2026 Toyota RAV4 revealed
Of course, we're not talking about size but importance.
For those less auto-literate, think of the mid-size Toyota SUV as the car industry's Taylor Swift – an artist seemingly incapable of a misstep and one that's able to sell out world tours until the end of time.
Selling 15 million since it was first introduced back in 1994, like the American pop goddess the RAV4's popularity shows no sign of waning.
Witness last year, with the current fifth-gen RAV4 nearing the end of its life, Toyota managed to sell an incredible million of them, making it the world's third best-selling car.
That stonking sales performance has been mirrored in Australia where it was only narrowly beaten to Australia's best-selling car by the Ford Ranger ute.
And the most remarkable thing? Like Swifty, all that popularity appears to have been achieved on sheer talent, without any cutthroat pricing or massive dealer discounts.
In other words, the RAV4 has sold because it's beautifully engineered, decent to drive, efficient, handsome and doesn't break. Put simply, it's the right car for the job for most Australians.
That explains why Toyota has been terrified messing with a winning formula and in the flesh the new mid-sizer shares an identical footprint to the car it replaces.
Not that designers have exactly played it safe.
We think many will appreciate the RAV4's more rugged look and how it now mimics a proper off-roader, while the hammerhead styling cues, large air intake, squared-off arches all provide for a striking look.
Inside, the exterior's chunky styling has been replicated with a cabin that references the latest LandCruiser.
Running its latest software, buyers won't be short-changed by the new 12.3-inch digital dash, fresh head-up display and large 12.9-inch infotainment that are quicker, more responsive and offer more levels of connectivity.
Beneath the skin the RAV4 remains on an updated version of the current car's platform and shares a full range of revised petrol-electric hybrids that are all centred around the current car's 2.5-litre four-cylinder – if it ain't broke …
Missing is the option of an all-electric power but, to make up for it, for the first time the inbound emission standards have forced Toyota Australia to import the plug-in version of the RAV4.
Combining a 25.4kWh battery that's 30 per cent more energy dense than the last-gen version we were denied; the new plug-in SUV can cover up to 100km on the European WLTP test cycle before it needs a recharge.
Combining a front e-motor that now produces 150kW (up 16kW), the efficient plug-in pumps out a hearty 224kW of power that provides for a sports car-like 5.8 second 0-100km/h sprint.
If you don't need all-wheel drive, the PHEV is even available as a front drive version that produces 197kW of power.
Both are capable of being topped up using a 50kW DC charge – with a 10-80 per cent replenish taking 30 mins. The same recharge using an 11kW AC, charger, meanwhile, sees the battery brimmed full of electrons in around three hours.
If you can't deal with the faff of plugging it in each night, lower down the range the RAV4 still gets either an all-wheel drive 2.5 hybrid with 141kW or a front-drive version of the electrified 2.5 that pumps out 135kW.
Toyota hasn't released official figures, but all versions will be quicker and more efficient, with the latter achieved by careful fine-tuning, plus new measures that include integrated a more sophisticated water-cooling system to improve battery thermal management.
From launch there's also the offer of a range-topping GR Sport that gets no more power, but features a 20mm wider track, sport dampers, stiffer springs and recalibrated steering for more agility and less roll, although we're not sure RAV4 drivers will notice the extra rear bracing and set of new 'lightweight' 20 -inch alloy wheels behind the wheel.
Venture into the bush and there's even a new terrain response system that's said to bless the Toyota with a capability in the rough the old car lacked.
Throw in greater levels of refinement, comfort, plus plenty of space for up to five and it's no surprise Toyota is expecting great things for its latest SUV.
Confidence is so high, in fact, Toyota Australia is tipping the RAV4 when it arrives early next year to finally knock the Ranger ute off its perch and become Australia's best-selling car.
If that's not impressive enough, don't bet against the latest RAV4 to also easily usurp the second-place Corolla and dethroning the Tesla Model Y to become the best-selling car in the world and, like Taylor, it feels like Toyota's only just getting started.
2026 Toyota RAV4
ENGINE: 2.5-litre four-cylinder, plug-in hybrid, 224kW
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For more than four years, Danielle has worked as Liz Hayes' producer and investigative journalist on her show 'Under Investigation', covering everything from corporate scandals to Australia's most baffling crime cases. Danielle's covered a range of topics from breaking news, politics, lifestyle and now motoring. Danielle Collis
