The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling SUVs of all time, as well as the current top-selling model in the U.S. It’s largely responsible for kicking off the trend of compact crossovers that dominates the streets of South Carolina and beyond, and in many ways, it embodies everything Toyota is about—it’s dependable, well-appointed, incredibly fuel-efficient, and boasts the perfect balance of around-town comfort and camp-ready ruggedness.
For the 2026 model year, the next generation Toyota RAV4 gets a complete overhaul. We’ve been getting a lot of questions about it so far, so we figured we’d round them up here. Check out all the exciting details below.
Is the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid Only?
You may have heard that the sixth-generation RAV4 is dropping the gas-only powertrain. Well, you heard right—as part of Toyota’s ongoing electrification push, the 2026 RAV4 will only be available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
The 2026 RAV4 Hybrid features the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System, which consists of a 2.5-liter engine/hybrid motor combo with improved components for maximum fuel efficiency and performance. It has a combined output of up to 226 horsepower, and for the first time, it’ll be available in both FWD and AWD.
The 2026 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid also debuts a new PHEV system made up of a 2.5-liter engine with dual electric motors. This newly revised setup allows it to crank out 320 combined horsepower for maximum acceleration.
What is the Fuel Economy of the 2026 RAV4?
Considering it’s a hybrid-only model, the RAV4 is set to become one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. However, as of this writing, the new RAV4’s gas mileage numbers have yet to be confirmed.
A couple things have been confirmed though. Thanks to its improved PHEV system, the 2026 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has a Toyota-estimated 50 miles of electric range, and the battery will be able to charge from 10 to 80% in just 30 minutes, marking a vast improvement over the last generation.
What Are the Available Trims for the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The lineup of available grades for the RAV4 has been redone, with some returning fan favorites joined by an updated Woodland trim and an all-new Toyota RAV4 GR SPORT.
Here’s the full list:
- LE
- SE
- XLE
- XSE
- Woodland
- Limited
- GR SPORT
What Are the Changes to the 2026 RAV4 Exterior?
The sixth-gen RAV4’s design is simultaneously familiar and refreshed. While it retains the well-known shape of previous model years, it now sports crisper body lines, a more imposing rear end, and Toyota’s iconic hammerhead front end that we’ve seen in other recently redesigned models.
It also comes in three unique styles, allowing shoppers near Florence, SC more choice to customize their ride:
- The Core design, represented by the LE, XLE, and Limited grades, features a body-color grille and black cladding, and captures the essence of the RAV4’s updated style.
- The Sport design, found on the SE, XSE, and GR SPORT grades, has an available two-tone paint scheme and a unique grille, along with specially-tuned suspension, summer tires, and a rear spoiler for the GR SPORT.
- The Rugged design, which is exclusive to the Woodland, can be recognized by its black split front grille, tall roof rails with crossbars, subtly raised front end, and all-terrain tires.
The choice of exterior colors for the 2026 RAV4 includes Midnight Black Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, Blueprint, Ice Cap, Storm Cloud, Meteor Shower, Everest, and the newly available Urban Rock.
What Are the Changes to the 2026 RAV4 Interior?
In keeping with the exterior changes, the all-new RAV4’s new cabin feels more rugged compared to the old style, with a boxier center console that features more storage and versatile cupholders for greater ease of use. Controls for functions like climate control, heated seats, and more have been streamlined, and all grades also get a new standard customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for vehicle diagnostics and navigation.
Infotainment has been upgraded too, with either a 10.5-inch or a 12.9-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen that floats above the console and provides a crisp, responsive view to interact with media and navigation. The biggest development, though, is the inclusion of Arene, which is Toyota’s new software platform that allows dual Bluetooth connection, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, an improved Voice Assistant, and more.
What Are the Safety Features of the 2026 RAV4?
The RAV4 was already lauded as one of the safest SUVs available, and now, it gets even safer—it’s the first model to include Toyota Safety Sense™ 4.0, which is powered by the Arene software. More details about specific ADAS features will follow closer to the release date, but we do know that it will benefit from improved object detection capabilities.
What is the Release Date of the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The 2026 RAV4 is expected to arrive at dealerships later in 2025.
How Much Does the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Cost?
Pricing for the all-new RAV4 has yet to be announced, but we expect more information soon. If you’re interested in keeping tabs on all the exciting information as it comes in, contact our Toyota dealership in Sumter, SC and we’ll update you as soon as new information arrives.
Shop Toyota RAV4 Models for Sale Near Orangeburg, SC
We expect the 2026 RAV4 to hit our lot by the end of the year, but if you simply can’t wait, we have an excellent selection of RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models for sale right now. And if you don’t find the exact SUV you want in our online inventory, we can help you build your own new Toyota to your exact specifications.
Any questions about the upcoming all-new RAV4 that we didn’t mention here? Contact us online or call us today at 803-715-2100.
