2026 Toyota RAV4 gets fresh design, tech plus PHEV power for Australia
The new, sixth-generation
Toyota RAV4
has been revealed, and is due in Australia during the first half of 2026 with a racier GR Sport trim level plus available plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power.
The new RAV4 is built on an evolution of the existing GA-K platform architecture that underpins the current version.
Toyota will offer its latest hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, and each of these are available with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
That includes in Australia, where the new RAV4 will be the first Toyota sold here with a PHEV powertrain.
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The RAV4 features Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, using a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
Toyota Australia has quoted a total system output of 143kW for both front- and all-wheel drive hybrid models, despite Toyota USA quoting outputs of 169kW and 176kW respectively and the outgoing Australian-market model offering 160kW and 163kW respectively.
'The All-New RAV4 Hybrid will deliver enhanced driving performance and dynamics compared to the current generation vehicle,' a Toyota Australia spokesperson explained.
'Power outputs differ from global markets due to Australian light vehicle emission standards (Euro 6d).'
Bigger news comes with the plug-in hybrid which benefits from a more powerful 150kW front electric motor and a larger 22.7kWh battery, increasing the electric-only driving range up to 100 kilometres under the WLTP cycle.
For the first time with the PHEV there is a front-wheel-drive option that has a peak system output of 201kW.
The all-wheel-drive plug-in RAV4 produces a more substantial 227kW and can accelerate to 100km/h from rest in just 5.8 seconds – compared to the 7.3 seconds required for the front-wheel-drive variant.
The RAV4 PHEV also benefits from 50kW DC charging capability, which can replenish the battery's charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. There's also 11kW AC charging, which will fully recharge the battery in as little as three hours.
It may carry over some of the underpinnings, but all of the sheet metal has been updated with a more contemporary design that's quite different to the sleek
C-HR+ electric SUV
that was revealed earlier this year.
The exterior design might ruffle a few feathers with more conservative buyers, as its sharper lines and more angular shape represent a step change from its predecessor.
On the inside, Toyota has leaned into the rugged look that the exterior exudes. On the tech side, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is paired with a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The RAV4 features Toyota's latest multimedia system, powered by Arene, which the company says offers improved screen clarity, a new configurable home screen, and over-the-air updates.
The broad centre console has space for a couple of smartphones, two USB-C ports, cupholders and a pleasing number of physical buttons for both climate control and drive modes.
Toyota has expanded the suite of active safety technology standard on the RAV4 globally, which now includes front cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera with a 3D view, and an autonomous lane change function on highways when adaptive cruise control and Lane Tracing Assist are activated.
There's also an advanced parking feature which allows owners to control parking from outside the vehicle using their smartphone.
As with a number of other recently updated models, Toyota is leaning more heavily into its motorsport connections with Gazoo Racing and will offer a sportier RAV4 GR Sport model.
To be offered in Australia only as an all-wheel drive PHEV, this version wears a pronounced black honeycomb grille and a bespoke front bumper with repositioned fog lights.
Other visual cues include lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels in an exclusive five-arm, twin-spoke GR Sport design, while GR badging on the front and rear reiterate that this isn't the regular RAV4.
The interior of the RAV4 GR Sport also gets a makeover with an all-black design that features contrasting red stitching and aluminium brake and accelerator pedals.
You'll find GR logos on the steering wheel and front seats which are exclusively upholstered in synthetic leather and suede.
Despite the visual enhancements, the RAV4 GR Sport's powertrains remain unchanged, but Toyota's engineers have reworked the suspension through upgraded damper design and the fitment of a stiffer rear brace.
These additions, alongside a retuned steering calibration and 20mm wider track, are claimed to result in a more stable and engaging drive.
It's not the only expansion to the RAV4 lineup, with US buyers also getting the option of a new Woodland trim level. This sits higher thanks to all-terrain tyres, and has standard roof rails with crossbars, a rear 'activity mount', and unique colour choices inside and out.
This variant hasn't been confirmed for Australia.
