Our Best Look Yet at the 2026 Toyota RAV4

With just days to go until its official reveal, we’ve now got our best look yet at the 2026 Toyota RAV4 - and it’s shaping up to be a bold evolution of one of the world’s most popular SUVs.

Toyota has confirmed the global unveiling will take place on 21 May 2025, releasing a teaser image with the line: “The Countdown to the Next Adventure Begins.” This announcement follows earlier leaked images that revealed key design changes for the next-generation RAV4, and now we’re getting a clearer view of what to expect - especially in the rumoured GR Sport trim.

From the front, the new RAV4 adopts Toyota’s signature ‘Hammer Head’ LED headlights, mirroring the design language seen on other recent models like the new Prius and C-HR. The aggressive look is emphasised further on the GR Sport model, which appears to feature a more sculpted front bumper, enlarged air intakes, and a unique honeycomb-style grille.

Around the rear, the GR Sport variant is believed to receive a roof-mounted spoiler, along with sleeker LED tail-lights and a sportier rear bumper treatment — a clear effort to inject more dynamic flair into the RAV4’s design.

Though Toyota has not yet confirmed the powertrain options, it's widely expected that the 2026 RAV4 will introduce fifth-generation hybrid technology, offering better performance and efficiency. A plug-in hybrid variant is also rumoured to be in the works, which could give Toyota a key advantage as competition heats up in the electrified SUV segment.

The upcoming model is likely to be a heavy revision of the current RAV4, rather than an entirely new platform. That means the underpinnings may carry over, but nearly every major component - from design and technology to drivetrain and safety - is expected to be upgraded.

There’s no word yet from Toyota Australia regarding local timing, but with hybrid powertrains dominating the current RAV4 lineup, a plug-in hybrid would make strategic sense for our market given evolving emissions targets and growing consumer demand.

Stay tuned to CarSauce for full coverage of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 reveal on May 21 — we’ll be bringing you every detail as it drops.