Wild new change to one of Australia’s most popular cars

By ASHLEY NICKEL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 08:14 BST, 21 May 2025 | Updated: 14:52 BST, 21 May 2025

The new 2026 Toyota RAV4 medium SUV has been unveiled, featuring an refreshed, rugged exterior.

Aussies have long been in love with the RAV4 with its current model, the 2018 fifth-gen, awarded the country’s second-best-selling car.

Toyota will take a punt by upgrading their fan-favourite vehicle in the first half of 2026. 

The manufacturer promised the latest RAV4 would ‘build on the legacy of its popular predecessors’ while introducing new safety and multimedia features on top of advanced hybrid powertrain solutions. 

The new RAV4 will be the first Toyota offered in Australia with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

The feature allows drivers the choice of between 2WD or AWD and delivers improved electric motor output and transaxle efficiency.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the all-new RAV4 would continue to resonate with customers like its forebears.

‘When it first arrived in Australia in 1994, the RAV4 appealed to Australian customers with its family-friendly utility, bold design and signature Toyota dependability and has since attracted more than 500,000 sales,’ Mr Hanley said.

The new 2026 Toyota RAV4 medium SUV has been unveiled, an update from the current 2018 model

The vehicle’s inside specs are impressive with a faster and better-connected 12.9-inch infotainment system, 12.3-inch digital dash and precise voice control

‘Since the 2001 launch of Toyota’s first hybrid electric vehicle in Australia, we have led the development of hybrid technology that is refined, powerful and efficient, delivering customer confidence for quality, durability and reliability. 

‘With the launch of our first plug-in hybrid, we are taking that broad customer appeal in a diversified powertrain landscape to a whole new level.’

Other features below the car’s skin are largely reminiscent of the current RAV4 with a full range of revised petrol-electric hybrids centred on the beloved 2018 2.5-litre four-cylinder.

Due to Australia’s soon-to-be updated inbound emission standards, Toyota will be required to import the -in version of the RAV4.

Its new 22.7kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery supports DC fast charging with a 50kW onboard charger, which promises to replenish the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.

Customers can also choose a new 11kW AC charger for recharging in as little as three hours.

The new and improved front electric motor has an output of 150kW, reaching up to 227kW on AWD.

Those who opt for the more affordable 2WD PHEV system can expect an output of 201kW. 

The new RAV4 will be the first Toyota offered in Australia with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain

The new RAV4 will also feature a range a improved safety features including cross-traffic alert, lane change assist and Pre Collision System

The flagship of the new RAV4 varieties will be the range-topping GR Sport.

It features a 20mm wider track, sport dampers, stiffer suspension, recalibrated power steering and a grille design with GR mesh pattern.

The vehicle’s inside specs are also impressive with a faster and better-connected 12.9-inch infotainment system, 12.3-inch digital dash and precise voice control.

It will also feature a range a improved safety features including cross-traffic alert, lane change assist and Pre Collision System.

Toyota is so confident in its new RAV4 it believes the vehicle will push the Ford Ranger ute off the top spot for Australia’s best-selling car.

The 2026 RAV4 is set to arrive in the first half of next year with prices expected to start from $55,000, plus on-road costs.

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Wild new change to one of Australia’s most popular cars

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