Toyota’s highly anticipated sixth-generation RAV4 SUV has arrived in New Zealand dealerships. 

Images of the SUV have been posted to various Toyota dealership Facebook pages from around the country this week. 

The new RAV4 arrives at a critical time for Toyota, as the brand lost its position as New Zealand’s favourite throughout January and February. 

It also arrives in New Zealand dealerships alongside the fresh-faced Hilux, which is another large volume seller. 

Together, Toyota New Zealand should be looking to take back the title in both the Light Passenger and Light Commercial segments. 

On the topic of the new RAV4, it gets a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s paired with an electric motor and a 1kWh lithium-ion battery to produce 143kW and 221Nm of torque.

An electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) is standard across the entire 2026 RAV4 range. 

Offered as in hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms, the days of the petrol-only RAV4 are all but numbered, but with nine models on offer, choice is still plentiful. 

The local range consists of nine models in total, across six grades, and two powertrain types. 

Starting from $49,990, the 2026 RAV4 range kicks off with the front-wheel drive GX Hybrid. The all-wheel drive GX comes at a $3,000 premium, pushing the price to $52,990.

Moving up to the GXL grade, buyers will have to fork out $52,990 for the front-wheel drive model, and $55,990 for the all-wheel drive model. 

At $57,990, the GXL represents the entry-point to the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid range, which makes use of the same 2.5-litre petrol engine, but remains front-wheel drive. 

The front-wheel drive RAV4 XSE PHEV is next in the range, starting from $61,990. 

Starting from $63,990, the Limited adds an adaptive high beam system, a panoramic view monitor, a JBL premium audio system, leather accented upholstery and a moon roof. The Limited also rides on 20-inch black alloys, wrapped in lower profile tyres.

Though it’s slightly cheaper than the XSE and Limited variants, Toyota claims the RAV4 Adventure hybrid is in a class of its own at $60,990. 

At the top of the range, and what Toyota New Zealand sounds most excited about is the RAV4 GR Sport. 

Starting from $66,990, this plug-in hybrid model is the most powerful RAV4 to date, with 227kW allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 5.8-seconds.