Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD MY26 review

Tell me about the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD

Australians love the Toyota RAV4. This much is evidenced by the fact it’s been our best-selling medium SUV for the past six years and the fact buyers are prepared to queue for up to six months to get their hands on one.

We’re not alone in our affection for the versatile Toyota either, as last year the RAV4 claimed the title of world’s best-selling passenger vehicle, racking up an impressive 1 million sales globally.

Given this, Toyota could be forgiven for adopting an ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it mentality’. But with competition from Chinese rivals intensifying the carmaker wisely chose instead to develop and launch this sixth-generation version of its popular medium SUV.

The big news among a raft of changes is the introduction of Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

It contributes to the largest and most diverse RAV4 range yet, with a choice of hybrid and PHEV powertrains, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and no fewer than 11 variants across six model grades.

How much does the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD cost?

Pricing starts at $45,990 for the entry-level RAV4 GX 2WD Hybrid and rises through GXL, Edge, XSE and Cruiser variants to the range-topping GR Sport AWD PHEV at $66,340.

Inevitably, there are also price increases versus the previous model of between $3,730 and $5,930 depending on variant.

None of the three plug-in hybrids variants were available at the launch due to production delays, so we’re focused here instead on the regular RAV4 Hybrid lineup which features an upgraded version of Toyota’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and series-parallel hybrid system.

The hybrid (HEV) grade walk begins with the GX 2WD at $45,990 (MRLP) and the GX AWD from $49,340 (MRLP), which are the only models to offer a full-size 17-inch alloy spare wheel for an additional $300, replacing the standard temporary spare tyre fitted to other variants.

Next comes the RAV4 GXL HEV, available from $48,990 in 2WD guise or $52,340 AWD.

It’s followed by the adventure-focused Edge HEV AWD priced from $55,340, and the AWD-only XSE HEV priced from $58,3401 (plus $675 mandatory premium paint).

Finally, there’s the flagship of the hybrid range the RAV4 Cruiser, which available in 2WD or AWD guise and priced from $56,990 and $60,340 respectively.

What standard features does the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD have?

The RAV4 Cruiser was the most popular model with private buyers of the previous generation and Toyota expects that to be the case again with the new model, with sales spilt roughly 50:50 between 2WD and AWD and the latter commanding a $3350 premium.

Like the rest of the range, the Cruiser boasts all-new interior and exterior design treatments plus Cruiser specific styling elements including 20-inch machined black alloy wheels and high-grade LED headlamps.

Elsewhere, the Cruiser comes loaded with kit including:

• Panoramic moonroof
• Genuine leather-accented seat trim with driver memory function
• Shift-by-wire shift gear lever with integrated parking brake
• Head-up display
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Powered tailgate with kick sensor
• Two wireless smartphone chargers
• Premium nine-speaker JBL sound system.

Tell me about the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD exterior design

Style has always been a key part of the RAV4’s DNA and this new model doesn’t disappoint with sharp crease lines, crisp surfaces and refined detailing that provide clear separation from the previous generation.

Pleasingly, functionality hasn’t been sacrificed at the altar of style with basic dimensions (length, width, height and wheelbase) the same as its predecessor, meaning the RAV4 continues to provide comfortable five-seat accommodation and a generous 705 litres of boot space with the seats upright.

Toyota claims the redesigned tailgate makes for easier loading thanks to a wider aperture.

What is the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD like inside?

As with the exterior, interior dimensions of the new model are more or less identical to the old, meaning comfortable accommodation for up to five passengers and a driving position with plenty of adjustment to suit most body types.

The dash is set slightly lower, however, which improves visibility marginally, while a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver offers the choice of three different display layouts.

An improved 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen comes standard on the Cruiser and other upmarket models, while lower grade models get a 10.9-inch screen.

The display is crisper and more responsive than before, with improved screen clarity, a configurable home screen layout and better voice control system.

On the downside, the screen now houses climate controls which we’re not a huge fan of.

The broad central console includes a lidded storage box that’s designed to open on both the driver and passenger side, and the lid can be flipped over to double as a shallow tray.

What sort of technology does the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD have?

Toyota calls this its first ‘software-defined vehicle’ thanks to a new 5G-system that delivers faster connectivity and the ability to adopt Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.

The updated multimedia system debut’s a new operating system which promises a faster and more seamless digital in-car experience and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The ‘Hey Toyota’ connected voice activation is faster and more accurate, and enhanced connected services functionality allows live streaming via the myToyota Connect app.

The app also allows a smart phone to be used as a digital key and to remotely control features like vehicle lock/unlock, window closing and engine start.

A new Embedded Drive Record feature uses the vehicle’s onboard cameras to act as a dashcam, allowing users to record and save video clips while driving.

How does the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD drive?

Surprisingly, given that most car makers like to spruik a power increase when launching a new model, peak power of 143kW is down around 20kW on the previous RAV4.

Toyota says this is due to the new model meeting stricter Euro 6 emissions regulations, but points to changes in the engine’s torque profile to suggest that the driving experience isn’t adversely impacted.

