2026 Toyota RAV4: Release date, price, engines, design and everything we know so far

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The Toyota RAV4 mid-size SUV drew closer than ever to becoming Australia’s best-selling new vehicle last year, fewer than 4000 deliveries behind the Ford Ranger ute.

As the Ranger faces increased competition from newer utes, the RAV4 is set to ramp up its challenge with a new-generation model, expected to be unveiled by Toyota in the coming months.

Here’s everything we know so far about the new 2026 Toyota RAV4.

Is there a new RAV4 coming out in 2025?

The new Toyota RAV4 is expected to be revealed in the coming months, ahead of a possible Australian arrival in 2026.

With prototypes on the road testing, and leaked photos online, the covers are likely to come off soon, with reports pointing to a late April unveiling at the Shanghai motor show – or possibly the one-week-earlier New York motor show.

Australian launch timing is yet to be confirmed, but if history is a guide, it is estimated to reach local showrooms within 12 months after its global debut.

The current RAV4 was unveiled in April 2018 and launched locally in May 2019, the latest Prado took a similar amount of time, while the new Camry was revealed in November 2023 for a September 2024 Australian launch.

MORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 spied for the first time

What will the new Toyota RAV4 look like?

It was long thought the new RAV4 would be an evolution of its predecessor, following in the tyre tracks of the Camry sedan in sharing its underpinnings and some of its body panels with its predecessor to reduce costs.

While it’s still expected to use a carry-over or lightly-revised platform, spy photos suggest the bodywork will be all-new, albeit similar to the outgoing RAV4.

The RAV4’s boxy proportions and chiselled lines remain, but with a new ‘hammerhead’ front fascia similar to the Camry, bZ4X and latest Prius home to C-shaped LED headlights and a honeycomb grille.

There are slimmer LED tail-lights below what appear to be a more upright tailgate than before, plus new sculpting along the doors. These illustrations created for Drive by Pratyush Rout show what to expect.

It’s hard to discern from the spy photos and leaked image if the new RAV4 will be bigger than its predecessor, which is now mid-pack in terms of dimensions amongst its rivals.

MORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 – is this the real deal?

What engine will the new Toyota RAV4 have?

Hybrid power was made standard in the current Toyota RAV4 in Australia in June 2024, a decision expected to carry through to the next-generation model here and, possibly, in certain overseas markets.

Japanese reports suggest plug-in hybrid technology will remain available – as it is in the current RAV4 internationally – alongside a new battery-electric version, aimed at markets such as the US.

Drive exclusively reported in October 2024 the new RAV4 Hybrid will combine a familiar 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with new-generation Toyota hybrid technology.

MORE: 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid engines revealed for next-generation model – exclusive

In the Camry, it includes a new lithium-ion battery pack, more powerful electric motor and updated power electronics to boost power from 160kW to 170kW with front-wheel drive.

Fuel consumption is expected to decrease by a similar 10 per cent to the Camry, from the 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres claim of today’s RAV4.

Plug-in hybrid models are set to keep a version of the current 2.5-litre engine and three electric motors of the current model overseas, Drive has reported, but with updates.

Details on the electric RAV4 are unclear, as are plans for non-hybrid versions, which may see the 2.0-litre non-turbo engine retained in select markets as a more affordable entry point to the range.

MORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 to offer hybrid, PHEV, electric options – report

What technology will the new Toyota RAV4 offer?

Spy photographers are yet to catch a clear look at the new RAV4’s interior, but it is likely to inherit many of the latest features from other Toyota models.

It could include a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, head-up display, power-adjustable steering column, and existing features spread to cheaper models, such as the Cruiser’s sunroof, ventilated seats, and 360-degree camera.

New safety features will be needed to earn five stars under the latest ANCAP crash-test protocols, including an airbag between the front seats, and a driver-facing attention monitor.

MORE: Toyota RAV4 hybrid faces its biggest challenge in 2025

How much will the new Toyota RAV4 cost in Australia?

Pricing for the new RAV4 won’t be known until much closer to its Australian launch, but Toyota will have limited space to move upward in what is one of the country’s most competitive new-vehicle segments.

The current RAV4 GX Hybrid front-wheel drive (FWD) is priced from $42,260 plus on-road costs, and climbs to $58,360 plus on-road costs for the Edge Hybrid all-wheel drive.

The former has climbed in price by more than $5400 in three years ($36,800 plus on-roads) – offset by extra equipment – and the price of entry into the range has risen from $30,990 in 2019 when the cheapest model was petrol-only with a manual transmission.

The Hyundai Tucson is priced from $39,100 to $61,100 – or from $45,100 when only hybrids are counted – while the Mitsubishi Outlander petrol ranges from $37,740 to $55,190, all before on-road costs.

Also soon to be replaced by a new model available with hybrid technology, the Mazda CX-5 is priced from $36,590 to $55,000 before on-roads.

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