Latest news with #WoodlandTrim
Motor Trend
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Toyota RAV4 Interior Review: More Muscular Appearance, Higher-Tech Screens
There is little debate about how new the new 2026 Toyota RAV4's exterior appearance is, with the compact SUV adopting a tougher, more blocky look than its sleeker predecessor. But what about the inside? Having poked around the just-revealed 2026 RAV4's interior—specifically, all three variations of its interior, as each of the main trim grades, including the mainstream core variant; the off-road-focused, new Woodland trim level; and the also-new GR Sport model. Every RAV4's cabin shares a basic layout, however, and we can now speak to how effective that is with our first interior review of the sixth-generation RAV4. 0:00 / 0:00 Before peeking inside the new RAV4, it's worth taking a look at its buff new body. It's notably taller-seeming than before, even though the overall dimensions aren't vastly different. But Toyota clearly taffy-pulled the greenhouse skyward, giving the RAV4 an airier roofline reminiscent of Subaru's similarly sized Forester. The boxier roof brings with it larger rear quarter windows and what feels like more glass area generally. 2026 Toyota RAV4 Cabin Adopts Beefcake Styling Toyota matches the more SUV-ish profile with an interior design to match. The outgoing RAV4's sleeker, more carlike innards are traded away for chunkier shapes and a deep storage shelf molded into the dashboard ahead of the front-seat passenger. The center console adopts a more user-friendly layout, too, with the cupholders shifting from a side-by-side arrangement buried back by the armrest to a longitudinal arrangement alongside the shifter, which moves to the left side of the console, closer to the driver where it should have been located before. There are different shifters depending on the trim, with 'core' versions—basically any RAV4 not named Woodland or GR Sport—getting a new small electric tab-style shifter like those in modern Porsches. (Pulling the tab back selects drive or the higher-regen 'B'—like a 'low' gear in a traditional automatic—while pushing forward calls up reverse and neutral, and park is a pushbutton separate from the shifter itself.) The Woodland and GR Sport trim levels get beefy, traditional PRNDL shift levers seemingly lifted straight out of Toyota's Tacoma pickup and new 4Runner SUV Dagmar-like protrusions low on the dashboard housing key drive mode buttons (including an EV-only button—remember, the entire RAV4 lineup goes hybrid this year, either as a gas-electric or a plug-in hybrid) are similarly reminiscent of themes used on Tacomas, Tundras, 4Runners, and the newest Land Cruiser. In short, Toyota is trying to put some hair on the RAV4's chest for 2026 by tying its overall appearance to its body-on-frame machines, especially inside. Ancillary buttons commanding driver assistance, traction control, and camera features are located on the center console itself ahead of the shifter and cupholders, along with a pair of 15-watt USB C ports. And above those but below the central air vents live a pair of smartphone-shaped pads; the lefthand pad has a wireless phone charger, and we suspect a second could be installed on the right (Toyota introduced dual phone charging pads that look highly similar in the new 2026 bZ EV, so it's certainly possible here). 2026 Toyota RAV4's Screens Are New, But They're a Mystery Every 2026 RAV4 gets a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster display that stands upright, tablet-style, atop the dashboard just ahead of the steering wheel. It's joined by a newly standard 10.9-inch touchscreen (that's larger than the 8.0-incher included previously) and a 14.6-inch touchscreen is optional, and the two present as more tech-forward (and simply larger) than those offered by the RAV4's key rival, the Honda CR-V. The thing is, we can't speak to how these displays work quite yet. They're getting new software relative to the outgoing RAV4, and it wasn't ready yet when Toyota let us hop into the new SUV. To recap, the basic on-screen menu structure from today's RAV4—and every other contemporary Toyota, for that matter—combines generously sized on-screen buttons, a pared-back, almost scaffold-like menu setup with no 'home' screen showing multiple things. Instead, you can see only music, navigation, phone, or settings menus at a time. We'll report back when we can tap, swipe, and fiddle with the RAV4's new screens soon, but based on images of the displays' new graphics (above) it appears as though Toyota is finally adding in the ability to view more than one menu at the same time, in the form of "tiles" that appear on a home menu (check that "home" button on the upper left corner of the touchscreen that's selected in the image above). 2026 RAV4 Interior: Cargo Space, Sizing, and Dimensions Given how the 2026 RAV4's basic exterior dimensions are pretty similar to the last RAV4's dimensions, you'd expect the cabin to boast similar roominess. And you're right, mostly—the new RAV4's taller-seeming greenhouse (it's slightly taller than before) has been put to good use, with the front and rear seats seemingly sitting a little higher, more chair-like, without crowding occupants' noggins into the headliner. Rear-seat legroom remains solid, if not exactly class-leading, but without official measurements from Toyota—they're coming later—we can't draw objective comparisons between the Toyota and its compact SUV rivals. There are, at least on the Limited, Woodland, and GR Sport trim levels we sampled, rear seat air vents and USB ports facing rear seat passengers. Though, we must point out, the vents themselves are ancient eggcrate-style units that don't match the front air vents' style at all—and appear to be the same units Toyota's been using since the 1980s on various models. The newest Toyota Camry's rear seat suffers the same retro touch. The cargo area features square-shaped cutouts for a retractable cargo shade, along with a household power outlet on the right side (at least in the Woodland trim). The space can be expanded by way of the RAV4's split-folding rear seats. So, Is the 2026 Toyota RAV4, Like, Nice? Much like the displays and detailed measurements, the 2026 RAV4s Toyota let us sample for this review weren't entirely production-ready. Some of the materials used inside in out-of-the-way spots, for example, were prototype stand-ins, meaning plastics lacking the correct sheen or graining. So it's tough to draw firm conclusions about how RAV4s rolling into dealerships later this year will look, but the materials that seemed ready for prime time were pleasant enough. We especially like the padded vinyl-like material on the door panels, which dresses up what is otherwise a large molding of hard plastic. The faux leather material on the seats, too, feels richer than the 'faux' label suggests. And there are some interesting materials on the dashboard and other key touchpoints that feel high end. But overall, the RAV4's interior vibe matches its mass-market aspirations: It's nice enough, and not a bit more. But based on our first go inside the 2026 RAV4, it delivers solid functionality improvements, the appearance of tech consumers gravitate toward (screens! Big ones!), and chunky good looks. That's probably more than enough to keep RAV4s flying off Toyota dealership lots.
