Toyota reveals sixth-generation RAV4
The all-new version of Australia’s most popular SUV is set to debut a PHEV powertrain and a sporty new flagship variant.
Up ahead
New GR variant joins RAV4 lineup
What will power the new RAV4 PHEV
New technology and safet features for RAV4
How much will the new RAV4 cost?
Toyota has unveiled its all-new sixth-generation RAV4 medium SUV in Japan ahead of the new model arriving in Australia next year, with the medium SUV set to become the first Toyota offered locally with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
Due here in the first half of next year, the new-generation model will be available with either hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, the choice of 2WD or AWD variants, and with PHEV variants boasting up to 100km of electric-only driving range on
New GR variant joins RAV4 lineup
The new model will also be the first RAV4 to feature a GR Sport variant, with Toyota promising a more dynamic version of the popular SUV equipped exclusively with the new PHEV AWD powertrain.
The flagship of the sixth-generation RAV4 range, the GR Sport variant will feature unique styling elements to set it apart from the rest of the range.
This includes lightweight 20-inch twin-spoke black alloy wheels, aerodynamically enhanced front and rear spoilers, and a distinctive grille design with GR mesh pattern.
The GR Sport also features a 20mm wider wheel track and upgraded dampers, stiffer rear suspension brace, retuned suspension and a unique power steering calibration that should ensure it is the most dynamically focused RAV4 yet.
Inside, the GR Sport carries on the performance theme with GR logos and red accents, sports seats, combination synthetic leather and suede upholstery, console knee pads and aluminium pedals.
What will power the new RAV4 PHEV?
Underpinning the new plug-in hybrid system which will also be available on other RAV4 variants is a 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a targeted electric-only driving range of up to 100km based on the WLTP cycle.
The battery supports DC fast charging with a 50kW onboard charger that can replenish the battery from 10-80% in 30 minutes, while an 11kW AC charger recharges the battery in around three hours.
The new RAV4 PHEV features an improved front electric motor that develops 150kW, which on AWD grades provides combined system output of 227kW, helping the SUV cover the 0-100km/h dash in a brisk 5.8 seconds.
A more affordable 2WD PHEV system will also be offered, achieving a total system output of 201kW.
Along with PHEV options, the RAV4 will also be available with Toyota’s established series-parallel hybrid system, with both AWD and 2WD versions boasting outputs of 143kW.
No fuel consumption figures have been provided for the new hybrid variants but Toyota is pointing to enhancements to the system’s transaxle, PCU, battery and electric motors, which suggests they may be more efficient than the current model which returns combined cycle figures of between 4.7L/100km and 4.8L/100km depending on the variant.
New technology and safety features for RAV4
Along with sleek new exterior and interior design treatments Toyota is promising pioneering safety and multimedia technologies for its new model, along with enhanced cabin space.
The new RAV4 also debut’s Toyota’s latest multimedia system powered by Arene, which promises a faster and more seamless digital in-car experience, along with continuous enhancements through over-the-air (OTA) updates.
The new multimedia system is claimed to make Toyota’s in-car digital environment more usable and efficient, with improved screen clarity, a new, configurable home screen layout and precise voice control system.
There are also technical improvements to the RAV4’s Toyota Safety Sense active technology suite, including 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 now 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.
Since it first launched in Australia in 1994, the RAV4 has achieved more than 500,000 sales, and last year the popular model topped the SUV sales ledger with 58,718 sales.
How much will the new RAV4 cost?
Toyota has not yet released details of pricing but it’s safe to assume that with the new PHEV drivetrain and GR Sport variant, the new model range will eclipse the current pricing which ranges from $39,760 to $58,360.
The car maker is promising more information on the new RAV4 lineup, including local specification, grade lineup and pricing, closer to its local launch in the first half of 2026.
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