Why Is Toyota Showing a V-8 Engine In a 2026 RAV4 Video?
Right off the bat, it's highly unlikely that Toyota will shoehorn a V-8 engine into the new RAV4. The compact crossover was engineered with four-cylinder engines as the foundation of its full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Doubling the cylinder count in a vehicle focused on efficiency doesn't make much sense. But that raises the question: why does the official video of the plug-in hybrid version clearly feature an eight-cylinder engine?
The first explanation that comes to mind is that a V-8 is more recognizable to the average consumer than other engine types. We suspect the V-12 from the second-generation Century would've served the same illustrative purpose, but the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter unit is old by now. Toyota discontinued its first and only V-12 nearly a decade ago.
Assuming this isn't what Toyota had in mind with the video explainer, the enthusiast in us likes to think it's a subtle way of teasing a new large-displacement engine. Numerous reports suggest the upcoming
LFR
will feature a twin-turbo V-8 for a road-legal supercar, twinned with Toyota's future GT GR3 race car. While not a direct successor to the LFA and its naturally aspirated V-10, a new performance model powered by a V-8 would be a welcome break from the current sea of four-cylinder SUVs.
If Toyota and Lexus are indeed developing a new V-8, it's unlikely they'd limit its use to just one vehicle. High-end models like the Crown, Century, and LS might also receive this engine in a plug-in hybrid configuration, helping spread development costs through economies of scale. Since the LFR will ultimately be a niche product, integrating the engine into premium PHEVs would make economic sense. After all, Lexus recently told us the
LS is sticking around
.
That said, we might be getting ahead of ourselves.
Toyota
could play with viewer expectations by showcasing a V-8 to grab attention. If so, it's working. The fine print at the end reads: 'This video is prepared for explaining the vehicle functions. The functions shown may differ from those of the actual vehicle. Function names may differ depending on the region, vehicle model, and grade.'
2026 Toyota RAV4
30
Source: Toyota
First spotted by
The Drive
, the V-8 appears at the 0:12 mark in a nearly five-minute video. It's worth noting that although the footage features the RAV4, its title doesn't mention the vehicle by name. Instead, it's generically titled: '6th Generation 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid System.' From this, we can infer that the 2026 RAV4 introduces an upgraded PHEV setup coming to other models. Realistically, a 2.5-liter V-8 just doesn't sound right.
Across its five previous generations, the popular crossover was primarily offered with four-cylinder gas and diesel engines. However, the third-gen model sold between 2005 and 2016 got a larger 3.5-liter V-6 in certain markets. It also received a purely electric variant, much like the first generation.
While we're not getting too excited just yet about the possibility of a new V-8, we're still holding out hope for a big engine in the midst of this downsizing era. Toyota's boss Koji Sato recently said,
"A car is not a car if it's not fun."
A big V-8 would certainly bring excitement and also please Chairman Akio Toyoda, who prefers
"the smell of gasoline and a noisy engine."
Catch Up With The New RAV4:
2026 Toyota RAV4 Debuts With Hybrid-Only Power and a New Sporty Trim
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport Has Real Sports Car Cred
Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily.
back
Sign up
For more information, read our
Privacy Policy
and
Terms of Use
.
