The covers are off—the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 has made its official global debut, with a newly developed plug-in hybrid system leading the powertrain options for this all-new model.
Where the first-gen RAV4, which pioneered the compact crossover class, stood for ‘Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4WD,’ this latest iteration is based on the concept of ‘Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4WD.’ It has stronger SUV aspirations, but at its core, it still balances comfort, performance, and capability on any road surface.
The new 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid system features a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers an all-electric range of up to 150km, from the previous system’s 95km. It may be fast-charged up to a rate of 50kW, allowing battery top-ups from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Recharging via AC may be done at a rate of up to 11kW.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
EDSA rehab begins on June 13; DOTr eyeing free Skyway toll to manage congestion
Could the all-new Honda Civic be revealed by 2027?
The global press release claims a “12% higher motor output for this generation,” although Toyota Europe has revealed the full specs for the plug-in hybrid. Total system output for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant is 300hp, which is good enough for a 0-100kph time of 5.8sec. The front-wheel-drive version makes a slightly lower 264hp.
Toyota says the new plug-in hybrid system provides a lower center of gravity and increased rigidity. This has been achieved by integrating the DC converter into a more compact power control unit, which is then incorporated into the transaxle, allowing for a revised underfloor placement of the battery. These changes have resulted in improved driving dynamics over the previous generation.
Standard hybrid powertrains remain part of the lineup as well. As with the PHEV, it’s also available in all-wheel- and front-wheel-drive configurations. For reference, the total system output of the PH-spec fifth-gen RAV4 is 215hp. Toyota USA lists the system output of the hybrid all-wheel- and front-wheel-drive versions at 236hp and 226hp, respectively. This is the first time the RAV4 hybrid is available in FWD. Incidentally, the US-spec PHEV all-wheel-drive variant has a stated 320hp total system output—higher than the listed figure for the European version.
Of course, the all-new generation comes with a completely overhauled design. This sixth-gen model is more SUV-like in stance, proportions, and styling, with more sculpting on the sheetmetal (especially on the sides and the rear corners) as well as a blocky, minimalist fascia adorned by C-shaped headlamps and massive foglight housings on either end. Black claddings all around emphasize the adventure-oriented character of the vehicle.
The same sporty, rugged theme is carried over inside. There’s a 12.9-inch central multimedia display dominating the blocky, multilayered dashboard, while the driver gets his own 12.3-inch display. Both are powered by Toyota’s new Arene software, which promises enhanced safety, security, and connectivity features. Arene also powers Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which is being used for the first time in the all-new RAV4 and should expand on the active driver-assist systems available in the previous version.
At launch, the sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 is available in three trim levels: Core, Adventure, and GR Sport. Core features refined styling cues, while Adventure (called Woodland in the US) adds various off-road-inspired elements. Finally, GR Sport brings on the motorsports inspiration with a 20mm wider tread, specially tuned suspension and electric power steering, aero-optimized front and rear spoilers, lightweight aluminum wheels, and a distinct matrix front grille.
We’ll get more details about the all-new Toyota RAV4 as it becomes available in different markets. For now, what do you think of this latest version?
More photos of the Toyota RAV4 2026:
