Toyota has unveiled its next-generation RAV4 medium SUV, which introduces pioneering safety and multimedia technologies, new exterior and interior designs and advanced hybrid powertrains.
The sixth-generation RAV4 will become the first Toyota offered in Australia with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, offering the choice of 2WD or AWD arrangements and targeting up to 100km of electric-only driving range.
Toyota will also offer its first ever GR Sport variant based on the PHEV all-wheel drive setup, providing a more dynamic expression of the RAV4’s handling characteristics and design cues.
The GR Sport stands out with lightweight 20-inch twin-spoke black alloy wheels, aerodynamically enhanced front and rear spoilers and a distinctive grille design with GR mesh pattern which creates a deeper 3D effect.
More than just visual upgrades, it features a 20mm-wider wheel track and upgraded high-performance damper design, stiffer rear suspension brace and retuned suspension and power steering calibration to deliver increased driving thrills.
Inside, you’ll find discreet GR logos and red accents, sports seats, combination synthetic leather and suede upholstery, console knee pads and aluminium pedals. It and the rest of the range are set to arrive in the first half of 2026.
The RAV4 PHEV is underpinned by a 2.5-litre petrol engine, combined with a new 22.7kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery. It supports DC fast charging, with a 50kW onboard charger able to replenish from 10 to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.
It will be paired with geofencing technology. The latter combines real-time road and traffic data along with insights from the driver’s typical routes and driving style, to automatically switch between hybrid and electric modes for significant efficiency improvements.
Improved thermal management allows for consistently reliable performance, keeping the battery temperature stable to maintain optimum efficiency when charging and driving. An improved front electric motor now develops 150kW.
On all-wheel drive grades that translates to 227kW of power and sprint to 100km/h of 5.8 seconds. A more affordable 2WD PHEV system will also be offered in the RAV4, achieving a total system output of 201kW.
A lower centre of gravity and improved body rigidity from the battery’s placement under the vehicle floor will also deliver improved driving and handling dynamics. An optimised system layout relocates more components into the engine bay too.
Along with PHEV options, the RAV4 will be available with Toyota’s series-parallel hybrid system in AWD and 2WD configurations, both of which produce 143kW of power, combined with excellent fuel economy.
The new RAV4 debut’s Toyota’s latest Arene-powered multimedia system, which is supported by AI modelling and offers improved clarity, a new, configurable home screen layout and precise voice control.
That’s combined with features like Google Points of Interest and real-time navigation details to make the in-car digital environment more usable. Toyota Safety Sense active technology suite has been improved too.
It’s here you’ll find front cross traffic alert, an enhanced blind spot monitoring setup that better detects vehicles approaching from the rear, and an expanded lane change assist, which connects turn signals to autonomous lane changing.
The latter functions when adaptive cruise control and lane tracing assist are activated. Pre-collision capabilities now detect obstacles, bicycles and motorbikes, while advanced parking features allow you to use a smartphone from outside the vehicle to park the car.
More information on the new RAV4, including local specifications and grade line-up will be made available closer to its arrival. To register your interest, head to: https://www.toyota.com.au/rav4-2026
