Sixth-Gen Toyota RAV4 Bows, Includes New PHEV and GR Sport Guises

Officially unveiled earlier today, the new sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 sees three main guises revealed. Included here is a sporty new GR Sport trimline.

Revealed globally earlier today was the new sixth generation Toyota RAV4 compact crossover SUV model (2026 Toyota RAV4).

One of the Japanese automaker’s most successful nameplates see its latest form bow with striking new looks, new ‘global’ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) heart, plus a sporty new GR Sport guise added too.

RAV4 Core pictured. Underneath, the model underpins an evolution of its predecessor's TNGA-K platform base, hence the familiar proportions and footprint behind its fresh exterior design.

Underneath the Land Cruiser-like overly squared and rugged new design, the new sixth-gen RAV4 rides on an evolution of the outgoing fifth-gen model – it still underpins said outgoing model’s TNGA-K platform base.

In short, proportions and footprint remain similar, but the bodywork is fresh. Key exterior design touches see chunkier wheel arches, as well as new hammerhead head- and taillights design mirroring what’s seen in both the latest-gen Prius and new C-HR EV SUV.

RAV4 Adventure pictured. Elements inspired by the Land Cruiser are much more obvious in this more rugged trimline.

The range consists of three main guises, those being an urban Core variant, followed by a rugged Adventure trim. New here is a sharp and sporty GR Sport trimline that boasts all the usual touches associated with Toyota’s motorsports and sportscar sub-brand.

Specific to the GR Sport guise too are its functional Matrix Grille with hexagonal inserts, aerokit with front and rear spoiler elements delivering improved aero performance and handling stability, not forgetting a set of exclusive 20-inch rolling stock too.

For the first time, the RAV4 will see a sporty new GR Sport flavour available globally.

This is set apart by the usual GR Sport touches of a specific grille design, full aerokit, exclusive 20-inch rolling stock, as well as other sporty visual touches.

Mechanically, the headlining news here is that Toyota will field its fifth-gen plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain package for this new model globally. For reference, both series-parallel hybrid (HEV) and PHEV choices were available prior, but the latter was market-specific.

This new global PHEV setup mentioned marries a 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol naturally aspirated petrol base engine with a peppy e-motor unit plus a large new 22.7 KWh battery pack. Toyota also touts an electric range of up to 100 KM here.

Note the presence of a charging port cover in the front quarter panel signalling this variant's status as a PHEV. Toyota is set to offer the RAV4 globally with a PHEV choice on top of its usual HEV and ICE options.

Both front- (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup choices are available for this global PHEV powertrain detailed – the former marking a first for Toyota. Whilst the FWD option sees power capped at about 270 HP, the AWD version promises up to 304 HP instead.

That aside, it appears certain that Toyota will retain both its existing traditional un-electrified combustion (ICE) and regular hybrid (HEV) powertrain choices. However, we reckon the availability of each will be dependent on market regions still.

Specific to the RAV4 GR Sport will be its enhanced sport-tuned chassis featuring sports suspension and calibrated steering.

Whilst on the mechanical bits still, it’s also worth highlighting that the new GR Sport guise also gains the badge’s typical enhanced chassis tuning. It includes a 20 MM wider track, sport-tuned “high performance” dampers, stiffer rear brace, and a recalibrated steering.

Inside, the new RAV4 gets a new 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and it’s Toyota’s first to run on its new Arene operating system. Similar to Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS, it is a standard platform that will be rolled out across all future Toyota modes.

ON board, the sixth-gen RAV4 rocks a renewed cabin design primed with a brand new and larger 12.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that debuts Toyota's new Arene operating system too.

According to the automaker, key to this new operating system is its ability to enable quicker and easier development of new features. The automaker adds it will also allow development of new and more powerful (read: effective) safety and entertainment functions.

The latter will come in the form of over-the-air (OTA) updates too. In other words, buyers need not wait for mid-cycle facelift or a whole new model generation change to enjoy the latest and greatest tech from Toyota.

Deliveries are expected to begin sometime later this year for the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 range, though powertrain choices will likely remain market-dependent as before.

Typically, Toyota  has yet to reveal any pricing details for the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 range just yet. This, of course, will be depending on the variant line-up Toyota is set offer, and we reckon this will vary depending on market and region as well.

Nevertheless, deliveries are expected to commence sometime this year in Japan first, followed by key markets such North America, Europe, Middle East, as well as Asia Pacific. However, no specific date or timeline for either has been revealed yet.

Are you digging the new RAV4? What variants and powertrain choices would you expect to see offered should UMW Toyota Motor elect to offer it locally? Share your take in the comments below…