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"(For) people who have caring responsibilities or who have been locked out of the unaffordable housing market ... increasing SG further won't address those inequalities," he told AAP. Mr O'Halloran said there was more that could be done to support people struggling in retirement, when a significant portion of their autumnal years' savings were made. "Right now, there are no minimum standards for retirement products like there are for MySuper," he said. "There is also no performance testing of retirement products, so super funds can still sell poor products." Australian workers can look forward to a bigger nest egg, with an increase to the superannuation guarantee to add tens of thousands of dollars to the average super account. From July 1, employers' minimum required contribution to employees' superannuation accounts will rise from 11.5 per cent to 12 per cent. It's the latest and last in a series of incremental increases from nine per cent over more than a decade since they were legislated by the Rudd-Gillard Labor government in 2012. With the latest bump, a 30-year-old earning $60,000 would have an extra $20,000 in super by retirement, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds Australia. It will add about $300 each year to the superannuation of a worker on a $60,000 salary, or $500 for someone on a $100,000 salary. "The system foundations are cemented for young, working people to have a comfortable retirement," ASFA chief executive Mary Delahunty said. "It's a moment all Australians should be proud of." The association says the cost of a comfortable retirement increased 1.6 per cent in the past year, while the cost of a modest retirement rose 1.7 per cent. A "comfortable" retirement includes top-level health insurance, a reasonable car and leisure activities. The cost of either outcome was increasing slower than Australia's current 2.4 per cent headline inflation but retiree budgets remained under pressure from rising food, energy and health costs. Couples on average need $73,900 annually for a comfortable retirement, while most singles needed $52,300 per year, ASFA says. For a modest retirement covering the basics, couples needed $48,200 each year, singles $33,400, or for renting couples, $64,250, and $46,660 each year for singles who rent. The figures underlined the importance of increasing Australia's housing stock, Ms Delahunty said. "They also illustrate how super can be the difference between hardship and stability later in life, especially for renters." For some workers, the extra contribution will come from their existing pay package, according to CPA Australia's superannuation lead Richard Webb. "It's a good idea to check with your employer to see how they view the changes and what it means for you," he said. Workers on contracts with a total remuneration package could see a slight drop in their take-home pay, while those on award or enterprise agreements would likely receive the contribution on-top of their current pay. When compulsory superannuation was introduced in 1992 - in part to reduce government spending on the Age Pension - only one in 10 Australian retirees listed super as a source of income. Nine in 10 people between 30 and 50 now have super. Government spending on the Age Pension is projected to fall from 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product in 2020 to two per cent by 2062/63, despite a doubling of the over-65 population and a trebling of over-85s over the same period. However the super guarantee increase wouldn't help those who missed out on paid work for extended periods, Super Consumer Australia chief executive Xavier O'Halloran said. "(For) people who have caring responsibilities or who have been locked out of the unaffordable housing market ... increasing SG further won't address those inequalities," he told AAP. Mr O'Halloran said there was more that could be done to support people struggling in retirement, when a significant portion of their autumnal years' savings were made. "Right now, there are no minimum standards for retirement products like there are for MySuper," he said. "There is also no performance testing of retirement products, so super funds can still sell poor products." Australian workers can look forward to a bigger nest egg, with an increase to the superannuation guarantee to add tens of thousands of dollars to the average super account. From July 1, employers' minimum required contribution to employees' superannuation accounts will rise from 11.5 per cent to 12 per cent. It's the latest and last in a series of incremental increases from nine per cent over more than a decade since they were legislated by the Rudd-Gillard Labor government in 2012. With the latest bump, a 30-year-old earning $60,000 would have an extra $20,000 in super by retirement, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds Australia. It will add about $300 each year to the superannuation of a worker on a $60,000 salary, or $500 for someone on a $100,000 salary. "The system foundations are cemented for young, working people to have a comfortable retirement," ASFA chief executive Mary Delahunty said. "It's a moment all Australians should be proud of." The association says the cost of a comfortable retirement increased 1.6 per cent in the past year, while the cost of a modest retirement rose 1.7 per cent. A "comfortable" retirement includes top-level health insurance, a reasonable car and leisure activities. The cost of either outcome was increasing slower than Australia's current 2.4 per cent headline inflation but retiree budgets remained under pressure from rising food, energy and health costs. Couples on average need $73,900 annually for a comfortable retirement, while most singles needed $52,300 per year, ASFA says. For a modest retirement covering the basics, couples needed $48,200 each year, singles $33,400, or for renting couples, $64,250, and $46,660 each year for singles who rent. The figures underlined the importance of increasing Australia's housing stock, Ms Delahunty said. "They also illustrate how super can be the difference between hardship and stability later in life, especially for renters." For some workers, the extra contribution will come from their existing pay package, according to CPA Australia's superannuation lead Richard Webb. "It's a good idea to check with your employer to see how they view the changes and what it means for you," he said. Workers on contracts with a total remuneration package could see a slight drop in their take-home pay, while those on award or enterprise agreements would likely receive the contribution on-top of their current pay. When compulsory superannuation was introduced in 1992 - in part to reduce government spending on the Age Pension - only one in 10 Australian retirees listed super as a source of income. Nine in 10 people between 30 and 50 now have super. Government spending on the Age Pension is projected to fall from 2.3 per cent of gross domestic product in 2020 to two per cent by 2062/63, despite a doubling of the over-65 population and a trebling of over-85s over the same period. However the super guarantee increase wouldn't help those who missed out on paid work for extended periods, Super Consumer Australia chief executive Xavier O'Halloran said. "(For) people who have caring responsibilities or who have been locked out of the unaffordable housing market ... increasing SG further won't address those inequalities," he told AAP. Mr O'Halloran said there was more that could be done to support people struggling in retirement, when a significant portion of their autumnal years' savings were made. "Right now, there are no minimum standards for retirement products like there are for MySuper," he said. "There is also no performance testing of retirement products, so super funds can still sell poor products."
