Is This the Best RAV4 Yet? Toyota's 2026 Redesign Revealed
To say that the Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular cars on the road is an understatement. Save for pickup trucks like the Ford F-Series and the Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota's humble crossover was the bestselling car in the United States last year, as 475,193 units made their way onto driveways across America.
In lieu of this, the last time the RAV got some major updates in the looks department was back in 2021, while the platform it rides on dates back to 2018. However, for 2026, Toyota is rolling out a new, redesigned RAV4 with futuristic and bold new looks, new technology, and new, electrified hybrid powertrains under the hood for maximum efficiency and performance.
The most significant change from the 2025 to 2026 model year RAV4 is under the hood, where Toyota followed the same steps as the midsize Camry sedan and ditched the gas-only 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engines that powered previous models for a selection of new hybrid powertrains.
The conventional RAV4 hybrids have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder equipped with Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, which makes 226 horsepower in its new front-wheel-drive configuration and 236 horsepower with all-wheel-drive. This translates to 23 more horsepower from the outgoing gas-only front-wheel drive model, 33 more from the outgoing gas-only all-wheel-drive model, and 17 more horses from the outgoing all-wheel-drive hybrid.
View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article
However, plug-in hybrid versions get Toyota's sixth-generation plug-in hybrid system, which consists of two electric motors and a bigger battery pack with new silicon-carbide semiconductors for improved efficiency, power delivery, and available fast charging capabilities. Exclusively offered in AWD, the new RAV4 PHEV cranks out 18 more horsepower than the outgoing one, for a total of 320 combined horsepower and 50 estimated miles of all-electric range, 8 more than the 2025 model.
Though the new RAV4s are hybrids, they are still capable of towing. All-wheel-drive RAV4s have a maximum 3,500-pound towing capacity, while front-drive RAV4s have a towing capacity bump from 1,500 pounds to 1,750 pounds.
View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article
Apart from its new electrified heart under the hood, the 2026 RAV4's most significant change is its styling. While the overall shape of the 2026 RAV4 has not changed from the familiar short-tail, high-hood silhouette of the 2025 model, the new model features some design elements that keep the car up-to-date with contemporary styling trends.
The new face of the RAV4 features sharp, C-shaped LED taillights similar to those on the Prius and Camry, as well as an expressive, oversized grille, and bigger intake holes on the sides for a tougher, more aggressive look in other drivers' rear-view mirrors. The side profile remains virtually unchanged and still features trapezoidal wheel arches, while the back gets a bold, new treatment with new Lexus-style LED taillights and a prominent tailgate spoiler.
Toyota offers the 2026 RAV4 in three different varieties beyond its usual trim levels: Core Design, Rugged Design, and Sport Design, which offer different styling elements and personalities for various buyers. The familiar LE, XLE, and Limited trims are contained within the Core Design category and all come with the standard hybrid powertrain. The LE and XLE are offered in either FWD or AWD, while the Limited exclusively gets AWD.
The Rugged Design category offers what the name suggests: it turns the RAV4 into a tough, rugged-looking all-wheel-drive hybrid on this side of a TRD Pro or Subaru Wilderness badge. The appropriately named Woodland trim gets a smattering of rugged goodies, including a revised split grille, front bumper-mounted LED light strips, roof rails, and a half-inch lift from the standard all-terrain tires.
View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article
The Sport Design category, however, offers the sport-inspired SE, XSE, and GR Sport trims, which inject a bit of boy-racer attitude into the otherwise pedestrian family hauler. The SE trim comes in hybrid or plug-in powertrains in front-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations, while the XSE exclusively gets AWD on either powertrain.
The highlight of the Sport Design category is the GR Sport (think BMW M-Sport, or Kia's GT-line), a performance-oriented model that features a stiffer chassis, unique suspension and steering tuning, and a whole host of Gazoo Racing-branded goodies including a GR Corolla-style grille, special 20-inch wheels, a bigger rear roof spoiler, and a GR-branded red and black interior with suede and faux leather accents.
View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article
Like most modern car interiors, the RAV4's interior is defined by its technology. Screens are king in the 2026 RAV4 dashboard, and up front, drivers get a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a giant infotainment screen smack dab in the middle of the dashboard that ranges from 10.5 to 12.9 inches, depending on trim level. Higher trim levels can also get an optional heads-up display.
