2026 Toyota RAV4 to challenge BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander with plug-in hybrid version

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The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 will debut the brand’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain in Australia in the first half of 2026.

Toyota confirmed the PHEV as part of the global unveiling of the latest RAV4, one of the world’s biggest nameplates that has sold more than half a million units in Australia alone since 1994.

PHEVs target 100km EV range

Plug-in versions combine a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery with a 150kW front electric motor and 2.5-litre petrol engine.

Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models will be offered, with 201kW combined power for the former (most affordable PHEV) and 227kW for the latter that helps give the AWD a quoted 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds.

Toyota says it is targeting a 100km WLTP electric range for the RAV4 PHEV.

DC fast-charging will allow for the battery to be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes via a 50kW onboard charger, or 11kW AC charging for replenishing the battery in about three hours.

It’s too early for official fuel consumption figures. Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is rated at 1.5 litres per 100km, while another natural rival – the BYD Sealion 6 – is lower at 1.1L/100km.

Regular hybrid continues – but with less power

The most affordable RAV4s will continue with regular, non-rechargeable petrol-electric drivetrains as used by the current model.

They will again be available in 2WD and AWD forms, both with 143kW outputs – meaning less power than the current model that produces 160kW (2WD) and 163kW (AWD).

Toyota says it has improved efficiency for several major components of the hybrid system, including the battery and electric motors.

Improved infotainment

Toyota has seemingly aimed to address one of the biggest criticisms of the current RAV4 (and most other Toyotas) with a major multimedia overhaul.

Backed by a “faster and more compact” operating system platform called Arene that can be software-updated over the air, the new infotainment set-up incorporates a higher-resolution display, configurable home page, and enhanced voice control.

New or improved active safety

The 2026 RAV4 gains front cross-traffic alert to help avoid collisions at intersections, and the blind-spot monitor has been adapted to warn of potential rear-end impacts from “rapidly approaching vehicles from behind”.

Autonomous lane-changing has been added to the radar cruise and lane-trace assist technology combination, the pre-collision system has been enhanced, and a 3D panoramic view monitor is designed to make parking easier.

GR Sport flagship

Toyota will continue its roll-out of its GR Sport badge with a new range-topping RAV4.

While models such as the recently announced Corolla Cross GR Sport are sportier in design rather than performance, Toyota has made several modifications for the flagship 2026 RAV4.

Compared with regular versions, the RAV4 GR Sport has been given stiffer suspension with higher-performance damping, lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels, 20mm-wider axle tracks, and retuned steering for more dynamic driving. There are also front and rear spoilers.

GR Sport aesthetics are applied inside and out, with official images indicating a contrast black roof.

The RAV4 GR Sport will be powered exclusively by the AWD plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

Australian pricing and more details on the 2026 Toyota RAV4 range will be released closer to the midsized SUV’s launch.