Toyota RAV4 2026: All-new sixth-generation range confirmed and aims to keep Australia’s most popular SUV ahead of Mitsubishi Outlander and Mazda CX-5

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Toyota has confirmed an 11-variant-strong lineup of the all-new sixth-generation RAV4 midsize SUVs launching to Australia in the first half of 2026. The range will retain GX, GXE, XSE, Cruiser and Edge grades while adding PHEV-powered GR-Sport and XSE variants.

A first for Toyota Australia is the RAV4’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain. That powerplant is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, exclusively in mid-spec XSE or dynamically enhanced GR-Sport trim. 

Both formats feature a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery and 1500W V2L inverter.

The front-driven PHEV XSE uses a single front-axle-mounted electric motor and produces a combined output of 200kW, while both the GR-Sport and XSE all-wheel-drive models produce 227kW by use of an additional rear-mounted electric motor. 

GR Sport RAV4 variants additionally feature a unique suspension tune, featuring  high-performance dampers and a stiffer rear suspension brace. The wheel track is 20mm wider, and the power steering recalibrated. 

Read more about Toyota’s new RAV4 GR Sport here.

Under the skin, all new-generation RAV4 hybrid models feature a 2.5-litre petrol engine and fifth-generation plugless hybrid system, which can include one or two electric motors, depending on drive type. Combined power output for all hybrid models is 143kW.

Also new to the midsized model is a suite of safety features, as part of the next-generation ‘Toyota Safety Sense’, which includes front cross-traffic alert, lane trace assist and pre-collision safety.

Standard equipment on the base model front- or all-wheel-drive GX includes a 360-degree camera, over-the-air compatible 10.5-inch multimedia touchscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED auto-levelling headlamps, 12.3-inch digital cluster and dual-zone climate control. 

Exclusive to the base GX is the option to exchange the temporary spare to full-size. 

Stepping to the front- or all-wheel-drive GXE grants 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy rear and side glass, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a wireless device charger.

Regardless of drive type or hybridisation, XSE-badged MY26 RAV4 models will feature 20-inch alloy wheels, black front and rear bumpers, moonroof, synthetic leather and suede upholstery, front seat heating and ventilation, and electric front passenger seat adjustment.

Topping off the RAV4 range is the front or all-wheel-drive Cruiser flagship version, which features unique 20-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED headlamps, panoramic roof, leather-accented seat trim, head-up display, two wireless device chargers, a digital rearview mirror and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.

Toyota’s all-wheel-drive only, off-road ready RAV4 — the Edge — slots between the GXL and XSE. It exclusively features ‘Edge’ front and rear bumpers, wider wheel arches, skid plate, heated front seats, power tailgate and larger 12.9-inch touchscreen. 

The Edge shares its hill descent control and selectable terrain traction control features with all AWD RAV4 grades.

In a similar vein, the all-wheel drive only GR Sport is not quite a flagship, but unique in its own right. Standout features include GR-themed front and rear bumpers, rear spoiler, 20-inch alloy wheels, aluminium pedals, paddle shifters, and unique GR Sport seats and steering wheel.

More features and specifications for all of the soon to release RAV4 grades are yet to be released.

Pricing for evergreen Toyota midsizer yet to be confirmed

Toyota’s RAV4 leads the Australian sales charts as the nation’s most popular passenger car and biggest-selling midsize SUV, holding a firm third best-selling position overall behind (commercial classified) Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger dual cabs. 

Last year, Toyota shifted 58,718 RAV4 examples, and YTD to the month of August, 32,564 RAV4 models have been sold.

Models in fierce competition with the RAV4 include the $39,990 Mitsubishi Outlander, the second most popular midsize SUV in Oz so far in 2025, and the $36,740 Mazda CX-5, which snags third in national popularity. 

Pricing for the new model RAV4 is yet to be confirmed, but both it and the new-generation CX-5 (also slated to launch next year) should fall within a stones throw of the facelifted Mitsubishi Outlander, as well as the new-generation $43,490 Subaru Forester. 

All prices shown are before on-road costs. 

Currently, the Toyota RAV4 starts at $42,260 for base GX FWD grade, and scales to $58,360 for the AWD Edge off-road model. Expect PHEV RAV4 variants to cost an additional premium.