Cars.com Reports on Their First Sampling of the 2026 RAV4

The first compact crossover in the country was the 1994 Toyota RAV4. So, it was pretty easy to be the best-selling vehicle in its class at the time. Now that this is the most competitive and popular category in the industry, it’s a bit more challenging. Still, the RAV4 continues to be the best-selling model in the class without breaking a sweat, not to mention the best-selling model in the country that isn’t a full-size pickup truck. Now, early in its fourth decade, the 2026 RAV4 has been redesigned. Cars.com reviewed the new RAV4, and Sharp Automotive shares their insights.

The design is entirely new. Instead of resembling Toyota’s truck lines as in the previous design, the RAV4 features the U-turn headlights from the brand’s passenger cars and positions them on a more blunt, upright front end. The rear pillar is also more upright, giving the entire model a boxier appearance, though it still falls short of the overt boxiness seen in vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe. Overall dimensions have not changed significantly.

The most significant difference is under the sheet metal, because, as Toyota tends to do these days, all RAV4s now have hybrid drivetrains. The hybrids were the best deal for the previous model, and this seems to be Toyota’s acknowledgment of that. The hybrid systems are built around the brand’s 2.5-liter inline-4 engine. Previous Hybrid models all had all-wheel drive, so this year the RAV4 combines hybrid power and front-wheel drive for the first time. In that configuration, you get 226 combined horsepower, which is 23 hp more than the current FWD RAV4. This also allows the RAV4 to claim the highest standard horsepower in its class. Cars.com notes that the Honda CR-V Hybrid peaks at 204 hp, while the Subaru Forester Hybrid produces 194 hp.

Naturally, fuel economy has been significantly improved compared to the previous FWD model, with expected city/highway/combined mpg of 48 / 42 / 44, respectively. As Cars.com points out, that’s a 78%, 20%, 47% improvement, respectively, over the 2025 FWD model.

AWD is created by a second motor that powers the rear wheels, increasing combined horsepower to 236, a 17-hp boost from the previous RAV4 Hybrid. Fuel economy ratings are up to 45/39/42, with the figures decreasing slightly for the top Limited model and more for the off-road-focused Woodland model, which is also a hybrid for the first time.

The Plug-in Hybrid RAV4 is not only retained but also expanded to grades. It features a more powerful motor capable of powering the vehicle on its own for up to 52 miles, with the Woodland and GR Sport grades offering around 49 and 48 miles, respectively. This should be sufficient for most commutes and daily driving, making the Plug-in Hybrid RAV4 a de facto EV until a more extended trip is necessary. The model comes standard with AWD and is rated at a whopping 324 horsepower. Once the electric-only range is exhausted, it can deliver up to 48/38/41 mpg, with slightly lower figures for the Woodland and GR Sport versions.

Cars.com was able to test only the AWD and Plug-in models, and they found that the ride and handling of the AWD model were very similar to those of the 2025 model. That leads us to the GR Sport model we mentioned earlier. Since it takes its initials from the Gazoo Racing-tuned models in the brand’s lineup, it is the first truly sport-focused RAV4. It is part of the Plug-in Hybrid lineup, and with the drivetrain fixed in place, the mechanical upgrades focus on the chassis. Springs and dampers are stiffened, as is the chassis itself. The ride height drops by 0.6 inches, the track widens by 0.8 inches, and it features a tuned Sport mode.

Cars.com reports that the handling definitely feels sharper, though it doesn’t threaten Toyota’s other GR models. Of course, it also includes more aggressive visual upgrades, such as 20-inch black-machined wheels, GR-logo red brake calipers, black exterior trim—including a GR-designed roof spoiler and low-profile roof rails, along with vertical LED accent lights in the front bumper.

The other themed grade is the Woodland, which focuses more on off-road and is available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. The Woodland features all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels. In addition to standard AWD, it includes Rigid Industry LED fog lights, an exclusive roof-rail crossbar setup, a standard tow hitch (with a 3,500-pound capacity), and a distinctive grille design. Inside, it offers unique SofTex seat surfaces and door trim, all-weather floor mats, and a cargo liner. It isn’t designed for serious rock crawling or dune hopping because, of course, Toyota already has the 4Runner and Land Cruiser for that.

Speaking of the 4Runner, the new RAV4 has taken some design cues from that model’s interior styling. It features a different dashboard, but the blockier, squared-off lines make it clear it originates from the same design studio. The standard center screen has been increased from 8 inches to 10.5 inches, matching the previous upgrade size. The flagship upgrade now measures 12.9 inches and is powered by Toyota’s latest digital operating system. All models now include a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, which Cars.com describes as “clear, responsive, and quite nice to look at compared to standard gauges.” The model also boasts practical storage solutions, including a center console that opens from either side and available dual wireless charging pads for phones.

With the shift to an all-hybrid lineup, the question of price remains, and Toyota hasn’t announced much beyond stating that the model line will start in the low $30K range. Economies of scale mean the added cost of the hybrid should be lower now that Toyota plans to produce millions of them. Regarding the appeal of this 6th-generation RAV4, Cars.com sums it up in their headline, “The Obvious Choice Becomes the No-Brainer.”

The first 2026 RAV4 models should be in the Sharp Automotive inventory by the time you read this. If not, ask one of our sales professionals for an expected arrival date.