2026 Toyota RAV4: Local lineup detailed for hybrid, PHEV mid-size SUV

The local Toyota RAV4 lineup will grow considerably when the new-generation mid-size SUV arrives in Australia in the first half of 2026.

Toyota Australia has confirmed the replacement for its best-selling model in 2024 will be offered in a total of 11 variants, with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains available in conjunction with either front- or all-wheel drive.

The company isn’t announcing pricing or full specifications yet, which it says will come closer to launch. However, it has shared some key details on the local RAV4 lineup.

All hybrid variants feature Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, mating a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with either one or two electric motors.

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Note: Overseas-market RAV4 GR Sport featured throughout

Regardless of whether they’re front- or all-wheel drive, all new RAV4 Hybrid vehicles will produce 143kW of power.

All-wheel drive variants will gain downhill assist control and a trail and snow drive mode.

For the first time in Australia, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain will be available for the RAV4. This features Toyota’s sixth-generation 2.5-litre hybrid system and a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery, with a maximum system output of 227kW of power.

That makes the PHEV the most powerful RAV4 to date – even more powerful than the 3.5-litre V6 version of the third-generation RAV4 that produced 201kW of power.

The front-wheel drive RAV4 PHEV is only just pipped by the old V6, with a total output of 200kW.

The RAV4 will feature Toyota’s next-generation Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes front cross-traffic alert and “improved functionality” for the blind-spot monitoring and lane trace assist (lane centring) systems.

Other new technology includes the latest generation of Toyota’s infotainment system powered by Arene, supporting over-the-air software updates.

The infotainment system features a home button that is always anchored to the screen, even if you’re using smartphone mirroring. Either 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch touchscreens are offered, with the latter integrating the climate controls.

In addition to significantly expanding the local lineup, Toyota is expanding the RAV4’s exterior paint colour palette with new hues joining the existing Glacier White, Frosted White, Eclipse Black, Atomic Rush and Saturn Blue.

These finishes are:

• Massive Grey
• Urban Rock
• Feverish Red
• Dusty Bronze
• Daintree Green

The XSE will be available with a black roof, in conjunction with Frosted White, Dusty Bronze, Massive Grey and Saturn Blue finishes.

“The RAV4 has been hugely successful in Australia, having been the best-selling vehicle in the country for eight of the past 12 months and this all-new model will broaden its appeal even further,” said Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations vice president Sean Hanley.

“The introduction of the new PHEV powertrain showcases our multi-pathway approach to electrification by offering a range of powertrain options suited to different applications, with our plug-in hybrid delivering both high levels of performance and efficiency.”

GX

The base trim will continue to be the GX, available only as a hybrid but with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Standard equipment includes:

• 17-inch dark grey alloy wheels
• Auto-levelling LED headlights
• 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 5 x USB-C outlets
• Dual-zone climate control
• Toyota Connected Services
  • myToyota Connect app functionality
  • Connected navigation and voice assistant
  • Emergency call function

The GX will be offered with either a space-saver or full-size spare.

GXL

The GXL will be available only as a hybrid, but with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Additional equipment includes:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rear privacy glass
• Leather-accented shifter and steering wheel
• 8-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar
• Wireless smartphone charger

Edge

The “adventure-focused” Edge, previously the flagship RAV4 grade, has been repositioned as a mid-spec trim level. It’ll be offered only as an all-wheel drive hybrid.

It continues to feature unique front and rear bumpers, and boasts an integrated silver skid plate and wider black wheel-arches.

Inside, it gains the following equipment over the GXL:

• 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate controls
• Leatherette upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Power tailgate

XSE

The XSE will be offered as an all-wheel drive hybrid, or as either a front- or all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid.

It’s the only member of the 2026 RAV4 lineup to offer the combination of front-wheel drive and a PHEV powertrain.

Standard equipment on the XSE includes:

• 20-inch black alloy wheels
• Black front and rear bumpers
• Dark stainless steel-look moulding
• Tilt and slide sunroof
• Two-tone exterior finish
• Surround-view camera
• Leatherette/suede upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Memory for power driver’s seat
• Power passenger seat
• ‘Climate concierge’

In PHEV guise, it also features a 1500W inverter, allowing you to power small appliances.

Cruiser

The popular Cruiser grade will return, offered exclusively as a front- or all-wheel drive hybrid.

It features:

• 20-inch machined black alloy wheels
• ‘High-grade’ LED headlights
• Tilt and slide panoramic sunroof
• Leather-accented seat trim
• Head-up display
• 2 x wireless phone chargers
• Digital rear-view mirror
• 9-speaker JBL sound system

GR Sport

The new flagship of the RAV4 lineup is the GR Sport, available exclusively as an all-wheel drive PHEV with a total system output of 227kW.

Offering more than just a sporty look, the RAV4 GR Sport features retuned suspension with ‘high-performance’ dampers and a stiffer rear suspension brace.

The power steering has also been recalibrated, while track width is up by 20mm for what Toyota claims is greater performance and agility.

Other additions include:

• Unique front and rear bumpers
• 20-inch machined alloy wheels
• GR Sport seats, steering wheel and suede knee pads
• Aluminium pedals
• Paddle shifters

MORE: Explore the Toyota RAV4 showroom