Toyota has confirmed the sixth-generation RAV4 will launch in Australia in the first half of 2026, bringing with it the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for the local market.
The new lineup expands to six grades, introducing a performance-focused GR Sport variant alongside a wider choice of hybrid powertrains, updated technology, and a significant upgrade in safety equipment.
Expanded line-up with new powertrains
The new Toyota RAV4 range will offer Australian buyers greater flexibility, with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available across multiple trim levels.
| Specification | Hybrid (HEV) | PHEV 2WD | PHEV AWD |
| System | 2.5-litre petrol with mild hybrid | New 2.5-litre petrol hybrid with 22.7kWh battery | New 2.5-litre petrol hybrid with 22.7kWh battery |
| Power output | 143kW | 200kW | 227kW (most powerful RAV4 to date) |
| Drive layout | 2WD & AWD | 2WD | AWD |
Toyota says the addition of the PHEV demonstrates its varied and consumer-centric approach to electrification, catering to customers who want efficiency, performance, or both.
Toyota RAV4 line-up in Australia
The sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 will be offered in the following trims:
| Powertrain | Grades available |
| Hybrid 2WD | GX, GXL, Cruiser |
| Hybrid AWD | GX, GXL, Cruiser, XSE, Edge |
| PHEV 2WD | XSE |
| PHEV AWD | XSE, GR Sport |
What each grade offers
Even the entry-level GX is well equipped with features that include:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED auto-levelling headlights
- 10.5-inch multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Dual-zone climate control
- Five USB-C ports
Other key feature highlights for the Toyota SUV by grade:
- RAV4 GXL: Adds 18-inch wheels, privacy glass, leather-accented steering wheel and shifter, wireless charging, and 8-way electric driver’s seat.
- RAV4 Edge (AWD hybrid only): Adventure styling with unique bumpers, black wheel arches, heated front seats, powered tailgate, and a 12.9-inch touchscreen.
- RAV4 XSE (HEV & PHEV): 20-inch alloys, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, climate concierge, and panoramic view monitor.
- RAV4 Cruiser: Flagship luxury with JBL audio, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, leather-accented trim, and two wireless chargers.
- RAV4 GR Sport (PHEV AWD only): Performance-tuned suspension, wider track, paddle shifters, GR-specific bumpers and seats, and exclusive design touches.
Styling and colour choices
The new-generation Toyota RAV4 will gain a fresh colour palette, with Massive Grey, Urban Rock, Feverish Red, Dusty Bronze, and Daintree Green joining the line-up.
Popular shades like Glacier White, Eclipse Black, Atomic Rush, and Saturn Blue will remain available, with two-tone roof options offered on XSE grades.
Safety: new-generation Toyota Safety Sense
The sixth-generation RAV4 will debut Toyota’s latest Safety Sense suite with several enhancements:
- Front cross-traffic alert
- Improved lane trace assist
- Enhanced blind spot monitor
- Upgraded pre-collision system with better detection of obstacles, bicycles and motorcycles
- 3D panoramic view monitor for easier manoeuvring
Downhill assist control and trail & snow modes will also feature on AWD hybrid and PHEV models.
Connected and multimedia upgrades
The new Toyota RAV4 introduces Toyota’s Arene multimedia platform, which brings:
- Faster processing and smoother operation
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
- Enhanced Toyota Connected Services with remote insights, navigation, and voice assistant
- A redesigned infotainment interface with a permanent home button
- Improved voice assistant with quicker response times
Final thoughts
With its first plug-in hybrid for Australia, a stronger focus on safety and connectivity, and the introduction of the GR Sport flagship, the all-new RAV4 shows a significant step forward for Toyota’s top-selling SUV. Full specifications and pricing will be confirmed closer to its local launch, but for now, the next-generation Toyota RAV4 looks set to reinforce its position as one of Australia’s most in-demand family SUVs when it arrives in the first half of 2026.
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