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A new generation of Australia’s best-selling SUV, the Toyota RAV4, is due here next year, offering plug-in hybrid power and a GR Sport flagship for the first time.
Due here before the end of the first quarter (January to March) of 2026, the new RAV4 will be offered in six model grades across the lineup, including front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions with hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options.
There’s a total of 11 variants, where there were previously nine.
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The new five-seat RAV4 SUV uses the same platform as its predecessor, and continues to battle other popular mid-sizers like the Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Tucson.
The addition of a new plug-in hybrid powertrain also pits the RAV4 against the BYD Sealion 6 – the best-selling PHEV in Australia in 2024 – as well as PHEV versions of the Outlander.
It will also face a new generation CX-5 in 2026 but will have a key advantage as Mazda is not planning to offer a hybrid powertrain in the CX-5 until the following year.
The majority of the 2026 RAV4 lineup uses the hybrid powertrain – there is no non-hybrid petrol or diesel offering – while the PHEV is reserved for high-spec variants.

While full specifications are yet to be released, here is what Toyota Australia has released so far on the new RAV4, critical to its ongoing success here.
The 2026 RAV4 costs more than its predecessor, starting at $45,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level front-wheel drive GX and topping out at $66,340 for the GR Sport flagship, which is available only with AWD and PHEV power.

For the core hybrid lineup, there’s a $3350 premium for AWD on the GX and the GXL, while the Edge and XSE are AWD-only.
The Cruiser, which makes up the largest chunk of sales, is offered in FWD and AWD versions.
The RAV4 PHEV is offered in three guises: XSE 2WD, XSE AWD and GR Sport AWD.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 GX FWD | $45,990 (+$3730) |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 GX AWD | $49,340 (+4080) |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 GXL FWD | $48,990 (+3180) |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 GXL AWD | $52,340 (+3530) |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD | $55,340 (-$3020) |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE AWD | $58,340 (-$5755) |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD | $56,990 (+$5580) |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD | $60,340 (+$5930) |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV | |
|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE FWD | $58,840 (new) |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE AWD | $63,340 (new) |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport AWD | $66,340 (new) |
The RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid arrangement making a combined 143kW in both FWD and AWD models.

The plug-in hybrid also uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but with FWD models using a front-axle motor for a total power output of 200kW.
The RAV4 PHEV AWD runs a second motor on the rear axle for a combined 227kW, the most power ever offered in Toyota’s mid-size SUV.
AWD models also add downhill assist control as well as Trail and Snow driving modes.
Official fuel figures have not yet been announced.
| Specifications | RAV4 Hybrid | RAV4 PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid | 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol plug-in hybrid |
| Engine outputs | TBC | TBC |
| Electric motor outputs | TBC | TBC |
| System outputs | 143kW (FWD and AWD) | 200kW(FWD) 227kW (AWD) |
| Battery | – | 22.7kWh lithium-ion |
| Transmission | e-CVT | e-CVT |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive |
| Electric driving range | N/A | 100km (WLTP) |
| Max AC charge rate | N/A | 11kW |
| Max DC charge rate | N/A | 50kW |
The current RAV4 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The first five services are capped at $260 each.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has yet to be tested by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), so is currently unrated.

A five-star rating applied to the previous model, which used the same underpinnings and hybrid powertrain.
All RAV4s come standard with the following equipment:
Full details are yet to be announced, but Toyota Australia has released key equipment details for the 2026 RAV4.




The 2026 RAV4 will be offered in six trim levels.
RAV4 GX highlights:
RAV4 GXL adds:
RAV4 Edge adds:
RAV4 XSE adds:
RAV4 XSE PHEV adds:
RAV4 Cruiser adds:
RAV4 GR Sport adds:
The 2026 RAV4 range will be available in 10 colours as well as four two-tone paint schemes, with the previous Glacier White, Frosted White, Eclipse Black, Atomic Rush and Saturn Blue joined by five new choices.

These are:
The XSE will be available with a black roof when finished in Frosted White, Dusty Bronze, Massive Grey or Saturn Blue.
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Damion Smy is an award-winning motoring journalist with global editorial experience at Car, Auto Express, and Wheels.


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