The Toyota RAV4, the Japanese automaker’s most popular model in the U.S., is likely to undergo a full makeover and enter its sixth generation for MY2026 in 2025. The 2026 Toyota RAV4, like the current model, would be available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants aimed at customers who seek higher efficiency, with marginal price increases.
Here are seven key improvements we expect in the next-gen Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and next-gen Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid:
More aerodynamic exterior
Alleged spy shots from Japan suggest the next-gen Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and next-gen Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will feature a slightly more aerodynamic exterior than the current models (0.32 Cd). The all-new electrified models should have a hammerhead shark-like front-end with a curvy upper part that improves airflow around the vehicle. This improvement should marginally reduce its energy consumption.
Revamped dashboard
Spy shots have also shown a new infotainment screen that’s integrated more neatly with the dashboard. While clear images are awaited, we think that the next-gen RAV4 will have a pair of 12.3-inch displays, one for the instrument cluster, and the other for the infotainment, running the latest edition of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system.
Reduced NVH levels
The hybrid variant of the current Toyota RAV4 isn’t the most refined model in its class. The next-gen model’s Hybrid variant should carry significant improvements the noise, vibration, and harshness levels, which could give customers more comfort, noticeable particularly on open roads.
Better performance
We expect Toyota to offer the next-gen RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants with improved powertrains for better performance. Both variants may have the similar 2.5-liter engine under the hood and two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear.
The 2026 RAV4 Hybrid, expected to feature a different specification of the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5) that debuted in the new Camry, could pack 232 hp, marking an improvement of 13 hp. Toyota may even offer a FWD configuration that ditches the rear motor in the name of efficiency and settles for 225 hp, which would still be an improvement of 6 hp over the AWD-only current model.
The 2026 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s powertrain may go up from the current model’s 302 hp to somewhere around 315 hp. It may accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
More efficiency
The electrified variants of the next-gen Toyota RAV4 should be more efficient than the current model. We expect the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid to deliver a fuel economy of 42 MPG (combined) in select configurations. Similarly, the 2026 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid should get close to 40 MPG (combined)/98 MPGe.
New on-board charger
The next-gen Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid may have a 7.2 kW on-board charger instead of the current 6.6 kW unit, speeding up charging. The ideal upgrade in this aspect would be support for DC chargers, cutting the 10-80% fast-charging time to just around 30 minutes. However, there’s no word on Toyota planning to offer DC capability in the next-gen RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.
Extended pure-electric range
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid should retain its edge in the segment with an excellent all-electric range moving into its next generation. Following the next full redesign, it could travel close to 45 miles on a full charge. This improvement should be mainly due to a more advanced battery pack than the current 18.1 kWh lithium-ion unit, one with slightly higher energy density and storage capacity.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s illustration of a futuristic RAV4 Hybrid.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
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