2026 Toyota RAV4

The sixth generation of the Toyota RAV4 is expected to arrive for the 2026 model year, and we believe it will be a significantly updated SUV built on the same platform as today's RAV4. Few concrete details are known about the 2026 Toyota RAV4 at the time of publication, but you can expect it to remain front-wheel-drive-based with available all-wheel drive. The RAV4 could follow the new Camry's lead and adopt a hybrid-only drivetrain lineup, which offers up to 232 horsepower in all-wheel-drive form. A next-gen version of the more potent RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid — which we review separately — is practically assured.

Edmunds spotlight: A high-profile update

The redesign comes in time to capitalize on the continued success of the RAV4, which finished 2024 as the most popular gas-powered SUV in the U.S. Toyota sold over 475,000 RAV4s last year — more than double the number of Corollas. With that kind of popularity, Toyota isn't likely to mess with the RAV4 formula too much. If it's similar to the current model, as we expect, you can look forward to an efficient powertrain, a composed ride and a spacious interior.

Competitors to consider

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 competes in the highly contested compact SUV category. Its biggest rivals are the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson. All of these offer an optional hybrid powertrain, and a handful are available as a plug-in hybrid. Other gas-only competitors include the Ford Bronco Sport, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Toyota RAV4's combination of fuel efficiency and everyday practicality helped make it one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. Expect the new version to build on that foundation and deliver incremental improvements.