

A five-star rating applied to the previous model, which used the same underpinnings and hybrid powertrain. 

All RAV4s come standard with the following equipment:

Autonomous emergency brakingAdaptive cruise controlBlind-spot monitoring Front and rear cross-traffic alert Lane-keep assistLane trace assist (lane centring)Parking Support BrakeReversing camera Parking sensorsSafe exit assistSpeed sign recognition8 airbagsAutomatic collision notification (via connected services) SOS emergency callStandard Equipment

Full details are yet to be announced, but Toyota Australia has released key equipment details for the 2026 RAV4.

The 2026 RAV4 will be offered in six trim levels.

RAV4 GX highlights:

17-inch alloy wheels (dark grey, NEW)Space-saver spareOptional full-size spare ($300)Acoustic front windscreen (NEW)Roof rails (NEW)Rear spoiler (NEW)LED headlightsAutomatic high-beamLED front fog lightsRain-sensing wipersRear mud flaps10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system (NEW)Wireless Apple CarPlayWired Android AutoDigital radio12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (NEW)5 x USB-C charging ports (NEW)‘Premium’ steering wheelTilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustmentCloth upholsteryPush-button startDual-zone climate controlRear centre armrest

RAV4 GXL adds:

Silver painted skid plates front and rear (NEW)18-inch alloy wheels Rear privacy glassFront mud flapsRoof railsProximity entryLeather-wrapped steering wheel and shift-lever (NEW)Auto-dimming rear-view mirrorWireless phone charger

RAV4 Edge adds:

12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (NEW)Unique front and rear bumpers 19-inch alloy wheels (dark matte grey)‘Premium’ upholsteryPower tailgate 

RAV4 XSE adds:

20-inch alloy wheels (black)‘Enhanced’ LED headlights Heated front seatsEight-way power driver’s seat (NEW)Driver’s seat memory Sunroof

RAV4 XSE PHEV adds:

Larger brakes1500W inverter (replaces 12V socket)

RAV4 Cruiser adds:

20-inch machined black alloy wheels (NEW)Head-up display (NEW)High-grade LED headlights (NEW)Head-up display (NEW)Two wireless phone chargers (NEW)Heated outboard rear seats (NEW)Premium 9-speaker JBL sound systemLeather upholsteryOptional Neutral Beige coloured upholstery (NEW)Heated and ventilated front seats8-way power passenger seatDriver’s seat memoryAmbient lightingDigital rear-view mirror

RAV4 GR Sport adds:

20-inch alloy wheels with 10mm wider tyresUnique front and rear bumpersGR-specific dampers, spring rates and rear strut braceExclusive power steering tuneGR Sport heated steering wheelGR premium trim and suede upholstery GR Sport knee pads45W USB-C charging portsColours

The 2026 RAV4 range will be available in 10 colours as well as four two-tone paint schemes, with the previous Glacier White, Frosted White, Eclipse Black, Atomic Rush and Saturn Blue joined by five new choices.

These are:

Massive GreyUrban RockFeverish RedDusty BronzeDaintree Green

The XSE will be available with a black roof when finished in Frosted White, Dusty Bronze, Massive Grey or Saturn Blue.

MORE: Explore the Toyota RAV4 showroom