Getting Revved Up for the Redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is the ultimate automotive success story. Originally released in 1996, Toyota’s innovative model single-handedly launched the crossover craze that continues to dominate today’s market by combining the best aspects of traditional cars with the utility and cargo space of an SUV. Drivers have flocked to the RAV4 for 30 years and, in the process, have turned the compact SUV into one of America’s best-selling models.

Never one to rest on its laurels, Toyota has continued to push the segment forward in the intervening years, but the redesigned 2026 RAV4 might very well mark the most notable upgrade in the crossover’s long history. While the RAV4 has been offered with a selection of gas and hybrid powertrains for a decade now, Toyota has made a bold decision for the 2026 version, fully embracing the electrified approach by consolidating the lineup to the hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.

That’s a big step for the popular crossover, but it’s not the only upgrade in store for the new year. Join us as we review some of the major changes coming to the RAV4 and learn why Toyota’s best-selling model should be at the top of your list when you’re searching for cars for sale near Morrisville.

Hybrid Powertains Combine Performance and Efficiency 

Toyota has been a leader in the hybrid segment since the original Prius debuted around the turn of the Millennium, and things haven't really changed over the past 25 years. A hybrid version of the RAV4 hit the market in 2016, but Toyota has kept the purely gas-powered model...around until now. The best-selling compact goes all-in on hybrid technology for the new year, with traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid models making up the 2026 lineup.

The hybrids retain the 2.5L inline-four engine found in the internal combustion model, but gain some electric assistance that allows the 2026 RAV4’s powertrain to pump out more power than ever before. While the previous RAV4 was limited to 203 hp in the gas model, the new hybrid produces up to 236 ponies. It’s a substantial upgrade for the crossover, and one that translates to a more engaging, dynamic driving experience. It’s also hard to downplay the effect that the RAV4’s hybrid technology has in terms of fuel economy. 

The 2026 RAV4 hybrid is expected to log over 40 MPG, while the RAV4 PHEV—previously called the RAV4 Prime—will allow drivers to enjoy 50 miles of all-electric range. That’s an almost 10-mile upgrade over the 2025 model, which goes to show just how rapidly Toyota is perfecting its hybrid tech. The hybrid is also offered in a front-wheel drive format for the first time, though the optional all-wheel drive version is pretty tempting thanks to the extra hp that’s made possible by its three electric motors.

No matter which model you choose, you’ll be able to cut way back on trips to the gas station with the RAV4 boasting significantly better fuel economy when compared to the gas-powered 2025 model. The base hybrid automatically recharges its battery during the course of your daily drive down I-40, and when it comes time to juice up the PHEV, you won’t have to set aside much time due to the SUV’s DC fast-charging capability. With the ability to charge the PHEV from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes, the PHEV doesn’t require drivers to change their lifestyle to enjoy all the RAV4’s efficiency-related benefits.

The RAV4 GR Sport Arrives 

What does the family-friendly RAV4 have in common with Toyota’s legendary Supra sports car? As of 2026, it’s the coveted GR prefix. Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) division is known for producing some of the most enthralling vehicles on the road. While the GR Supra and the smaller GR86 deservedly draw much of the attention, the brand has also rolled out GR versions of the Corolla and Yaris. Now it’s the RAV4’s chance to get the GR treatment with the release of the SUV’s GR Sport trim.

The new model represents a sportier take on the RAV4 PHEV, with Toyota tapping the GR team to outfit the SUV with some important performance and styling upgrades. The RAV4 GR Sport gains a sport-tuned steering system and suspension, as well as reinforced chassis bracing that helps deliver a tighter, more responsive ride that’ll have you feel like you’re rounding the curves at Wake County Speedway. A set of 20-inch wheels and summer tires allows the GR Sport to grip the road and up the fun factor, while aluminium sport pedals give the RAV4 an unmistakably athletic look.

The GR Sport doesn’t offer any extra power when compared to the other PHEV trims, but the model’s electric motors already offer the sort of acceleration that’s quickly making these electrically-assisted vehicles such a hot commodity in today’s market. In addition to all its performance-related enhancements, the RAV4 GR Sport also cuts a unique figure that is sure to turn some heads as you motor around Morrisville, with its exclusive bumper, GR logos, BRIN•NAUB microsuede seats, and red stitching. If you want to join the GR crowd without breaking the bank, the new RAV4 GR Sport is certainly worthy of a closer look.

Prioritizing Tech and Safety 

While a new year means new trims and powertrains, it’s the 2026 RAV4’s arsenal of advanced comfort, convenience, and safety technology that really ups the car's resume. A standard 10.5-inch infotainment display replaces the eight-inch screen that previously graced the base model, while an available 12.9-inch display provides plenty of space to navigate the crossover’s ample infotainment features. Speaking of the infotainment system, it’s now powered by the all-new Arene operating system as Toyota rolls out its latest Audio Multimedia System software.

The Arene system not only ups the infotainment display’s response time, it also enables the RAV4 to receive over-the-air updates that can be used to patch security issues and give drivers access to new features. Whether you’re leveraging the SUV’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, connecting to the Wi-Fi hotspot, or using Toyota’s voice-activated intelligent assistant to navigate your way around Morrisville, the new Arene-powered system provides a seamless infotainment experience across the entire 2026 lineup. 

The RAV4 also gains a new digital instrument cluster, but if there’s one standout tech feature that really marks the SUV as a special model, it would have to be the Drive Recorder. Essentially a factory-installed dash cam, the RAV4’s Drive Recorder gives drivers the opportunity to relive some of the best moments behind the wheel while also serving an important security function.

Finally, the 2026 RAV4 sees the debut of the newest Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (TSS 4.0) technology. The new hardware and software upgrades, along with a fresh set of sensors, should allow TSS 4.0 to easily surpass the already high bar set by the current TSS 3.0 system. Expected highlights include a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and a novel Road Sign Assist feature that uses cameras to display pertinent signage straight on the digital gauge display. 

Experience the Best-Selling SUV in America

The redesigned 2026 RAV4 offers plenty of reasons to test drive America’s most popular SUV model. From its range of ultra-efficient powertrains to the raft of new infotainment and safety equipment, the new RAV4 writes another compelling chapter in the crossover’s history book. While the compact has long been praised for its practicality, safety, and efficiency credentials, the new GR Sport trim injects a little extra fun into the mix with its sport-tuned suspension and steering system, aluminium sport pedals, and stylish design.

Morrisville drivers can experience the new 2026 RAV4 for themselves by stopping into one of our many locations across the Tar Heel State. If you’re ready to learn how Toyota’s groundbreaking SUV has risen through the ranks to become a force to be reckoned with in the crossover segment, Hendrick Automotive Group is here to help.