Toyota says that the new infotainment screens can be used with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are powered by its new in-house software called Arene. The new software not only houses its updated Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 driver-assist system and a new version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia System, but also collects data and uses AI to personalize vehicles to their owners. However, one potential drawback of the big screen is that physical climate controls have been replaced with digital versions permanently displayed at the bottom of the display.
New RAV4 drivers also get more practical interior features, including a new center console with bigger cupholders, extra storage cubbyholes, and increased trunk storage for extra shopping. In addition, optional interior extras on specific models add unique touches to the RAV4's interior; for instance, Woodland models get a special Mineral color and all-weather floor mats, while some trims can be equipped with a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system.
Toyota says that the 2026 Toyota RAV4 will arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2025, with the new, updated model being available to customers in 180 countries and territories globally. Pricing will be revealed closer to the official launch.
Though this is a major redesign rather than a whole new model, the hybrid-only powertrains, new styling, and updated tech signal that Toyota is keeping its thumb on the pulse of the buying public. Although significant questions remain to be answered, such as EPA fuel economy numbers and pricing, one thing is sure: as one of the bestselling cars in the world, it will be everywhere, doing everything from hauling families to New York City taxi duty.
Is This the Best RAV4 Yet? Toyota's 2026 Redesign Revealed first appeared on Autoblog on May 22, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Ford's Gen 3 Coyote V8 Dissected: The Hidden Cause of Engine Failure
Ford's Gen 3 Coyote V8 Dissected: The Hidden Cause of Engine Failure originally appeared on Autoblog. Ford introduced its Coyote V8 engine as an evolution of its modular V8 platform, marking the Blue Oval's return to high-performance V8s, particularly in the Mustang GT. However, this engine isn't just exclusive to the long-running muscle car nameplate – several models also made use of this versatile engine, some even outside Ford's stables. The Ford F-150 is one such model that benefits from the Coyote V8, particularly its third iteration, introduced in 2018. This generation of the Coyote received both port and direct injection, along with PTWA liners and increased bore. It even saw the birth of the "Predator," a 760-hp supercharged variant used in the mighty Raptor R. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article The Coyote V8 has established itself as a reliable performance-driven mill, but it's also known to be reliable, suffering only a handful of issues associated with its name. Some can reach hundreds of thousands of miles – like this example in the spotlight by YouTube engine coroner, I Do Cars. In this teardown video, we get to see a third-generation Coyote V8 from a 2018 Ford F-150, which is presumed to have reached over 100,000 miles. The engine is apparently all locked up, but further inspection revealed what killed the Coyote and what made it such a special specimen of Ford engineering. While I Do Cars was under the impression that the V8 in question was all banged up, initial inspection showed that it wasn't too bad. It rotated manually with a few internal clicks. The spark plugs appeared to be overdue, and while the intake ports were dirty, the valves were clean enough to suggest port/direct injection was helping. Further examination of the top portion showed promising revelations, with clean sections after removing the valve covers. There were no metal glitter, damaged cam lobes, or broken valvetrain parts. Interestingly, a timing chain slap was discovered as the source of the clicks, due to the unloaded oil pressure-dependent tensioners. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article However, the cylinder heads showed heavy carbon and oil deposits, suggesting the engine was burning oil. One cylinder showed odd residue or discoloration, while the pistons came with a heavy carbon buildup in ring lands, suggesting oil control ring failure. Some oil rings were seized, others barely protruded, confirming oil consumption problems. Overall, the Coyote V8 engine teardown showed minimal and typical wear after over 100,000 miles (apart from the plastic oil pan), with I Do Cars claiming it is a candidate for a rebuild. It wasn't flawless, but its failure was only from burning too much oil, which led to catalytic converter damage – the only persistent problem associated with Coyote V8s, beyond issues with its 10-speed transmission. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article Ford's Gen 3 Coyote V8 Dissected: The Hidden Cause of Engine Failure first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
TechCrunch
an hour ago
- TechCrunch
Learn how Toyota and NLX successfully partnered at TC Sessions: AI
