When you think of a compact SUV, no doubt the RAV4 comes to mind. It’s a perennial best seller for Toyota, and frequently ranked as the top-selling SUV in the U.S. For 2026, the RAV4 gets a makeover and is now offered in a variety of hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims with updated styling, improved tech, and better performance. This makes the RAV4 a stronger offering in a competitive segment, but some rivals still offer more engaging driving dynamics and nicer interiors.
Base Price: $43,300
As Tested: $46,458
Horsepower: 236
Mileage: 43 mpg city/37 mpg highway/41 mpg combined
The RAV4 was introduced in the U.S. for the 1996 model year. Now in its sixth generation, the gas-only model is gone. There are six hybrid models, as well as four plug-in hybrid trims which will be covered in a separate review.
The six hybrid trims of the 2026 RAV4 are LE, SE, XLE Premium, Woodland, XSE, and Limited. Starting prices range from $31,900 for the front-wheel drive LE trim to $43,000 for the top-of-the-line Limited trim. The LE, XLE Premium and SE come standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available. The Limited, Woodland and XSE come standard with all-wheel drive.
There are also three new designs called Core, Rugged and Sport styles which give the RAV4 a fresh look. Core designs are available in Hybrid LE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades; the Rugged design is available on a new HEV Woodland grade; and the Sport designs are available on the HEV SE, XSE models.
The Core design features a paint-matched grille, with Toyota’s signature hammerhead front end. The Rugged design is only available on the Woodland model, which is suitable for light off-roading. This design has a slightly raised hammerhead front end and a split upper and lower grille with LED lighting. The Rugged model also stands about a half inch higher due to standard all-terrain tires. The Sport design has a GR-tuned suspension and power steering, enhanced body rigidity, and summer tires on 20-inch wheels.
There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
All trims get the same powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors in models with front-wheel drive, and three electric motors in all-wheel drive models. Total output is 226 horsepower in front-wheel drive trims and 236 horses in AWD models. An electronic continuously variable transmission is standard on all trims.
The RAV4 has better performance than the previous gas-only models, thanks to the more powerful hybrid system. Acceleration is peppier and more responsive than before. The hybrid set-up provides immediate low-speed torque, which makes the RAV4 feel peppy around town, and provides more oomph for highway merging and passing. But even with the increased power, the RAV4 remains tuned mostly for comfort rather than spirited driving. Steering is light but accurate, there’s some body lean when cornering, and the CVT prioritizes efficiency rather than engagement.
For many drivers, any lapse in performance is made up for with the RAV4’s excellent fuel economy.
- Front-wheel drive models have EPA ratings of 47 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 43 mpg combined.
- The LE AWD and SE AWD get 46 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined.
- The XLE Premium AWD gets 45 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 41 mpg combined.
- The Limited AWD and XSE AWD get 43 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 41 mpg combined.
- The Woodland trim is rated at 41 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined.
I got 41 mpg during my week with the Limited AWD with a mix of city and highway driving.
The cabin is much improved over older models, although still not as upscale as some rivals. Material quality is better, but there are still some noticeable hard plastics, especially in the lower trims. Passenger space is one of the RAV4’s strengths. Both rows provide comfortable seating for adults with generous leg- and headroom. Seats in both rows are a bit firm, which may be uncomfortable for some on long drives.
The 2026 RAV4 is the first to get Toyota’s new infotainment system. Even lower trims receive a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment system with 10.5-inch touchscreen. Upper trims get a larger 12.9-inch display. The new digital interfaces feel modern and intuitive. Menus are logically arranged and the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. Controls are large and easy to see and reach. Climate controls are now part of the touchscreen, and there are also handy controls at the bottom of the screen. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the lineup.
Cargo space is excellent for a compact SUV. There are 37.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and a whopping 70.4 cubes with the second row folded. The cargo floor is low, making it easy to load and unload large and/or bulky items. A power liftgate is standard on all but the base LE trim, and a hands-free power liftgate comes standard on the XSE and Limited trims.
