The Woodland trim comes with bigger 18-inch black wheels, distinct bumpers, a skid plate, LED fog lamps and roof rails and cross bars.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Toyota’s best-selling model, the made-in-Canada RAV4 compact SUV, gets fully redesigned for 2026. Besides a new look and more technology, it’ll only be available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid – no gas-only option will be offered. While pricing hasn’t been announced yet, the hybrid will arrive in dealerships early next year, followed by the PHEV shortly after. The arrival of the sixth-generation SUV in 2026 also marks a major milestone – the 30th anniversary of RAV4 in Canada.
The first RAV4, short for Recreational Active Vehicle with four-wheel drive, launched in Canada in September 1996. Since then, Canadians have bought more than 925,000 of them. More than 14 million RAV4s have been sold worldwide.
In the marketplace, it’s also unique because for nearly two decades, the RAV4 has been made-in-Canada. The only other competitor that’s made-in-Ontario is its biggest rival, the Honda CR-V.
The RAV4 first rolled off the line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, or TMMC, in Woodstock in November 2008 and then later at TMMC’s Cambridge plant. Together, TMMC has assembled more than four million RAV4s for the North American market.
“In Canada, especially in the last year, there’s been a greater focus on things that are made-in-Canada by Canadians,” said Scott MacKenzie, director of corporate and external affairs at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada. “Twenty per cent of all automotive production in Canada is made at our plants and a large portion of that is the RAV4,” added MacKenzie, during our test drive from Niagara-on-the-Lake to TMMC’s Woodstock plant in southwestern Ontario.
The Woodland version gets a look that feels inspired by Toyota’s bigger SUVs.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
The hybris is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
While the RAV4 plug-in hybrids weren’t available to test, preproduction 2026 RAV4 hybrids were. Driving along a mix of winding backroads and highway stretches in the Limited HEV in the pouring rain, the vehicle was smooth, solid and secure. The hybrid powertrain was responsive, more powerful and more fuel efficient than the previous generation.
Powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, it now delivers 236 combined horsepower – that’s up from 219. All models also come standard with all-wheel drive – a welcome addition on the rain-slicked roads.
When pushed, though, the engine felt underpowered at times. Engine noise also seeped into the cabin when nailing the throttle to accelerate quickly onto the highway. The plug-in versions, which will arrive in the spring, will get a power boost and more range. It’ll come with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors, a 150-kilowatt front motor (versus 134 kW) and 40-kW rear motor, and a high-capacity traction battery. It’ll have a combined 324 horsepower and up to 84 kilometres of electric range – that’s up from 68 kilometres in the previous generation.
Inside, the RAV4 featured more technology on the convenience and safety side. My Limited trim tester had a larger a 12.9-inch touchscreen display versus the standard 10.5-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and over-the-air software updates. It also had a new version of the Toyota Multimedia system, which is enabled by Arene, and an updated package of Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 safety features.
New features include an updated 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 360-degree heated steering wheel and a stubby shift-by-wire toggle shifter switch in the centre console.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
The voice assistant has improved, too, with quicker response times. You can say, “Hey Toyota, I’m cold” and it adjusts the temperature and fan setting accordingly. You can also use voice commands to find musicians such as “Hey Toyota, play Lady Gaga”; it worked quickly and easily. A cool, new Drive Recorder system that acted like a built-in dash camera. With a new front camera and radar, it can record up to 90-minutes when driving.
At the Woodstock plant, it’s clear Toyota has invested big bucks into retooling everything from the body and paint shop to the assembly and tool and die areas. It’s also using more cost-effective ergonomically supportive gadgets to reduce strain and improve productivity for its employees doing repetitive tasks.
“Between the two lines in Woodstock and Cambridge, it’s a significant investment – it’ll certainly be north of a billion dollars when its calculated at the end of the day,” MacKenzie said.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 comes in three design styles and several trims including the first-ever GR sport, developed with Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. Prices will be available closer to the launch date.
Tech specs
2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Limited)
Base price: To be announcedEngine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine Horsepower / torque (lb-ft): 236 / 163Transmission / drive: electronically-controlled CVT / all-wheel drive Fuel consumption (litres per 100 kilometres city / highway): 5.4 / 6.0 (Limited AWD)Alternatives: Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-50, Ford Bronco Sport, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage Looks
The Limited’s cheese-grater inspired front grille design may not be to everyone’s liking. Personally, I preferred the traditional front grille on the Woodland trim. I also like the Woodland’s cool Everest colour, bigger 18-inch black wheels, distinct bumpers, a skid plate, LED fog lamps and roof rails and cross bars. On all trims, rear windows have grown larger, which improves rear-outward visibility.
Interior
New features include an updated 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 360-degree heated steering wheel and a stubby shift-by-wire toggle shifter switch in the centre console of my Limited tester – it’s a Toyota first. It’s a bit awkward at first, but it frees up space in the centre console. The Woodland trim gets a traditional gear shifter and sporty red accents throughout the cabin. I love the little details such as a dual opening centre console box, which opens either way and can be removed and used as a tray.
The rear seats on the new RAV4Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Performance
Smooth and pleasant road manners that returns good fuel economy. Towing has improved, too. It can now tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Technology
It has up to five USB-C ports, an available Qi dual wireless charger that’s three times more powerful and over-the-air software updates. The Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 system gets updated with 19 improved features including a new dynamic radar cruise control with an ECO mode.
Cargo
The cargo area has a bigger opening, a deck lamp and multiple hooks for keeping bags securely in place. With the solid roof or moonroof, there’s 1,070 litres of space behind the second row; with the panoramic roof, there’s 1,036 litres of space.
The cargo area has a bigger opening, a deck lamp and multiple hooks for keeping bags securely in place.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
The verdict
Design and technology updates along with its made-in-Canada designation give the all-new RAV4 bragging rights and an edge over many of its rivals.
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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