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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota's 2026 RAV4 Is Officially Hybrid-Only. That's a Very Big Deal.
Toyota's 2026 RAV4 Is Officially Hybrid-Only. That's a Very Big Deal. originally appeared on Autoblog. Toyota just unveiled the sixth-generation RAV4, and it's a massive update in more ways than one. The best-selling non-pickup in the U.S. is now only available with hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. For a model that sold nearly half a million units last year, this isn't just a product refresh — it's a high-stakes bet on electrified drivetrains becoming mainstream. Following in the footsteps of the hybrid-only 2025 Camry, the new RAV4 eliminates the pure gas-powered option entirely starting with the 2026 model year. That means every RAV4 sold from now on will have at least one electric motor under the hood. The standard hybrid RAV4 gets a significant upgrade with Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine works with electric motors to produce 236 combined horsepower in AWD models, and 226 hp in FWD versions — the latter being a first for RAV4 hybrids. That's a healthy bump over the previous RAV4 gas model's 203 hp and should translate into better performance without sacrificing fuel economy. The plug-in hybrid version, meanwhile, uses a high-capacity battery and dual electric motors to generate up to 320 hp. That's 18 more horsepower than before, and it comes with a manufacturer-estimated electric-only range of 50 miles — a 20% boost over the outgoing RAV4 Prime. Even better, the new RAV4 PHEV now supports DC fast charging on XSE and Woodland trims, letting owners recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. The RAV4 rides on Toyota's TNGA-K platform, which now features a stiffer structure and better insulation for reduced road noise and improved comfort. Inside, Toyota's latest Arene software platform powers a next-gen multimedia system and the newest version of its active safety suite, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0. Of course, the RAV4 Hybrid still burns gasoline, and that's a sticking point for environmentalists who say Toyota's strategy isn't aggressive enough. But in a country where EV sales growth is cooling and policy support is weakening, Toyota's strategy looks pragmatic. Hybrid sales already make up nearly half of Toyota's U.S. volume, and the RAV4's shift to a hybrid-only lineup could push that number even higher. Besides, the new RAV4's reveal is full of good news. Both hybrid and plug-in models get more power than before. The hybrid now makes 226 horsepower in front-wheel-drive configuration and 236 with all-wheel drive — the latter available for the first time on the Woodland trim. The plug-in hybrid gains a stronger battery and more efficient electric motors, helping push its combined output to 320 hp. The 2026 RAV4 won't solve climate change, but it may bring hundreds of thousands of American drivers into a more efficient, lower-emissions future — all while saving owners money at the pump. Toyota's 2026 RAV4 Is Officially Hybrid-Only. That's a Very Big Deal. first appeared on Autoblog on May 29, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Motor 1
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
2026 Toyota RAV4 Debuts With Hybrid-Only Power and a New Sporty Trim
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the brand's most successful vehicles. Last year alone, Toyota sold 475,193 units of the RAV4 in the US, third only to the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F Series. But last year's RAV was already six years old and riding an outdated platform, so it was only a matter of time before we got a new one. And it's finally here. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 aims to keep the sales train rolling with major improvements in the design, technology, and powertrain departments. Most notably, Toyota ditches its pure-gas engine for a now-standard hybrid powertrain with an even more powerful, even more efficient plug-in-hybrid option that extends to more trims than ever before. All-Hybrid, All The Time Photo by: Toyota The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine is dead; long live the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid. The 2026 RAV4 packs a hybrid powertrain with Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system equipped, which sees major improvements to the power control unit and battery for improved output and efficiency. The new RAV4 hybrid makes 226 horsepower when paired with standard front-wheel drive—the first for the model—or 236 horsepower with all-wheel drive. The FWD RAV has 23 more hp than the outgoing front-drive gas model, while the AWD version sees a 17-hp increase over the previous AWD hybrid. Toyota hasn't released fuel economy figures yet. The 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid replaces the outgoing RAV4 Prime and adopts Toyota's sixth-generation plug-in-hybrid unit, which features two electric motors and a larger high-capacity traction battery with new silicon-carbide semiconductors to improve efficiency and power delivery. All told, the new RAV PHEV makes 320 hp and gets up to 50 miles of electric range on a single charge—up from 42 miles in the Prime. Photo by: Toyota Photo by: Toyota Model Output Drive Type EV Range RAV4 Hybrid 226 / 236 Horsepower FWD / AWD -- RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid 320 Horsepower AWD 50 Miles That bigger battery also means that the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is DC fast-charging capable on certain trims, although the company has yet to disclose charging rates. The XSE and Woodland trims with a CCS charging port are capable of fast charging, but the SE and new GR Sport trims (more on this in a bit) use a non-fast-charging-capable J1772 port. An 11-kilowatt onboard charger is also available on all trims. Even with hybrid power, the RAV4 maintains its maximum 3,500-pound towing capacity with AWD models. Front-drive RAV4 models see their towing capacity improve from 1,500 pounds to 1,750 pounds. More To Choose From Photo by: Toyota Toyota breaks the 2026 RAV4 down into three different categories: Core Design, Rugged Design, and Sport Design. The Core Design category