New 2026 Toyota RAV4 arrives with 10,000 orders

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has begun arriving in Australian showrooms with more than 10,000 pre-orders already locked in, as Toyota prepares an 11-variant lineup that will expand further with plug-in hybrid models due in Q3. A renewed focus on tech headlines the new generation, but one thing it won’t come with is an ANCAP safety rating.

Despite the huge early demand, Toyota says it doesn’t expect longer-than-usual delivery times of around three months, insisting supply from Japan is rock solid.

Since its 1994 debut, the Toyota RAV4 has moved 15 million units globally, becoming the world’s best-selling vehicle over the last two years.

In Australia, it has been the top-selling SUV for six years straight.

Toyota reckons it’ll sell 40,000 RAV4s in 2026 and even more in 2027 – when it expects the mid-size SUV to depose the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux as Australia’s top-selling vehicle.

This dominance is fuelled by fierce loyalty; one in four buyers is a repeat customer.

Toyota puts this down to market leading retained value, with RAV4s holding up to 75 per cent of their price after four years – according to Toyota’s figures.

These predictions come despite the sixth generation’s asking prices trending north: $45,990-$66,340 plus on-road costs (see below for full pricing).

The new RAV4 launches with eight hybrid variants, priced from $45,990 plus on-road costs (an increase of up to 10.95 per cent over the outgoing model) with three PHEV models joining the range next quarter.

The headline news for the new generation isn't under the bonnet, where the familiar 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain carries over with new electrical components but less power – down from 163kW to 143kW.

Instead, Toyota has staked the RAV4's claim to relevance on a substantial technology overhaul, anchored by the ‘Arene’ operating system, making the new RAV4 the first model to use the software-defined vehicle platform.

The world’s biggest carmaker claims the new RAV is its most technologically advanced version to date.

For the first time, Toyota owners will be able to use their smartphone as a digital key to lock, unlock and start the vehicle – a capability Toyota has been slow to introduce compared to rivals like Tesla.

The new system also supports shared digital key access and is compatible with smartwatches.

Remote commands, including closing windows left open, are now delivered faster thanks to an upgraded 5G data connection module present in every model grade.

Underpinning the new infotainment experience is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster across all grades, paired with either a 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch central touchscreen depending on the variant.

The interface is supposedly designed around an intuitive smartphone-like layout and supports wireless Apple CarPlay (wired Android Auto on entry-level grades) along with connected navigation using Google search data, Spotify integration, and natural voice commands via a “Hey Toyota” prompt.

Over-the-air software updates mean the system can be improved post-purchase, and a built-in dash cam activates automatically via voice command.

Safety systems have also been upgraded, with autonomous emergency braking now capable of detecting objects up to two vehicles ahead, and adaptive cruise control linked to GPS to anticipate road curves and intersections.

Despite being what Toyota calls the "safest RAV4 ever developed," the 2025 model will initially launch without an official ANCAP rating.

The delay stems from changes to ANCAP’s testing protocols, which will require adjustments to active and passive safety systems.

While the vehicle is designed to meet the new protocols, it won't receive its official five-star rating until the second half of the year.

The new 2026 Toyota RAV4’s hybrid powertrain sees variants – both front- and all-wheel drive – fitted with Toyota's fifth-generation system, pairing a 2.5-litre petrol engine with one electric motor on front-wheel-drive variants and two on the AWDs.

Combined system output is rated at 143kW to meet emissions laws, while fuel consumption improves by around four per cent over the outgoing car, aided by a switch from a nickel-metal hydride battery to a 1.1kWh lithium-ion unit with NMC chemistry.

The platform carries over largely unchanged, though Toyota claims a 10-plus per cent improvement in body rigidity along with revised suspension geometry and damper tuning aimed at reducing noise and improving ride comfort.

Exterior dimensions are virtually unchanged from the previous generation, but the new model gets a bolder design language with wheel sizes ranging from 17 inches to 20 across the range. Boot capacity remains almost identical at 705 litres (measured to the ceiling) or around 550 litres to the window line.

Interior dimensions are also unchanged, unlike rivals which have grown larger and offer more room.

The Toyota RAV4 is the world’s most popular vehicle and initial orders suggest it will continue to be a firm favourite among Aussies.

However, the lack of an ANCAP safety rating could prove challenging, given government and some fleet buyers require an immediate five-star rating for purchase approval – the early examples will technically remain ‘unrated’ since the safety upgrades cannot be retrofitted.

We’ll have more detail on the ANCAP story but despite the eventual safety update, Toyota’s sales boss, John Pappas, says there are no plans for a price increase when the official rating finally drops (once the relevant changes are made).

Stay tuned for more Toyota RAV4 news over the coming weeks, including our first on-road review and video on Wednesday April 22 at 7pm.

2026 Toyota RAV4 equipment highlights by grade:

GX: 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, roof rails, 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, 12.3-inch digital cluster, five USB-C ports, dual-zone climate, AEB, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, eight airbags, reversing camera, parking sensors, SOS emergency call.

GXL adds: 18-inch alloys, wireless phone charger, tinted rear windows, proximity entry, auto-dimming mirror.

Edge adds: 12.9-inch touchscreen, 19-inch alloys, 20mm wider wheel track, unique bumpers, premium upholstery, power tailgate.

XSE adds: 20-inch alloys, sunroof, heated front seats, eight-way power driver's seat with memory.

Cruiser adds: 20-inch machined alloys, heated and ventilated front seats, powered passenger seat, leather upholstery, head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, JBL nine-speaker audio, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, dual wireless chargers.

GR Sport adds: GR-tuned suspension, rear strut brace, unique bumpers, suede upholstery, GR Sport knee pads, 45W USB-C charging.

How much does the 2026 Toyota RAV4 cost?
GX 2WD HEV – $45,990 (+$3730)
GX AWD HEV – $49,340 (+$4080)
GXL 2WD HEV – $48,990 (+$3180)
GXL AWD HEV – $52,340 (+$3530
Edge AWD HEV – $55,340 (-3010
Cruiser 2WD HEV – $56,990 (+$5580
XSE AWD HEV – $58,340 (+$5755
Cruiser AWD HEV – $60,340 (+$5930
XSE 2WD PHEV – $58,840
XSE AWD PHEV – $63,340
GR Sport AWD PHEV – $66,340
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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