The Toyota RAV4 – one of Australia’s best-selling vehicles – is back with an “all-new” generation.
While Toyota describes it as all-new, the 2026 RAV4 continues to ride on the same TNGA-K platform as before, making this more of a heavy facelift than a full redesign.
What’s new is a sharper look, overhauled technology, and Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for Australia.
Arriving in late Q1 2026, the new RAV4 opens at $45,990 before on-road costs for the GX 2WD hybrid – $3,730 more than the outgoing model.
Across most of the range, prices rise between $3,000 and $7,000, while the Edge AWD actually drops around $3,000 but has been repositioned with lower specification than before.
A Toyota Australia representative said the new RAV4 represents “a major step forward in safety and technology,” adding that it reflects Toyota’s focus on offering “the right powertrain for the right application.”
Toyota Australia’s Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, noted that customer demand for hybrid technology remains strong, describing the model as “a significant evolution that adds capability and choice.”
The big addition is the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), arriving in Q3 2026. It combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, producing 227 kW in AWD and 200 kW in 2WD guise.
Charging supports 50 kW DC and 11 kW AC three-phase inputs, and a 1500 W inverter can power tools or appliances directly from the vehicle.
Hybrid models retain the 2.5-litre fifth-generation series-parallel system with 143 kW of combined output, offering smoother power delivery and improved efficiency.
However, Toyota’s upcoming PHEV enters an increasingly competitive field. The BYD Sealion 6 Premium Extended Range AWD, priced at $52,990 drive-away, produces 253 kW and 550 Nm from a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and dual-motor AWD setup.
It delivers an electric-only range of 128 km (NEDC) and a claimed combined range over 1,000 km thanks to a larger 26.6 kWh battery, undercutting Toyota’s PHEV by more than $10,000 while offering greater power and range.
Inside, the RAV4 debuts Toyota’s new multimedia system, featuring a 10.5-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 12.9-inch unit in higher grades.
It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, connected streaming, and a built-in dashcam function through its embedded drive recorder.
The RAV4 also becomes Toyota’s first Australian model to debut its next-generation Connected Services platform.
It introduces faster voice recognition, enhanced emergency call functions, and remote features such as window and sunroof control through the myToyota Connect app.
All variants now come with Toyota’s latest Safety Sense suite, including autonomous emergency braking, lane trace assist, adaptive cruise control, proactive driving assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
The system operates on Toyota’s Arene software architecture, also used in Lexus models, enabling more precise and predictive driver-assistance responses.
Externally, the 2026 RAV4 introduces slimmer headlights, a larger grille, and revised bumpers while maintaining the same dimensions and wheelbase as before.
Toyota says the dashboard now sits 40 mm lower to improve visibility, while the cabin gains new materials and more ergonomic switchgear.
At the top of the range, the RAV4 GR Sport adds a 20 mm wider track, revised suspension tuning, sportier steering, and unique styling elements including 20-inch black alloy wheels and red brake calipers.
The latest RAV4 may not be new from the ground up, but with its expanded electrified range, smarter connectivity, and higher-tech interior, it remains one of Australia’s most influential SUVs — albeit at a higher price.
2026 Toyota RAV4 Pricing (Before On-Road Costs)Hybrid (HEV)GX 2WD hybrid – $45,990 (+$3,730)GX AWD hybrid – $49,340 (+$4,080)GXL 2WD hybrid – $48,990 (+$3,180)GXL AWD hybrid – $52,340 (+$3,530)Edge AWD hybrid – $55,340 (–$3,020, repositioned with lower specification)Cruiser 2WD hybrid – $56,990 (+$5,580)Cruiser AWD hybrid – $60,340 (+$5,930)XSE AWD hybrid – $58,340 (+$6,930)Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)XSE 2WD PHEV – $58,840 (NEW)XSE AWD PHEV – $63,340 (NEW)GR Sport AWD PHEV – $66,340 (NEW)Key Specifications by GradeGX (Entry-Level)17-inch dark grey alloy wheelsLED headlights and taillights10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto12.3-inch digital instrument clusterToyota Connected Services with over-the-air updates and embedded dashcamDual-zone climate controlFabric seats with manual adjustmentSix-speaker audio systemToyota Safety Sense: AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and road sign assistGXL (Adds over GX)18-inch alloy wheelsPrivacy glass and silver front/rear skid platesLeather-accented steering wheel and shift knobEight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar supportRain-sensing wipers and wireless phone chargerPremium trim on doors and instrument panelEdge (Adds over GXL)Unique front and rear bumpers with wider black wheel archesDark matte 19-inch alloy wheels12.9-inch multimedia displayHeated front seats and illuminated entryPower tailgate and cargo nettingTrail and Snow drive modes for off-road useCruiser (Adds over Edge)20-inch machined black alloy wheelsTilt-and-slide panoramic sunroofLeather-accented upholstery with driver memoryShift-by-wire selector and head-up displayDigital rear-view mirrorHeated rear seats and kick-sensor power tailgateNine-speaker JBL premium sound systemXSE (Adds over Cruiser)20-inch black alloy wheelsTwo-tone exterior paintClimate concierge with heated and ventilated front seatsEight-way power front passenger seat with driver memoryBlue interior stitching and illuminated trimPanoramic view monitor (360-degree camera)GR Sport (Adds over XSE PHEV)20-inch gloss black alloy wheels with red brake calipers20mm wider track with unique suspension tuningFront performance damper and rear chassis braceGR-specific steering calibrationGR cabin with red stitching, suede inserts, and GR badgingAluminium pedals and paddle shiftersDual wireless phone chargers and digital rear-view mirrorOptionsPremium paint – $675Full-size alloy spare wheel (GX only) – $300