Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid powertrain uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and an electronic continuously variable transmission. The front-drive configuration has 226 combined hp—marking a 22-hp advantage over the previous base, nonhybrid engine. The all-wheel-drive setup we bought puts out 236 hp, up from 219 hp in the previous hybrid. Beyond total power, the key year-over-year differences are the quieter, less-stressed engine and good response across the rev range. The performance feels appropriate to the RAV4. Some of our test drivers said they would prefer a traditional automatic transmission over the eCVT, but everyone said that any such compromises were well worth it. Overall the, RAV4 achieves a rare balance of fuel efficiency and performance.

This new system looks more modern than the ones in other Toyota vehicles. Plus, it’s both better laid out than before and quicker to respond. Our drivers liked the dedicated home screen and found that voice commands were rapidly executed. Both RAV4s we drove have the 10.5-inch infotainment screen, rather than the 12.9-inch screen in the last-generation RAV4 PHEV we reviewed, but we found the smaller screen to be large enough. Its controls are easy to reach, though we do wish there were more physical controls. (We stumbled when adding multiple phones with Android Auto, requiring us to delete others to allow for re-pairing. This may be more of an issue when connecting several devices, a situation most owners won’t encounter.)

The consensus thus far among our test drivers is that the ride quality has improved for 2026, despite having larger wheels and tires than the last (previous generation) RAV4 Hybrid we tested. The new RAV4’s ride is pretty comfortable and composed most of the time, with a good layer of absorbency. But on rougher surfaces, some hard hits can come through into the cabin. Both the XLE Premium and Woodland are fitted with 18-inch wheels, with the Woodland wrapping them in all-terrain tires. With this slight difference, our drivers favored the ride from the Woodland, noting its improved bump absorption both on and off road.

Quick to open, the power liftgate exposes a yawning cavern with a wide, tall opening. Inside, there is deep space. Under the floor is a space saver tire. Overall, the cargo area is roomy and functional for the vehicle’s size. Door pockets/small storage: For the most part, the in-cabin storage has impressed Consumer Reports’ staff. Sure, it has the usual phone tray and cup holders, but there is also an extra shelf under the infotainment screen, large enough to fit a hardcover book. (Bibliophiles rejoice!) That little extra space will no doubt come in handy. Plus, the door pockets are big for such a small vehicle, and they can hold large water bottles. We wish the cup holders had rubber grips to hold drinks more securely and reduce rattling. Likewise, the wireless charger phone tray could do a better job of holding a phone in place, rather than letting it slide around and stop charging. The center armrest console has a split top that hinges on each side, making for easier access for both the driver and front passenger. It can also be removed and flipped upside down to create a shelf. It is a neat trick, but the lid sounds clunky, even fragile.

Brakes on hybrids can often feel peculiar, with a combination of initial sponginess and aggressive bite that can make steady, smooth stops a challenge. In the RAV4, however, our drivers universally lauded the natural, predictable brake pedal action, noting that it was easy to modulate. One test driver wrote in the logbook, “This is how brakes should be.” High praise.

The outward view is fine, but there are some restrictions. The windshield is sloped back for aerodynamic efficiency, limiting the vertical viewing height. However, the windshield pillars are relatively thin, and there is space to see around the door-mounted side mirrors. The side windows are a bit small. The B-pillars behind the front doors are wide, limiting the driver’s view over their left shoulder for lane changes, and thick rear pillars limit visibility when looking over the right shoulder. Most drivers will consider visibility to be adequate, but models like the CR-V and Forester are better.

The Woodland trim is the obligatory “soft-roader” entry, giving the RAV4 a bit more outdoorsy flavor, a limited compromise to the on-road driving experience. It does bring some character, like a suburbanite donning a plaid shirt and hiking boots. The most obvious change is swapping out the laundry-basket grille on the regular RAV4 with a much different one that looks constructed with Legos and augmented with cool LED fog lights. As mentioned above, the all-terrain tires slightly soften the ride in an appealing way; they also increase ride height by 0.4”. The interior has some nice color embellishments, patterned and perforated soft-touch door and dash panels with orange highlights, accent lighting, and anti-slip pads in the front storage shelves. The cargo area gains a 120-volt power outlet. The combined effect is a well-mannered SUV with a cabin that feels a bit more fun.

