SPY PICS: 2026 Toyota RAV4 first look

The next-generation 2026 Toyota RAV4 might’ve just been outed for the first time, with a fresh spy shot surfacing online of a camouflaged SUV overseas, thought to be the next iteration of Australia's most popular mid-size SUV.

A single spy shot – which was shared on Spanish forum Coche Spias – has revealed what’s thought to be the next RAV4, cloaked almost entirely in camo wrap and parked up at a fuel station in the US, with what appears to be a small trailer in tow.

If it indeed is the Japanese car-maker’s next-gen RAV4, it doesn’t appear to move the needle too far forwards when it comes to styling, sporting similar design cues to the current fifth-gen model, including angular wheel arches and body creases.

It does, however, get a new front end beneath the camouflage, which will no doubt be in line with Toyota’s latest ‘hammerhead’ design cues, adopted by the latest Camry.

As we’ve previously reported, it’s unclear whether the next-gen RAV4 will be an all-new model or a heavily updated version of the current SUV, however, it’s thought the current model’s TNGA-K underpinnings will continue on, albeit with minor tweaks.  

Meanwhile, the brand’s next-gen hybrid tech will be introduced, combining the familiar 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with new electric motors and batteries, in hopes of more power and improved fuel economy.

Despite reports a battery electric (BEV) version of the new RAV4 is underway, Australia will likely continue with hybrid only for the mid-size SUV, a proven formula Down Under.

There are no plans to offer the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) RAV4 sold overseas, locally.

The Toyota RAV4 could become the nation's best-selling model for 2024, outselling every other vehicle (including the popular Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger) for the last two months.

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