Car and Driver
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
View Interior Photos of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
This is the inside of the new Woodland trim, which features eye-catching red accents on the seats, center console, and steering wheel.
Car and Driver
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Toyota RAV4: What We Know So Far
Overview Compact SUVs are the go-to vehicle for many American drivers, and the Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular choices in this segment. Toyota's volume seller gets a tip-to-tail re-do for 2026 and jettisons last year's nonhybrid powertrains in favor of a hybrid-only lineup. The RAV4 Hybrid offers up to 236 horsepower, while the RAV4 PHEV has up to 320 ponies and boasts a claimed 50-mile electric driving range. The RAV4's practical interior features seating for five and plenty of cargo space. An adventure-ready Woodland trim offers more ground clearance and all-terrain tires, while a new GR Sport trim features a suspension tuned by Toyota Gazoo Racing. The 2026 RAV4 is expected to go on sale by the end of 2025, just in time to take on the latest hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V and the Kia Sportage. [VIDEO]: There will be a reveal video for this What's New for 2026? The RAV4 has been comprehensively redesigned for the 2026 model year and is now offered only with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Pricing and Which One to Buy Toyota hasn't released pricing for the 2026 RAV4 lineup yet, nor do we have comprehensive information on each trim's standard and available features. When we learn more, we'll update this story with those details and make a recommendation on which one is the best buy. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The RAV4 Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combine for 226 horsepower; front-wheel drive is standard. If you opt for all-wheel drive, a third electric motor is added to drive the rear axle and horsepower climbs to 236 ponies. RAV4 PHEV models get a lot more power—320 horsepower combined—and feature all-wheel drive as standard. The GR Sport trim will be the sportiest, with a suspension tuned by Toyota Gazoo Racing, summer tires, and a reworked power steering system. When we get a chance to test drive the new RAV4 models, we'll update this story with driving impressions and test results. View Exterior Photos Toyota Towing and Payload Capacity While front-wheel drive RAV4s and the all-wheel-drive LE trim can tow only 1750 pounds, the other models all offer up to 3500 pounds of max towing capacity. Range, Charging, and Battery Life Plug-in hybrid models boast a claimed 50-mile electric driving range per charge, and Toyota says the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes on a DC fast charger. Only the XSE PHEV and Woodland PHEV trims offer DC fast-charging though, which means SE PHEV and GR Sport PHEV models will require more time to juice up. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo A blocky design theme inside the RAV4's cabin gives the dashboard a rugged look while also being straightforward for the driver. The center console provides several storage bins, and some models feature a low-profile toggle-type lever for the shifter, which saves space and makes it easier to access items stored in the bins or cupholders. Most models come with either cloth or faux-leather upholstery, but sporty-looking XSE and GR Sport models feature faux-suede seat coverings with red stitching. The RAV4's cabin appears to be spacious enough for adults to get comfortable in the front and the rear seat, and cargo space is appropriately sized. View Interior Photos Toyota Infotainment and Connectivity A 10.5-inch infotainment display is standard, but a larger 12.9-inch unit is available as an option on some models. The system can support a Bluetooth connection with up to two smartphones at a time and offers wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also standard, but if you want the available head-up display you will have to spring for the Limited or XSE trims. Base RAV4s come with a six-speaker stereo but a nine-speaker JBL setup is optional. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Toyota offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features on every RAV4 model. Specifics haven't been released but we expect to see desirable features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control included as standard. For more information about the RAV4 Hybrid'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 All RAV4s come with a comprehensive warranty that matches those provided by rivals Honda and Nissan. Far from the norm, Toyota's complimentary scheduled maintenance policy stretches for two years or 25,000 miles. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Hybrid components are covered for ten years or 150,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:
Car and Driver
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
View Exterior Photos of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The LE, XLE, and Limited models are not available with the plug-in hybrid setup; to get that, you'll have to opt for either the ruggedized Woodland or the sportier SE, XSE, or GR Sport trims.