Share this Story
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Flipboard
Reddit
WhatsApp
E-Mail
Got a tip for us? Email:
tips@motor1.com
Join the conversation
(
)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Car and Driver
33 minutes ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview With lounge-like seating for up to eight, an available center-console fridge, and a built-in vacuum on upper trims, the Toyota Sienna minivan aims to be almost like a mobile home. While homes don't typically receive fuel economy estimates, the EPA rates the Sienna as the efficiency leader in its class. Its fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain comes with either front- or all-wheel drive, and the engine noise while accelerating is really the only disturbance to an otherwise tranquil cabin experience. With its superior fuel economy and flawless execution of all the minivan fundamentals, the Sienna is among our favorite vans, beating out stiff competition like the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival and trailing only the quirky and electric Volkswagen What's New for 2026? After a light interior refresh brought an updated infotainment suite, an Advanced Rear Seat Reminder feature, and some upgraded wireless charging tech last year, the Sienna carries over into 2026 unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Toyota Sienna is expected to start around $41,000 and go up to $58,000 depending on the trim and options. LE $41,000 (est) XLE $46,000 (est) XSE $49,000 (est) Limited $52,000 (est) Woodland Edition $52,000 (est) Platinum $58,000 (est) We'd go for the XSE model, which comes with sport seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, second-row captain's chairs, and Toyota's "one-motion-stow" third row. Other tweaks include 20-inch wheels, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and tauter suspension. The XSE, like all Sienna trims, comes standard with front-wheel drive, but adding all-wheel drive costs less than $1000 and seems like a worthwhile upgrade to us. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Sienna has been offered exclusively as a hybrid since its 2021 redesign. Its powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors that make a combined 245 horsepower. All-wheel drive is available across the lineup and features a third electric motor that drives the rear wheels but doesn't increase total output. The Sienna delivers an uninspiring driving experience but, importantly, it aces ride comfort without going too far toward the soft end of the spectrum. 0–60-MPH Times An all-wheel-drive Sienna Limited we tested required 7.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. For context, that's quicker than the Pacifica Hybrid, the same as the Kia Carnival's time, and behind the hot rod of the segment, the Honda Odyssey. View Exterior Photos Toyota Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released fuel economy information for the 2026 Sienna yet, but without any significant changes, the newest model should deliver similar fuel economy to last year's model. The front-drive 2025 Sienna stood as the segment's thriftiest people hauler, with EPA fuel-economy estimates of 36 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Adding all-wheel drive reduced the city metric by 1 mpg. Over 40,000 miles, our all-wheel-drive Platinum long-term test vehicle averaged 29 mpg. In our 75-mile highway fuel-economy test, an all-wheel-drive Sienna returned an impressive 33 mpg. For more information about the Sienna's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Toyota packed tons of storage into the Sienna's interior, the centerpiece of which is a large center console that stretches from the dashboard to the start of the second row, with a sizable open storage cubby underneath. There are also 18 cupholders scattered about the cabin. Frequent haulers of cargo may be disappointed to learn that the Sienna's second-row seats are not removable like those in the Odyssey and the Pacifica Hybrid. As a consolation prize of sorts, the second-row captain's chairs can slide a total of 25 inches fore and aft, providing either maximum legroom for either of the rear rows or more cargo space behind the second row. The cargo area behind the third row measures 34 cubic feet compared to the Kia Carnival's 40 cubes. Limited and Platinum models feature reclining second-row seats with pop-up ottomans, and an onboard vacuum cleaner and fridge are available on the Limited and standard on the Platinum trim. View Interior Photos Toyota Infotainment and Connectivity The Sienna LE's infotainment touchscreen measures 8.0 inches, while all other models get a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity features are all standard, as is an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot and SiriusXM satellite radio. A smattering of USB-C ports dot the van's cabin, and there's a USB-A port in the console for older devices. The base stereo is a 6-speaker setup, and XLE models get eight speakers. A 12-speaker JBL stereo system is optional on the XLE and XSE and standard on the Limited and Platinum. In-dash navigation is standard starting with the XSE trim; a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display is optional on all but the base LE model. A 7.0-inch instrument cluster display is nestled between analog gauges on LE and XLE models, while upper trims get a fully digital gauge cluster. A head-up display is available and is standard on Platinum. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Ten airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 bundle of driver-assistance features are standard on the Sienna, while convenience items such as parking sensors and a 360-degree exterior camera system are optional. For more information about the Sienna's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The Kia Carnival offers longer powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage than the Sienna. But Toyota adds some value to its fairly basic warranty package with a two-year complimentary maintenance plan. