The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the fifth generation of Toyota’s best-selling compact SUV, built on the TNGA-K platform it shares with the Camry and Highlander. It measures 4,600 mm long on a 2,690 mm wheelbase. For this generation, Toyota discontinued the conventional gasoline engine in North America and Europe, following the same electrification path it already took with the Camry and Sienna, leaving hybrid and plug-in hybrid as the only powertrains there. China is specified separately and keeps a petrol version.
The standard hybrid pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors for 226 hp on front-wheel-drive models or 236 hp with all-wheel drive, running through a continuously variable transmission. The plug-in hybrid raises output to 324 hp and adds a 22.7 kWh battery, good for an EPA-estimated 54 miles of electric-only driving on the SE trim before the engine takes over. All plug-in hybrid trims come standard with all-wheel drive.
Inside, the RAV4 gets a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as standard and introduces Arene, Toyota’s in-house software platform, alongside Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, the automaker’s latest bundle of standard driver-assistance systems.
US pricing starts at $33,350 for the base LE hybrid, rising to $44,750 for the Limited hybrid. The plug-in hybrid range begins at $42,950 for the SE and tops out near $49,950 for the GR Sport.
RAV4 Rongfang, the China version
China buys the RAV4 as the RAV4荣放, or Rongfang, built by FAW Toyota on the same TNGA-K platform at 4,620 mm long on a 2,690 mm wheelbase. It is a separate model from GAC Toyota’s Wildlander, which sits on the same platform under another name: Toyota runs parallel lineups through its two Chinese partners, and each venture needs its own product to sell.
Six trims cover three powertrains. The entry 2.0-litre petrol makes 171 hp with no electrification, the engine the global car no longer offers. Above it, Toyota’s dual-motor hybrid system splits into a 2.0-litre front-wheel-drive version at 193 hp and a 2.5-litre flagship with E-Four electric all-wheel drive at 237 hp, claiming 8.7 seconds to 100 km/h.
The flagship adds a 26.4-inch head-up display, a heated steering wheel, facial recognition, remote parking, in-cabin vital-sign monitoring, ventilated front seats and an air purifier, on top of the 15.6-inch touchscreen and locally tuned software the range shares. Guided pricing runs from 169,800 to 228,800 yuan (~$25,200–34,000), with hybrids taking four of the six trims.