We're down to the final two days before TechCrunch Sessions: AI unites the broader AI community at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall on Thursday, June 5! Expect a packed agenda with top speakers, expert panels, top-tier networking, and Side Events from our partners. One of our speakers is Andrei Papancea, CEO and co-founder of NLX, who will share insights from the company's successful partnership with Toyota — focused on building AI-powered conversational experiences for car repair. With the event just days away, now's your last chance to lock in serious savings. Here's how: Save $300 when you register solo. Bring a guest and get 50% off their ticket with our 2-for-1 deal. Want an even better deal? Play our AI trivia challenge for a chance to score two tickets for just $200 total. So, without further ado, meet Papancea and get to know his insightful session on the main stage. Get to know Andrei Papancea Papancea is currently the CEO of NLX, a company that has raised more than $25 million in funding to fuel its mission of providing automated customer service experiences to companies ranging from United Airlines to Red Bull. Its efforts are built on Papancea's prior experiences building American Express's Conversational AI platform, which has become a primary point of contact for customer experiences with the company. Papancea and Toyota join the main stage For his session, Papancea will dive into NLX's partnership with Toyota, which centers on AI-powered conversational experiences tailored specifically for car repair. The initiative gives technicians instant access to a vast knowledge base — drawn from millions of pages of repair guides, manuals, diagrams, and other highly specific resources — to help them diagnose and complete repairs more efficiently. In doing so, Toyota has already been able to improve a core KPI: the productivity of its technicians. And that's exactly the kind of topic we're looking to dive into at TC Sessions: AI, one that demonstrates the real-world impact of AI implementation and partnerships. Techcrunch event Save now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—and get 50% off a second. Hear from leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more during a full day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking. These low-rate deals disappear when the doors open on June 5. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW Join our full lineup of insightful AI sessions featuring leaders from Google Cloud, Amazon, TwelveLabs, OpenAI, Anthropic, and many more. Check out the full speaker list and agenda. Your last chance to join TechCrunch Sessions: AI with real ticket savings TechCrunch Sessions: AI is just days away — don't miss your chance to explore practical AI solutions, real-world applications, and top-tier networking with fellow experts and innovators. Take advantage of last-minute deals: Save up to $300 on single tickets, bring a guest with our 2-for-1 offer, or win a special promo code through our AI Trivia Challenge to get two tickets for just $200. All low rates and special offers disappear when the doors open on June 5 — secure your pass today and join us at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall!
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Toyota recalls 443K Tacoma pickups for reverse light failures
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing has recalled over 443,000 model year 2022-2025 Tacoma pickups, including hybrid models, for moisture intrusion in the rear taillight assemblies that can cause the vehicle's reverse lights to fail, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The problem is related to the adhesive securing a 'multi-layer vent patch' on the light assemblies that's designed to protect the units from water intrusion. The adhesive may separate due to thermal cycling and allow moisture to enter the light assembly, which can corrode the internal circuit board, connectors or wiring harness and cause the reverse lamp to not illuminate. Dealers will replace both reverse lamp assemblies with an improved design and repair the wiring harnesses if needed to remedy the condition. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30. The recall only includes 2022-2025 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles produced between June 30, 2021, and March 20, 2025. These vehicles are equipped with reverse lamp assemblies of a specific design using a certain type of adhesive to secure the vent patch, according to the recall report. The Tacoma is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California, Mexico for the North American market, but not all of the recalled vehicles were sold in the U.S., according to the NHTSA. The light assemblies were supplied by Hella Automotive in Mexico. Although the recall report shows an estimated 1% of the Tacoma models as having the defect, the automaker says the exact number is unknown. The NHTSA's manufacturer portal requires that automakers enter a valid or approximate population of affected vehicles and Toyota selected a value of 1. The recall is Toyota's sixth since Jan. 1, according to the NHTSA. Toyota also issued 16 recalls in 2024 on sales of over 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, which is far fewer than some other automakers. Ford Motor Co., for example, has issued 56 recalls since Jan. 1 that potentially extend to over 1.9 million vehicles. Recommended Reading Ford recalls over 160K Super Duty pickups, SUVs for backup camera fault Sign in to access your portfolio