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Hybrid-component warranty covers ten years or 150,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Limited Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door van PRICE Base/As Tested: $51,730/$53,855 POWERTRAIN DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4, 189 hp, 176 lb-ft + 3 permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors, front: 180 hp, 199 lb-ft; rear: 54 hp, 89 lb-ft (combined output: 245 hp); 1.5-kWh (est.) nickel-metal hydride battery pack TRANSMISSIONS, F/R CVT/direct drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 12.9-in vented disc/12.5-in vented disc Tires: Goodyear Assurance Finesse 235/55R-19 101H M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 120.5 in Length: 203.7 in Width: 78.5 in Height: 69.7 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 58/58/47 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: –/75/34 ft3 Curb Weight: 4811 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 7.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 88 mph 100 mph: 22.1 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.5 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.8 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 117 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 190 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.78 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 27 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 33 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 590 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 35/35/36 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Cheapest Toyotas Worth Buying in 2025 (Without Compromising Quality)
Searching for a new ride that won't blow your budget or leave you stuck with stripped-down basics? The 2025 Toyota lineup proves that you don't have to choose between affordability and quality—especially if you know where to look. We've drawn up a list of models that are smart with fuel, solid on features, and built with the kind of long-haul reliability Toyota is renowned for. And no, we're not diving into luxury territory or anything too flashy—these are practical picks that still feel like an upgrade. We've taken the legwork out of finding a car that gives you solid bang for your buck without feeling like a compromise. These seven Toyota models are the definition of smart spending in 2025. General vehicle information and performance data have been sourced from the Toyota website. This list of Toyota models has been sorted by starting MSRP, from highest to lowest. Think of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR as your gateway into one of the most trusted names in mid-size trucks. The 'SR' is the no-frills, all-function version of the Tacoma, which makes it perfect for drivers who are seeking utility without forking out $40K+. At $31,590, the Tacoma SR offers rugged looks, a solid powertrain, and proven off-road capability. Despite the low price tag, you still get essential features, including Toyota Safety Sense, a touchscreen interface, and strong build quality. From hauling mulch to towing light loads and generally looking tough on your driveway, the Tacoma SR keeps it simple and dependable. If the truth be told, that's a rare value in a market that's gotten increasingly expensive in recent years. Affordable way into the pickup segment Durable, no-nonsense design Legendary Toyota truck reliability If you're looking for a no-nonsense, do-it-all SUV, you'll be hard pressed to find better than the 2025 RAV4 LE. At a shade over $29K, the RAV4 LE has bags of interior space, great resale value, and the automaker's standard safety tech to find better wrapped in a rugged, attractive package. It's fair to say it's one of the most balanced choices out there for families and commuters alike. The 'LE' might be the base model, but it still has an 8-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, and a generous amount of cargo room. Practical, dependable, and versatile, the RAV4 LE is easy to handle for weekend getaways or weekday errands. Granted, it isn't flashy, but it's consistent, if anything. Strong value for a compact SUV Great interior space and versatility Proven resale and reliability track record The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE is a savvy pick if you want full-size sedan comfort with compact-car efficiency. With 51 MPG combined, it rivals smaller hybrids while delivering a smoother ride and more cabin space. It's ideal for commuters or small families who don't want to sacrifice size for savings. The base 'LE' trim still comes loaded with features, including dual-zone climate control, a large touchscreen, and Toyota's full safety suite. Further, the Camry's long-standing reputation for reliability just sweetens the deal. For under $30K, you'll have to look far and hard for a better blend of comfort and efficiency. Midsize space with hybrid-level fuel savings Quiet, composed driving experience Excellent standard features and safety The 2025 Toyota Prius delivers legendary fuel efficiency and a new sense of style. Once the "eco nerd" of the lineup, the Prius now sports a sleek, modern look and a hybrid system that achieves over 50 MPG. Entry-level LE trim offers a balanced mix of affordability and essential features, like keyless entry and a high-res touchscreen. Hop inside, and you'll find that it feels futuristic but not overwhelming, with a clean digital layout and whisper-quiet cabin. Toyota has included driver-assistance tech as standard, making it feel safe and composed in all driving conditions. The Prius LE is a smart, eco-friendly option that finally looks as good as it performs. Sleek design with 50+ MPG Quiet, high-tech