TOYOTA has unveiled early particulars of its sixth-generation RAV4 this week, the all-hybrid vary to be topped by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) flagship when the favored mid-sized SUV makes its method Down Beneath within the first half of subsequent yr.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 line-up will provide a considerably refreshed look, extra hi-tech cabin, and the most recent technology security and multimedia techniques throughout two- and all-wheel drive configurations, little doubt bolstering its place as Australia’s best-selling SUV.
The Australian line-up is predicted to stay acquainted to that of the RAV4 present grade line-up, however with a brand new GR Sport range-topper – provided completely in PHEV AWD guise – understood to exchange the rugged Edge variant.
Importantly, the plug-in hybrid RAV4 – Toyota’s first plug-in providing in Australia – will provide consumers as much as 100km of all-electric driving vary courtesy of a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery.
The battery could also be charged through a 50kW (DC) quick charger, offering a 10-80 per cent top-up in half-hour, or through an 11kW (AC) residence charger in “as little as three hours”.
Very like the techniques present in fashionable battery electrical autos, Toyota says the PHEV’s battery options an “improved thermal administration system” that enables for “persistently dependable efficiency (by) preserving the battery temperature steady to keep up optimum effectivity when charging and driving”.
Electrical driving vary is additional optimised by the assistance of geofencing expertise, combining real-time street and visitors information together with insights from the driving force’s typical routes and driving type, to robotically change between hybrid and electrical modes.
AWD PHEV grades of the brand new RAV4 are mentioned to supply a mixed system output of 227kW, serving to the mannequin speed up from standstill to 100km/h in simply 5.8 seconds.
A price range targeted two-wheel drive PHEV can even be provided inside the RAV4 vary, attaining a complete system output of 210kW.
Together with PHEV choices, the RAV4 can even be out there with Toyota’s acquainted series-parallel hybrid system, once more in two- and all-wheel drive configurations.
Each produce 143kW of energy and are mentioned to supply “glorious gas economic system”.
Whereas the majority of the brand new RAV4’s specification and element stay below wraps till nearer to its native launch, Toyota has hinted that the GR Sport variant will “stand out with light-weight 20-inch twin-spoke black alloy wheels, aerodynamically enhanced entrance and rear spoilers, and a particular grille design with GR mesh sample”.
The variant will additional function a 20mm widened wheel observe and “upgraded high-performance damper design” alongside stiffened rear suspension bracing, retuned springs and dampers, and a sportier energy steering tune.
Inside, the GR Sport adopts discreet GR logos and crimson accents, sports activities seats, mixture artificial leather-based and suede upholstery, console knee pads, and aluminium pedals.
Throughout the broader vary, the RAV4 can even debut Toyota’s newest multimedia system powered by Arene, a sooner and extra compact system promising a “seamless digital in-car expertise”.
Toyota says Arene is designed to “allow the protected, safe and scalable growth of automotive software program, bettering multimedia performance and driver help techniques via the usage of AI modelling and improved information utilisation, regularly enhanced via over-the-air updates”.
The association can even carry improved display readability, a brand new home-screen design, extra exact voice management performance, and provide new options together with Google Factors of Curiosity and real-time navigation particulars to “make the in-car digital atmosphere extra usable and simpler than ever earlier than”.
Importantly, the RAV4 can even introduce a fair larger stage of ordinary security applied sciences including options together with entrance cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring with rear car method indicator, expanded lane change help performance, and an expanded pre-collision suite with improved impediment, bicycle, and bike recognition.
Lastly, the RAV4 is claimed to make parking simpler by the use of a distant parking function out there through the proprietor’s smartphone and with a three-dimensional panoramic view monitor which presents “a extra full view of the realm surrounding the car”.
“When it first arrived in Australia in 1994, the RAV4 appealed to Australian prospects with its family-friendly utility, daring design and signature Toyota dependability and has since attracted greater than 500,000 gross sales,” mentioned Toyota Australia vp of gross sales, advertising and franchise operations Sean Hanley.
“The all-new sixth-generation RAV4 will keep on the legacy created by its predecessors, whereas introducing thrilling new Toyota-first applied sciences like plug-in hybrid powertrains and next-generation software program.
“For the reason that 2001 launch of Toyotas first hybrid electrical car in Australia, we have now led the event of hybrid expertise that’s refined, highly effective and environment friendly, delivering buyer confidence for high quality, sturdiness and reliability.
“With the launch of our first plug-in hybrid, we’re taking that broad buyer enchantment in a diversified powertrain panorama to an entire new stage.”
Mr Hanley mentioned that extra info on the all-new RAV4 together with confirming native specification, grade line-up, and value shall be made out there nearer to its arrival within the first half of 2026.
