Toyota RAV4

Name: 2026 Toyota RAV4
Brand: Toyota

EPA MPG: 41 mpg

CR's Take

The redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV is offered strictly as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). It introduces new trim levels and steps up its game for comfort, convenience, and safety.

Road Test

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New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

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Toyota RAV4

vs. Similar Cars

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Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

This car is new and detailed owner satisfaction will be available at a later date.

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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CR's
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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2.5-liter 4 plugin hybrid (320 hp)
2.5-liter 4 hybrid (236 hp)
2.5-liter 4 hybrid (226 hp)

Basic 3 years/36,000 miles
Drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid 2 years/unlimited miles
Maintenance 2 years/25,000 miles

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Model History

2026

2026 Redesign Year

The redesigned Toyota RAV4 is offered strictly in hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms. It introduces new trim levels, and steps up its game for comfort, convenience, and safety. The hybrid powertrain produces 226 combined horsepower, and for the first time, it is available in a front-drive configuration. The AWD version has even more oomph, with 236 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid powertrain gained 18 horsepower for 2026, raising its combined output to 320 hp. All-wheel drive is standard. The electric-only range has increased from 42 miles to 50 miles. All RAV4s have a 12.3-inch instrument panel that can display navigation guidance. The center infotainment screen is either a slim 10.5-inch screen or 12.9-inch screen with onscreen controls for the climate system. The RAV4 introduces Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with the latest evolution of the brand’s comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features.

2019-Present

Current Generation

The popular RAV4 was redesigned for 2019, with new proportions and a more-rugged appearance. The standard 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivers relatively quick acceleration. The hybrid version feels energetic, with the electric drive producing immediate and quiet motivation from a standstill. There’s limited lean when taking corners and responsive steering, but the RAV4’s ride is stiff and a little jumpy, and the noisy engine hurts the driving experience. All-wheel-drive versions allow the driver to select modes to optimize traction on sand or mud. Fuel economy is commendable at 27 mpg overall for the non-hybrid version. The hybrid model gets an impressive 37 mpg. Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard, but no Android Auto until 2020. Toyota’s Safety Sense safety and driver assist suite is standard, and includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. For 2021 a plug-in hybrid version, called RAV4 Prime will be offered. The Prime has 302 combined hp and AWD is standard. Toyota says the Prime can travel about 42 miles on electric power. A new Woodland Edition was introduced for 2023, highlighted by different suspension tuning, unique interior and interior trim bits, special wheels, and chunky all-terrain tires. All 2023 models also came standard with an updated infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims are no longer available for 2025. The plug-in hybrid version is no longer called Prime and is instead badged with the acronym, PHEV.

2016-2018

2016 Redesign Year

Freshened for 2016, the cabin is quieter; the ride is smoother; and offers a frugal hybrid version. The energetic 2.5-liter four-cylinder and smooth six-speed automatic returned 24 mpg overall in our tests of an AWD version. The hybrid version gets a terrific 31 mpg overall. Handling is responsive and very secure. Inside, the controls are clear and intuitive. The 2016 RAV4 offered a suite of advanced safety features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking which became standard equipment from 2017 on.

2013-2015

2013 Redesign Year

This version of the RAV4 is roomy and versatile, as well as a wise choice as a used car. The 2012 to 2015 vintage handles nimbly and gets 24 mpg in the AWD version. But the ride is a bit stiff and the cabin is rather loud. Most versions are XLE, which adds auto climate control and a sunroof. For a power seat and lumbar support you'd have to get the Limited. The 2.5-liter engine is quite energetic and the transmission shifts smoothly. Controls are clear and easy to use, access is easy and the rear seat is roomy.

2006-2012

2006 Redesign Year

RAV4s from 2006 to 2012 had a side swinging rear gate, which is cumbersome. They also offered an optional V6 that was smooth and powerful as well as an optional third row seat. Rear seat accommodations are roomy and the cargo area is generous. Don't expect crash safety to be as up to snuff as more recent RAV4s, but stability control is standard. Responsive handling and a fairly comfortable ride made it easy to drive. Controls are also very user friendly, including the ability to pair a phone via Bluetooth.

2001-2005

2001 Redesign Year

Avoid buying a RAV4 older than the 2004 model year, as they lack electronic stability control. Otherwise, the RAV4s of that vintage have nimble handling and compact dimensions that made them fun to drive and very maneuverable. Ride comfort and noise isolation were ok for the time but not a match for newer versions. A side swinging door makes loading and unloading rather cumbersome and doesn't shelter from rain. Rear seat room and cargo volume are modest.

1996-2000

1996 Redesign Year

Introduced for the 1996 model year, the original RAV4 ranked among the best of the small, car-based SUVs. Available in both two- and four-door versions, it delivers carlike driving manners and a comfortable ride, though noise from the driveline can be intrusive. On the down side, the engine isn't very strong, the rear seat is tight, and cargo room is scant.