consists of the LE, XLE, and Limited trims, all with the standard hybrid powertrain. The LE and XLE offer either FWD or AWD, while the Limited gets AWD exclusively. Move up to the Rugged Design category, and Toyota offers just one trim (for now): The Woodland. The RAV4 Woodland has off-road-focused cues like all-terrain tires, additional LED lights in the front bumper, and a standard roof rack. Buyers can choose from the hybrid or plug-in-hybrid powertrain here, with AWD only on either powertrain. At the top of the lineup are the Sport Design models, which consist of the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The SE comes with your choice of the hybrid or plug-in powertrain with either FWD or AWD, while the XSE has the choice of both powertrains but AWD exclusively. Trims Powertrain Drive Type Core Design LE / XLE / Limited Hybrid FWD / AWD Rugged Design Woodland Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid AWD Sport Design SE / XSE / GR Sport Hybrid (SE, XSE) / Plug-In Hybrid (GR Sport) FWD (SE) / AWD (SE, XSE, GR Sport) Toyota RAV4 Woodland Photo by: Toyota 2026 Toyota RAV4 Limited Photo by: Toyota The GR Sport is Toyota's first true performance-oriented RAV—although, it's still not a full GR model. It's powered by the PHEV powertrain and with AWD, making a properly powerful 320 horsepower, which means it should be even quicker to 60 miles per hour than the outgoing RAV4 Prime, which got there in 5.5 seconds. Visual cues like the larger front grille with the GR badge set the RAV4 GR Sport apart from the rest of the lineup (and it looks suspiciously similar to the GR Corolla's updated grille), as do the special 20-inch wheels, rear roof spoiler, and interior, which is lined with suede and faux leather accents. Big On Tech, Big On Safety Photo by: Toyota The 2026 RAV4 goes heavy on screens with a standard 10.5-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Buyers can opt for a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen on certain models. Every version of the RAV runs a new generation of Toyota's Audio Multimedia system that promises to be quicker and even more responsive, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth compatibility, and for the first time, a static home button. The 2026 RAV is also the first Toyota with the brand's Safety Sense 4.0 safety suite, which has all the same technology as the previous system—adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, etc—but with enhanced hardware and detection capabilities. 27 Source: Toyota RAV4 Pricing One thing we still don't know is what Toyota will ask for the latest RAV4. The 2025 model costs just under $30,000, but we don't expect this new version to be that much pricier. More on the Toyota RAV4 The 2026 Toyota RAV4's Hybrid System Is Brilliant. Here's Why 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 . Gallery: 2026 Toyota RAV4 27 Source: Toyota Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Toyota's New RAV4 is Set to Arrive Sooner Than Expected
A fresh look, upgraded tech, and more efficient hybrid powertrains are on the way — but don't expect a complete reinvention of America's best-selling vehicle. A familiar platform with a fresh face Toyota's next-generation RAV4 is just around the corner, and while the brand is keeping things close to the chest, new teaser images and a confirmed reveal date of May 21 suggest the wait won't be long. The bestselling SUV in America is due for an update, and Toyota's playing it smart: expect evolutionary styling changes, enhanced hybrid performance, and an interior that borrows from the tech-forward Prius. Even though Toyota is branding this RAV4 as 'all-new,' it's really more of a heavy refresh. The SUV will continue riding on the same TNGA-K platform introduced with the fifth-gen model in 2018. Think of it like what Toyota just did with the new Camry — revamped looks and tech, but the bones remain the same. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid — Source: Toyota Hybrid powertrain, smarter efficiency Under the hood, the next RAV4 is expected to stick with Toyota's proven 2.5-liter hybrid setup but with added power and better fuel efficiency. The base hybrid is expected to deliver around 225 hp in front-wheel drive and up to 232 hp with all-wheel drive, thanks to an additional rear-mounted motor. A plug-in hybrid version — likely a new take on the RAV4 Prime — will follow. There's also speculation about a fully electric model joining the lineup, possibly using an improved version of the TNGA-K platform, though Toyota hasn't confirmed those plans yet. One thing's clear: Toyota's betting big on hybrids over full electrics for now. Tech-heavy interior inspired by Prius Leaked photos from Toyota Europe give us a good look at the interior, and it's clear the next RAV4 is taking cues from the latest Prius. Expect a cleaner, more modern cabin featuring a freestanding digital instrument cluster and a prominent infotainment screen mounted high on the center stack. 2025 Toyota Prius Limited — Source: Toyota Toyota is also focusing on premium touches like better materials, wireless phone charging, and possibly even a head-up display. The redesigned center console hints at a more driver-centric layout, and while overall dimensions likely won't change much, the space should feel more upscale. Styling tweaks and a possible TRD Pro Outside, the 2026 RAV4 leans into Toyota's new design language with wraparound LED daytime running lights, a squared-off grille, and subtle aerodynamic upgrades. The shape is still instantly recognizable, but the details are sharper. 2024 Toyota RAV4 TRD-Offroad There's also talk of Toyota launching a more rugged TRD Pro trim, especially as Honda prepares to roll out a TrailSport version of the CR-V. With Toyota's off-road heritage and growing demand for adventure-ready SUVs, it would be a smart move. Final thoughts The RAV4's official debut is just days away, and Toyota fans won't have to wait long to see it on the road as sales are expected to begin this fall. Despite growing competition from Mazda, Honda, Hyundai, and others, the RAV4's blend of reliability, practicality, and hybrid efficiency continues to make it a powerhouse in the compact SUV segment. It may not be revolutionary, but the next RAV4 looks ready to hold its crown.
