Toyota has unveiled its sixth-generation RAV4.

It should come with little surprise that the compact SUV, which is the company’s bestselling vehicle, will now only be available with electrified powertrains.

This includes a hybrid powertrain that now has 236 hp, up from the outgoing model’s 219 hp. This is Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

The other option is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which pairs the 2.5-litre engine with two electric motors for a total power output of 320 hp, up by 18 hp over the outgoing model. Electric driving range is increased by 20 per cent to an estimated 80 kilometres, Toyota said.

The PHEV powertrain includes an 11-kW AC on-board charger and DC fast-charging is available on the XSE Technology Package model, which has a CCS charging port.

All versions now have all-wheel drive.

Three design styles

The sixth-gen RAV4 is available in three styles, those being Core, Sport and Rugged.

Core models include the LE, XLE, XLE Premium Package and Limited trims, which all have the hybrid powertrain.

The single Rugged model is the Woodland trim, which is also hybrid-only.

The Sport style is available on the SE (PHEV-only), XSE and XSE Technology Package (hybrid or PHEV) and the GR Sport (PHEV-only).

The Woodland and GR Sport models are new.

Woodland trim

The Woodland trim is a more rugged version of the RAV4. It gets a unique front-end that includes a lower grille with integrated LED lights.

This version rides a half-inch higher due to all-terrain tires that come standard and it comes with raised roof rails with crossbars and a 1¼ -inch rear activity mount.

This version is also slightly longer than the other RAV4s, coming in at 4,620 mm long, compared to 4,595 mm. The GR Sport is also 4,620 mm long.

GR Sport

Speaking of the GR Sport model, this version was designed with input from the Toyota Gazoo Racing division and is inspired by motorsports.

It was tuned to prioritize handling and features a GR-tuned suspension and power steering, enhanced body rigidity and rides on unique 20-inch wheels with increased offset.

The GR Sport model has a GR Function Matrix grille and front and rear spoilers.

Core

The Core models (pictured up top) get a paint-matched front grille and Toyota’s hammerhead front end, joining the family resemblance of recently updated SUVs in the automaker’s lineup.

Available wheels come in sizes of 17, 18 or 20 inches, depending on trim.

Technology

The 2026 RAV4 will be the first Toyota model to include Toyota Safety Sense 4.0.

This latest suite of driver assistance and safety technologies is powered by Arene software. Toyota said the newest Toyota Safety Sense system has updated hardware and detection capabilities. Full details will be announced closer to when the vehicle goes on sale.

The Arene software was created by Toyota and Woven and is the automaker’s first step toward creating software-defined vehicles.

The RAV4 is also launching the newest version of Toyota Multimedia, also supported by the Arene software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, plus the system has simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity and a quicker voice assistant. The system gets some UI changes, including a home button that is always displayed and map and navigation is integrated into the digital gauge cluster.

The centre screen measures 10.5 inches or 12.9 inches, depending on grade.

The digital gauge cluster measures 12.3 inches, across all grades and a head-up display is standard on the Limited and XSE Technology grades.

The current RAV4 is currently built in Ontario and elsewhere. Toyota did not mention where the newest RAV4 will be assembled. Production is expected to start later this year.

Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

For updates, visit the Toyota Canada website.

---