Here are the trims of the 2026 Toyota RAV4:
LE – MSRP $31,900 for FWD and AWD $33,300 for AWD. This is the entry-level RAV4 but still has many standard features.
- Remote keyless entry
- Push-button start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Cloth upholstery
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Six-speaker audio system
- Satellite radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Three USB-C ports
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Toyota Safety Sense 4.0
- LED projector headlights
- Roof rails
- Cargo area tonneau cover
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite of advanced driver assistance and safety tech
SE – MSRP $34,700 for FWD and $36,100 for AWD. The SE has sportier looks but has many of the same features of the LE. Options include rain-sensing windshield wipers, power liftgate, and power moonroof.
- Heated front seats
- Leather-trimmed shift lever and steering wheel
- Five USB-C ports.
- 18-inch black alloy wheels
XLE Premium – MSRP $36,100 for FWD and $37,500 for AWD. This is arguably the sweet spot of the lineup due to its blend of comfort, tech and affordability. Options include rain-sensing windshield wipers and a panoramic glass roof with a power-sliding moonroof.
- SoftTex synthetic leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Wireless device charging pad
- Five USB-C ports
- Heated outside mirrors
- Upgraded exterior lighting
- Power liftgate
- Rear parking sensors with automatic braking
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking
Woodland – MSRP $39,900. This trim is only available with AWD. This is the most rugged trim, suitable for light off-roading, but still comfortable and efficient as a daily driver. It has some unique styling tweaks, including a redesigned front end and exclusive paint finishes. Options include a power moonroof.
- Heated steering wheel
- LED auxiliary lighting
- 120V household-style outlet in the cargo area
- All-weather cargo liner
- All-weather floor mats
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Raised roof rails with crossbars
- Tow hitch
- All-terrain tires
- 18-inch matte-black wheels
XSE – MSRP XSE $41,300. This trim is only available with AWD. It has a Sport design theme with gloss-black accents and large sport alloy wheels. Options include a two-tone paint scheme, nine-speaker JBL audio system, rear-camera mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic glass roof with an integrated power moonroof.
- Surround-view camera system
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- SoftTex synthetic leather seating with synthetic suede inserts
- Eight-way power adjustable front seats
- Driver’s seat memory setting
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- 12.9-inch touchscreen
- HomeLink integrated vehicle transceiver
- 20-inch wheels
Limited – MSRP $43,300. This trim is only available with AWD. This trim provides a near luxury experience, similar to what you’d find in an entry-level Lexus. But the price approaches luxury territory. Options include a color head-up display and black 20-inch wheels.
- Rear-camera mirror
- SoftTex synthetic leather seating
- Heated front and rear seats
- Nine-speaker JBL audio system
- Dual wireless charging pads
- LED fog lights
- Panoramic glass roof with integrated power moonroof
- 18-inch alloy wheels
Standard driver assistance technologies include
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning with steering assist
- Lane-centering assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Proactive Driving Assist (slows the vehicle when cornering and provides a safe distance between it and other vehicles)
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Hill-start assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Available driver assistance technologies include
- Surround-view camera system
- Head-up display
- Rear-camera mirror
- Fog lights
- Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking
The good:
Broad trim line-up
Standard hybrid powertrain improves performance
Excellent fuel economy
Roomy cabin and cargo area
Modern infotainment system
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Performance not as perky as some rivals
Upper trims can get spendy
Cabin not as nice as some competitors
Pricing info:
My 2026 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD test vehicle starts at $43,300. The head-up display is $600. The carpet floor mats and cargo mat are $339. The door sill protectors are $199. The wheel locks are $90. Mudguards are $160. Low profile cross bars are $320. The delivery fee is $1,450, bringing the grand total to $46,458.
Bottom line:
With its redesign, the new hybrid-only 2026 Toyota RAV4 is poised to remain one of the most popular compact SUVs in America. It comes in a wide array of trims and delivers decent performance, excellent fuel economy, modern tech, generous passenger and cargo space, and many safety features. The 2026 RAV4 may not be the most enjoyable to drive nor the most luxurious, but it’s a good blend of practicality, reliability and efficiency.
