The RAV4 pioneered the modern small SUV. The first-generation 1996 model showed how SUV-like shapes could be combined with car-based platforms to create something far more refined than the truck-based vehicles of the same era. The concept stuck, inspiring legions of imitators, and, over time, crossovers have become ubiquitous. As a testament to Toyota’s vision, the RAV4 has become not only the most popular small SUV, but also the most popular vehicle that isn’t a pickup truck in the U.S., with 479,288 sales in 2025.
This enviable position meant that Toyota had a lot at stake for the latest iteration and, in theory, a lot of money to fund its execution.
The all-new RAV4 has identical dimensions to the outgoing model, but there are numerous, significant changes beyond the styling refresh. Many of them promise to strengthen its rank among its chief rivals: the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and Subaru Forester Hybrid.
Continuing Toyota’s push for electrification across its model lineup, this RAV4 sheds its regular four-cylinder engine and is only available in Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid form. Both electrified powertrains are more powerful than those in the model it replaces.
The RAV4 comes in three “styles” (Core, Sport, and Rugged) with a total of seven grades. Among these, the Woodland trim we drove distinguishes itself with a unique front fascia, an elevated ride height, all-terrain tires, tow-hitch receiver, and numerous interior embellishments. A GR Sport version, developed in partnership with the brand’s Gazoo Racing division, gets improved handling, more aggressive styling, and a tuned version of the PHEV powertrain.
The styles and grades break down like this:
• Core: LE, XLE, and Limited hybrids
• Rugged: Woodland hybrid and PHEV
• Sport: SE and XSE hybrids and PHEVS, and GR Sport PHEV
Having so many variations is a true flex, made possible by Toyota’s massive sales volume and production spread over two factories.
Despite the many upgrades, front-wheel-drive versions are the same price as last year. The all-wheel-drive versions, however, saw price increases from $250 for the XLE Premium to $3,830 for the Woodland. These standout on paper, until you compare the equipment and see that there are not only improvements throughout, but added features.
Price highlights for the AWD versions:
• LE: $33,300
• SE: $36,100
• XLE Premium: $37,500
• Woodland: $39,900
• XSE: $41,300
• Limited: $43,300
The destination charge for every RAV4 is $1,450.
The interior uses Toyota’s new Arene software platform, which is the foundation for the latest connectivity, security, and active safety features.
The RAV4 also comes with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, the latest version of the brand’s suite of active safety and driver assistance features.
Like other Toyota models, the RAV4 comes with ToyotaCare, a plan that covers factory-recommended services for two years or 25,000 miles.
All told, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is a smart evolution of the previous model, with improvements across many key areas. It’s not a reinvention, but it ensures that the millions of current owners will find much to like in this redesigned SUV.
Below, our experts share their first impressions based on the RAV4 XLE Premium and Woodland.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Toyota RAV4 is available to you below. Once we complete 2,000 break-in miles, we’ll put the RAV4 through more than 50 tests at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. Members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.
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What we bought: 2026 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium AWD
Powertrain: 236-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine; electronic continuously variable transmission; all-wheel drive
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $37,500
Options: Panoramic moonroof with digital rearview mirror ($1,850), XLE Premium Driver Assist Package ($650), premium paint ($475), weather package ($375), all-weather floor mats and cargo tray ($339), body side moldings ($260), mudguards ($160), wheel locks ($90), and black emblems ($89).
Destination fee: $1,450
Total cost: $43,238
Final assembly point: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