Enhancements to the hybrid system’s transaxle, Power Control Unit, battery and electric motors deliver a modest improvement in fuel consumption of around 4 percent, which equates to 4.5L/100km for the 2WD and 4.6L/100km for the AWD models.

Out on the road, the new RAV4 delivers well-balanced ride and handling that copes well with a variety of different conditions.

The ride is supple without being overly soft, with good body control and impressive reserves of grip, particularly in all-wheel drive variants.

Ride quality does suffer a little on the Cruiser’s 20-inch wheels versus the 17s and 18s fitted to other variants, but it still copes well with large potholes and bumps without crashing through to the cabin.

The engine and gearbox also work very effectively, the CVT and electric motor combining well to fill in any torque gaps and ensure the car always feels pleasingly responsive.

The engine note is not particularly attractive under throttle, though, with the characteristic drone-like sound that is a feature of the CVT keeping the engine in its optimal torque range.

All the major controls including steering and brakes are well weighted and resolved and the ADAS systems largely unobtrusive, except for the driver distraction function when wearing sunglasses.

What safety features does the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD have?

Unusually for a new Toyota, this generation RAV4 also doesn’t yet have an ANCAP safety rating due to the new model originally being scheduled to launch last year to meet 2025 safety protocols.

The delayed launch means it must now be tested to more stringent 2026 standards which won’t happen until later this year.

Toyota says it’s confident the RAV4 will achieve five-stars and points to numerous safety improvements over the old model which was a five-star car, but it can’t officially make that claim until the RAV4 is tested.

Along with eight airbags as standard, the various safety improvements include the addition of front cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring that now includes a rear vehicle approach indicator, and expanded lane change assist functionality that now includes turn signal-linked autonomous lane change function when adaptive cruise control and lane tracing assist are activated.

Also improved with this new model is the RAV4’s pre-collision system functionality which features improved recognition of obstacles, bicycles and motorbikes, while an advanced parking feature allows owners to control parking from outside the vehicle with the use of a smartphone.

The latest generation version of Toyota’s Connected Service technology also provides faster 5G Connection to Toyota Emergency Assistance in the event of an accident.

Who are the rivals for the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD?

When you’re the champ there are always plenty of contenders lining up to take their shot and that’s certainly the case with the RAV4 which competes against no less than 36 rivals in the well-stocked medium SUV segment.

In terms of volume, the nearest competitor is the BYD Sealion 7, a battery electric SUV that as at July had sold around half the number of units of its Toyota rival.

Despite this, the Sealion 7 is riding a wave of popularity and is available in Premium (RWD) guise, with a single electric motor and priced from $54,990 plus on-road costs, and in dual motor Performance (AWD) from priced from $63,990 (MRLP).

Another Chinese BEV making waves is the Geely EX5 which has a starting price of around $43,462 and offers an extended-range variant with a WLTP-rated driving range of 475km.

Other more established segment rivals include the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (from $44,990), Kia Sportage Hybrid (from $44,450), Mazda CX-5 (from $39,990), Nissan X-Trail e-Power (from $49,000), and Subaru Forester Hybrid (from $46,490).

Should I buy a Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD?

You’ll certainly be in good company if you choose to buy a Toyota RAV4, which was Australia’s best-selling vehicle in July 2026, with the new model looking to continue the nameplate’s position as one of Australia’s most popular vehicles.

Indeed, such is this model’s popularity that the main question many consumers will have to answer is ‘which trim level should I buy?’; or perhaps whether it’s worth spending the extra money and opting for the plug-in hybrid over the regular hybrid.

We’re not going to attempt to answer that question here but can confirm there is little about this new model, except for its higher price tag, that will disappoint fans of the earlier generations.

Some potential buyers may have been hoping for more radical changes – perhaps even a full battery electric version – but Toyota is generally not known for radical reinvention of proven products.

This sixth-generation RAV4 is no exception and, aside from the new PHEV drivetrain, it’s a case of many incremental gains combining to make this a better car than its best-selling predecessor.

In addition, there are those other proven Toyota attributes of having the country’s largest and most widespread dealer network, strong reliability, and superior retained value than most rivals.

Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD MY26 specifications

• PRICE: $60,340 (MRLP)
• WARRANTY: Five years, unlimited kilometres
• POWERTRAIN: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder petrol (105kW/221Nm), front electric motor (100kW/208Nm), rear electric motor (40kW/121Nm), combined system output (143kW), e-CVT transmission, rear electric motor, all-wheel drive.
• BATTERY: 4.4Ah lithium-ion
• ANCAP CRASH RATING: Not rated
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4.6L/100km (107g/km CO2)
• FOR: Good fuel efficiency; responsive drivetrain; balanced ride and handling; lots of practical stowage; family-friendly dimensions; improved technology including OTA; strong retained value.
• AGAINST: Price increases across range; no ANCAP rating; no full-size spare (temporary spare); unattractive engine noise.