Next-Gen Toyota RAV4 Ditches Pure Petrol for Hybrid Power

The new Toyota RAV4 will be offered globally in six iterations, each fitted with a hybrid powertrain. A range-topping GR Sport variant is poised to be the most powerful RAV yet. Here’s everything we know so far…

Toyota RAV4 6th Gen

Image: Toyota

Following its global debut in May 2025, Toyota’s sixth-generation RAV4 is expected to arrive on local shores in early 2026. For the first time since its 1994 introduction, Toyota will offer this adventure SUV exclusively with mild- and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.

The next-generation RAV4 will be offered globally in six flavours: the entry-level GX, mid-range GXL, adventure-focused Edge, XSE, and Cruiser, and a flagship GR Sport derivative. Across the various trim levels, the RAV4 will be once again be offered in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).

Powering the XSE and GR Sport is a 2.5-litre PHEV  system paired with a 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. In AWD form, dual electric motors deliver a combined output of 227 kW. FWD PHEV derivatives utilise a single-motor setup producing 200 kW, while the GR Sport is offered exclusively with the more powerful AWD configuration. Unique to the GR Sport is a retuned suspension, revised steering, and a 20 mm-wider track.

The mild-hybrid variants employ the same hybrid system used in the outgoing RAV4, as well as a 2.5-litre petrol engine producing 143 kW for both the FWD and AWD guises. The XSE, Edge, Cruiser, GXL, and GX can be had in AWD with a twin motor setup, while the latter three are also available in a single motor FWD variant.

Toyota RAV4 6th Gen

Image: Toyota

As standard, the RAV4 receives 17-inch alloy wheels, LED auto-levelling headlamps, a 10.5-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, five USB-C ports and dual-zone climate control. The GX can be optioned with a full-size spare wheel.

A set of 18- and 20-inch wheels, a larger, 12.9-inch infotainment screen, privacy rear and side glass, a nine-speaker JBL sound system and off-road assists are also offered across the RAV4 range. Various safety features and ADAS are also available for the sixth-generation RAV4, including Toyota Safety Sense driver assists, Toyota Connected Services and a new multimedia system.

Buyers can choose between 10 different colours for their RAV4 across the various derivatives. Certain colours can also be paired with a black roof, reserved exclusively for the XSE trim level.

While the full specifications and pricing are not yet revealed, Toyota will release more information closer to the launch date. Whether we will receive the PHEV variant is yet to be seen.

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The post Next-Gen Toyota RAV4 Ditches Pure Petrol for Hybrid Power appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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