Tight driver’s space

The RAV4 boxes the driver in with its intrusive center console and firm armrests. Several test drivers noted that their right knee rubs on the center console. Interestingly, there is a separate, hard plastic piece attached to the side of the console that seems like it could be readily exchanged for a softer material.

The cabin has a trucky aesthetic, more akin to the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Sequoia than more family-focused small SUVs or even the Highlander. This means many bold rectangular and hard plastics, making it look quite industrial and functional, rather than coddling and premium. For the money, a few soft surfaces and contrasting trim elements were expected on the XLE Premium. Buyers need to step up to the more expensive trims for such things.

What We'll Keep an Eye On

Most test drivers found access to the front seats to be easy, noting the tall entryway, narrow door sills, and minimal step-in height. A couple of larger drivers found that entry required a practiced approach angle to duck in and dodge the sloped windshield pillar. The second row benefits from the same tall doors and other dimensions that make stepping in easy. However, larger passengers again found it a bit more challenging due to the narrow footpath and the limitation on how wide the doors open.

Our test drivers were neutral here. They considered the seats fine, but none would go so far as to claim they were especially comfortable. Some found the seats to be flat and firm, with one person noting that the front seat base was a bit short for adequate thigh support. The lumbar adjustments help dial in the right support for the driver.

There is good headroom for the second row, even with the optional panoramic moonroof in our vehicle. The seat shape is different from that in the front. Some felt the seat base was too low, lacking underthigh support. Feelings were mixed on the seatback. Legroom is fine, but quite dependent on the position of the front seats. The overall space is less than that of some competitors, most notably the Honda CR-V.

The RAV4 handles well enough, but the steering is vague. One test driver described it as “syrupy.” Body roll is well-controlled in regular driving, but it becomes more prominent in aggressive driving, when it becomes clear that Toyota tuned the suspension for typical daily travels, rather than twisty road exploits. And that is the right call, especially as there is now a GR Sport version to satiate enthusiasts’ appetite for a more engaging experience. We’ll explore the finer points of this performance further on our road-course track.

There’s less engine noise than in the previous-generation RAV4 Hybrid, making the powertrain sound less stressed when accelerating. However, it’s still a gritty, less-than-pleasant sound, and vibrations can be felt through the steering wheel as engine revs rise. It does settle down when cruising at a steady speed. Wind and road noise are on par for the class.

The big question for the RAV4 remains how it will perform in our city and highway fuel economy tests. Our window sticker boasts an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined, split between 45 mpg city and 38 mph highway. That marks about a 2 mpg combined increase over last year’s model, though do bear in mind that the fuel economy ratings vary slightly by trim and configuration. Based on our initial observations with the new RAV4, and having recorded 37 mpg overall last year, the 41 mpg claim seems reasonable—and impressive.

We applaud Toyota for making a direct driver monitoring system standard. This proven safety feature effectively trains drivers to avoid distractions by warning when they take their eyes off the road for too long. However, our testers found the RAV4’s system to be a bit more intrusive than desired, making it a vocal traveling companion, especially when still learning the various controls. This risks that some drivers may be tempted to turn off this feature, rather than face the periodic scoldings. Ultimately, the solution here would be to make the controls even easier to use, including adding more physical buttons, thereby limiting the manufactured distractions.

The new RAV4 is the first Toyota model to come with the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite of active safety and driver assistance features. It makes a significant step forward over the TSS 2.5 in last year’s model, with the automaker’s updated sensors and software.

TSS 4.0 includes the latest versions of automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. In addition, it includes standard blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and a safe exit assist system, which monitors for passing vehicles before it allows passengers to open the doors when parked.