PHEV variant to join new look RAV4 range

TOYOTA has unveiled early details of its sixth-generation RAV4 this week, the all-hybrid range to be topped by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) flagship when the popular mid-sized SUV makes its way Down Under in the first half of next year.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 line-up will offer a significantly refreshed look, more hi-tech cabin, and the latest generation safety and multimedia systems across two- and all-wheel drive configurations, no doubt bolstering its position as Australia’s best-selling SUV.

The Australian line-up is expected to remain familiar to that of the RAV4 current grade line-up, but with a new GR Sport range-topper – offered exclusively in PHEV AWD guise – understood to replace the rugged Edge variant.

Importantly, the plug-in hybrid RAV4 – Toyota’s first plug-in offering in Australia – will offer buyers up to 100km of all-electric driving range courtesy of a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery.

The battery may be charged via a 50kW (DC) fast charger, providing a 10-80 per cent top-up in 30 minutes, or via an 11kW (AC) home charger in “as little as three hours”.

Much like the systems found in modern battery electric vehicles, Toyota says the PHEV’s battery features an “improved thermal management system” that allows for “consistently reliable performance (by) keeping the battery temperature stable to maintain optimum efficiency when charging and driving”.

Electric driving range is further optimised by the help of geofencing technology, combining real-time road and traffic data along with insights from the driver’s typical routes and driving style, to automatically switch between hybrid and electric modes.

AWD PHEV grades of the new RAV4 are said to offer a combined system output of 227kW, helping the model accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.8 seconds.

A budget focused two-wheel drive PHEV will also be offered within the RAV4 range, achieving a total system output of 210kW.

Along with PHEV options, the RAV4 will also be available with Toyota’s familiar series-parallel hybrid system, again in two- and all-wheel drive configurations.

Both produce 143kW of power and are said to offer “excellent fuel economy”.

While the bulk of the new RAV4’s specification and detail remain under wraps until closer to its local launch, Toyota has hinted that the GR Sport variant will “stand out with lightweight 20-inch twin-spoke black alloy wheels, aerodynamically enhanced front and rear spoilers, and a distinctive grille design with GR mesh pattern”.

The variant will further feature a 20mm widened wheel track and “upgraded high-performance damper design” alongside stiffened rear suspension bracing, retuned springs and dampers, and a sportier power steering tune.

Inside, the GR Sport adopts discreet GR logos and red accents, sports seats, combination synthetic leather and suede upholstery, console knee pads, and aluminium pedals.

Across the broader range, the RAV4 will also debut Toyota’s latest multimedia system powered by Arene, a faster and more compact system promising a “seamless digital in-car experience”.

Toyota says Arene is designed to “enable the safe, secure and scalable development of automotive software, improving multimedia functionality and driver assistance systems through the use of AI modelling and improved data utilisation, continually enhanced through over-the-air updates”.

The arrangement will also bring improved screen clarity, a new home-screen design, more precise voice control functionality, and offer new features including Google Points of Interest and real-time navigation details to “make the in-car digital environment more usable and easier than ever before”.

Importantly, the RAV4 will also introduce an even higher level of standard safety technologies adding features including front cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring with rear vehicle approach indicator, expanded lane change assist functionality, and an expanded pre-collision suite with improved obstacle, bicycle, and motorcycle recognition.

Finally, the RAV4 is said to make parking easier by way of a remote parking feature available via the owner’s smartphone and with a three-dimensional panoramic view monitor which offers “a more complete view of the area surrounding the vehicle”.

“When it first arrived in Australia in 1994, the RAV4 appealed to Australian customers with its family-friendly utility, bold design and signature Toyota dependability and has since attracted more than 500,000 sales,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley.

“The all-new sixth-generation RAV4 will carry on the legacy created by its predecessors, while introducing exciting new Toyota-first technologies like plug-in hybrid powertrains and next-generation software.

“Since the 2001 launch of Toyotas first hybrid electric vehicle in Australia, we have led the development of hybrid technology that is refined, powerful and efficient, delivering customer confidence for quality, durability and reliability.

“With the launch of our first plug-in hybrid, we are taking that broad customer appeal in a diversified powertrain landscape to a whole new level.”

Mr Hanley said that more information on the all-new RAV4 including confirming local specification, grade line-up, and price will be made available closer to its arrival in the first half of 2026.