cabin Excellent safety and efficiency for the price The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross L brings SUV practicality to the Corolla family without a steep price tag. Despite being the most affordable trim in the lineup, it doesn't skimp on essentials like a comfortable interior, safety features, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Starting at just over $24K, it's a strong entry point for buyers looking for something that offers more space and a higher ride height. Surprisingly, for an SUV, you get decent fuel economy, and the available all-wheel drive makes it a smart option for drivers living in snowy or rainy regions. If you value function over frills, you'll be glad to hear the Corolla Cross L's cabin is clean and simple. Practical and approachable, it's one of Toyota's best values in the crossover space. Most affordable Toyota SUV Solid fuel efficiency and ride height Includes Toyota Safety Sense and smartphone integration The 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE is living proof that you get great fuel economy without sacrificing features. In the city, you'll see 50+ MPG, which means fewer stops at gas stations and ultimately, more money in your wallet. For just shy of $24K, that's a pretty sweet deal, especially when you factor in Toyota's safety suite and solid reliability. The LE trim now gets wireless smartphone integration, push-button start, and an 8-inch touchscreen—all standard. Granted, it may look like your average compact car, but under the hood, it's one of the most efficient sedans you can buy. As crazy as it sounds, it's the kind of smart purchase you'll be glad you made every time you fill up. 50+ MPG city Excellent standard tech for the price Trusted Toyota reliability and safety features If you're in the market for a compact car that's a little more spirited than average, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE is a solid pick. Sporty design, sharp handling, and a starting price of just under $24K, the Corolla hatchback SE brings some driving fun to the practical world of economy cars. Further, the SE trim gets paddle shifters, sports seats, and alloy wheels—small touches that make a big difference. Being a hatchback, you get more versatility in the cargo area without bulking up the car's size. Standard safety features, an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay keep things modern without driving the price up. The Corolla Hatchback SE is great value for anyone seeking utility and a little personality in their daily driver. Sporty SE trim adds driving fun and style Hatchback flexibility for cargo Well-equipped with modern tech and safety
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Toyota's Throwback Hatch Is a Perfect Blend of Retro and Futuristic
Toyota's hatchbacks have long balanced practicality with a touch of fun—but for 2026, they're dialing up the attitude. The automaker is dusting off a classic nameplate from the '80s and bringing it back with a bold, modern twist. Enter the FX Edition, a nod to the beloved FX16 that once spiced up the Corolla lineup. This isn't just a nostalgia play—it's a sportier, sharper take on the Corolla Hatchback, complete with aggressive styling and exclusive features. With limited production numbers and a design that stands out in a sea of lookalikes, the FX Edition is one of Toyota's most eye-catching compacts in years. It's proof you can still have everyday reliability, with a serious side of flair. Toyota knew exactly what it was doing when it dusted off the old FX badge. The original FX16 made waves in the late '80s with its zippy personality, and now the 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition brings that same spirit with a more refined, but still bold, twist. Based on the SE trim, the FX Edition adds standout touches like a black vented sport wing, white 18-inch wheels with black lug nuts, and a throwback FX badge on the rear. You'll spot it instantly in Inferno, Ice Cap, or Blue Crush Metallic—each color chosen to turn heads wherever it goes. Power comes from Toyota's reliable 2.0-liter Dynamic Force engine, putting out 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque through a CVT. It's not chasing lap times, but it nails the sweet spot between daily drivability and playful performance, with a solid 33 mpg combined. Inside, the vibe continues with black Sport Touring seats, suede inserts, and orange stitching running across the cabin. It's not just about style, either—tech like a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and wireless phone charging come standard to keep things modern and convenient. The FX Edition may nod to the past, but inside, it's all about the now. Toyota packed it with all the digital perks you'd want in a modern hatch. Infotainment & Connectivity: 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia System Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Dual Bluetooth pairing Integrated Streaming with Apple Music & Amazon Music Available 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five devices Safety Suite (Toyota Safety Sense 3.0): Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist Lane Tracing Assist Road Sign Assist Automatic High Beams Proactive Driving Assist for light steering and braking support Beyond safety, Toyota loads the FX Edition with a suite of connected services to keep you in the loop. That includes a 5-year Safety Connect trial with 24/7 roadside help, emergency assistance, and Service Connect to track maintenance and vehicle health. With Remote Connect, you can lock, unlock, or even find your car—all from your phone. It's a smart setup that adds convenience to the daily drive. Only 1,600 FX Editions are hitting U.S. roads, making this trim a true limited-run standout. Toyota's solid warranty coverage and complimentary maintenance through ToyotaCare give owners peace of mind. Source: Toyota, HotCars
