2026 Toyota RAV4 detailed for Oz

Toyota Australia has revealed preliminary specs for the highly anticipated sixth-generation RAV4, due on sale Down Under in the first half of 2026.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is shaping up for its Australian launch in the first half of 2026, where it’ll come offered in no less than 11 different configurations across six trims – GX, GXL, Edge, XSE, Cruiser, GR Sport – and two powertrains: hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

It’s worth noting that only the XSE and GR Sport will offer plug-in hybrid power, while the rest will all feature plugless systems – XSE included.

Pricing for the sixth-gen RAV4 is yet to be announced but expect an increase over the current line-up’s $42,260 to $58,360 (each plus on-road costs) price points, given the extra equipment and technology added.

The base RAV4 GX will again kick off proceedings, with standard equipment set to include 17-inch  alloys, auto-levelling LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and a 10.5-inch infotainment unit with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Toyota Connected Services and a full suite of safety assist and driver aids.

GX owners will be able to opt for a full-size spare tyre as opposed to the temporary spare offered standard.

The GXL adds larger 18-inch alloys, tinted side and rear windows, wireless phone charging, a leather-accented steering wheel and gear selector, and an eight-way powered driver’s seat.

Meanwhile, the Edge is the only variant offered in a single hybrid AWD guise, and comes with unique front and rear bumpers (silver skid plates), widened black wheel arches, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, electric tailgate, and a 12.9-inch touchscreen with integrated climate control functions.

Hybrid AWD grades also feature downhill assist control and a ‘Trail and Snow’ drive mode for slippery conditions.

Sitting near the top of the range is the RAV4 XSE – available in hybrid AWD, PHEV FWD and PHEV AWD – bringing 20-inch black alloy wheels, black bumper accents, two-tone exterior paint, stainless steel-look exterior trim elements, a sunroof, leather- and suede-appointed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, memory function for the driver, a 360-degree camera, and climate concierge.

The Cruiser adds ‘high-grade’ LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, leather-appointed upholstery, a head-up display, dual wireless phone charging, a digital rearview mirror and a nine-speaker JBL sound system.

Finally, GR Sport variants get a much sportier look and extra goodies like 20-inch machined alloy wheels, GR Sport bumpers, a rear spoiler, aluminium pedals, GR Sport seats, steering wheel and suede knee pads, plus paddle shifters.

High performance dampers, retuned suspension, a special power steering calibration, and stiffer rear suspension brace also feature, along with a 20mm wider wheel track. 

Under the bonnet of hybrid variants is Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system built around a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with a maximum combined power output of 143kW.

Meantime, plug-in hybrid RAV4s are powered by a sixth-generation 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, the latter sustained by a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery, good for a combined 227kW in all-wheel drive form – front-drive versions use a single electric motor to deliver a lesser 200kW.

PHEV grades will also offer a 1500W inverter to power small appliances.

As part of upgrades across the board, Toyota says the new RAV4 will get enhanced safety features, including front cross traffic alert and improved functionality for the blind spot monitoring and lane trace assist systems, while the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system is also said to offer greater detection of obstacles, bicycles and motorcycles.

A fresh colour palette with more hues will also arrive, including Massive Grey, Urban Rock, Feverish Red, Dusty Bronze and Daintree Green, while carryover colours include Glacier White, Frosted White, Eclipse Black, Atomic Rush and Saturn Blue.

Toyota will release full specification and pricing closer to the new RAV4’s arrival in the first half of 2026, but it’s expected the inevitably increased pricing won’t deter buyers.

If anything, the expanded array of powertrains could actually entice even more buyers to Toyota showrooms, poaching sales off Mitsubishi and BYD in the process.

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