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 Grade
GX (Entry-Level)
- 17-inch dark grey alloy wheels
- LED headlights and taillights
- 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Toyota Connected Services with over-the-air updates and embedded dashcam
- Dual-zone climate control
- Fabric seats with manual adjustment
- Six-speaker audio system
- Toyota Safety Sense: AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and road sign assist
GXL (Adds over GX)
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Privacy glass and silver front/rear skid plates
- Leather-accented steering wheel and shift knob
- Eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support
- Rain-sensing wipers and wireless phone charger
- Premium trim on doors and instrument panel
Edge (Adds over GXL)
- Unique front and rear bumpers with wider black wheel arches
- Dark matte 19-inch alloy wheels
- 12.9-inch multimedia display
- Heated front seats and illuminated entry
- Power tailgate and cargo netting
- Trail and Snow drive modes for off-road use
Cruiser (Adds over Edge)
- 20-inch machined black alloy wheels
- Tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof
- Leather-accented upholstery with driver memory
- Shift-by-wire selector and head-up display
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Heated rear seats and kick-sensor power tailgate
- Nine-speaker JBL premium sound system
XSE (Adds over Cruiser)
- 20-inch black alloy wheels
- Two-tone exterior paint
- Climate concierge with heated and ventilated front seats
- Eight-way power front passenger seat with driver memory
- Blue interior stitching and illuminated trim
- Panoramic view monitor (360-degree camera)
GR Sport (Adds over XSE PHEV)
- 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels with red brake calipers
- 20mm wider track with unique suspension tuning
- Front performance damper and rear chassis brace
- GR-specific steering calibration
- GR cabin with red stitching, suede inserts, and GR badging
- Aluminium pedals and paddle shifters
- Dual wireless phone chargers and digital rear-view mirror
Options
- Premium paint – $675
- Full-size alloy spare wheel (GX only) – $300




















FAQ
Is the 2026 Toyota RAV4 completely new?
No. Despite being marketed as “all-new,” the 2026 RAV4 remains based on the same TNGA-K platform as before. It’s a heavy facelift featuring new technology, improved safety, and a refreshed design.
When will the 2026 Toyota RAV4 arrive in Australia?
The hybrid range will arrive in late Q1 2026, with the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models set to follow in Q3 2026.
What engines and powertrains are available?
Hybrid models use a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a fifth-generation hybrid system producing 143kW, while PHEV versions combine the same engine with a 22.7kWh battery for up to 227kW and all-wheel drive.
How does it compare to the BYD Sealion 6?
The BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD ($52,990 drive-away) offers 253kW and 550Nm from a 1.5L turbo plug-in hybrid system — more power and range (128km EV-only) than Toyota’s PHEV, and at a lower price.
What are the key new features inside the 2026 RAV4?
Highlights include Toyota’s new multimedia system with up to a 12.9-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an embedded dashcam, and Connected Services with remote vehicle control via smartphone.
How much has the RAV4’s price increased?
Most variants have risen by $3,000–$7,000 compared to the 2025 model. The Edge AWD is the exception, dropping about $3,000 but losing some previous features as it’s been repositioned in the range.
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