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Electric
2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid preview: price, specs, release date in Australia
Andrea Matthews
May 21, 2025
Australia’s best-selling SUV, the Toyota RAV4, is set for a crucial update following confirmation that a plug-in hybrid version of the popular medium SUV will be added to the range in the first half of 2026.
Toyota has announced the all-new sixth generation RAV4 will launch next year, with new Toyota RAV4 PHEV variants to be offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options.
A new flagship all-wheel drive Toyota RAV4 GR Sport model will headline the new range, and will be equipped with the new plug-in hybrid system. The remainder of the range will be powered by either Toyota's petrol-hybrid system which the brand says delivers enhanced electric motor output and fuel economy, or the new plug-in hybrid technology.
The new Toyota RAV4 plug-in vehicles will join a growing cohort of plug-in hybrid SUVs, including the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BYD Sealion 6 and GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV, each of which sits in the sweet spot for buyers looking for a reasonably sized and affordable family vehicle that delivers a realistic electric-only driving range.
While range and energy consumption figures are yet to be revealed, the Toyota RAV4 is anticipated to offer an electric-only driving range of up to 100km (WLTP), sufficient to cover most drivers’ daily commutes, but pipped by the Haval H6GT PHEV, which promises an electric-only driving range of up to 180km.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV GR Sport joins the range and offers sportier driving characteristics.
How much will the 2026 Toyota RAV4 cost?
While pricing and full line-up is yet to be announced, the new Toyota RAV4 is expected to carry a price premium over the outgoing range, so expect the new RAV4 range to be priced from mid- $40,000s upwards. Plug-in hybrid variants are likely to be priced higher, but will likely slot in under Toyota's growing electric vehicle range, which will comprise both the Toyota bZ4x and newly announced Toyota bZ4x Touring by the time the RAV4 arrives.
Pricing will also reflect the RAV4’s additional features, which will include a new infotainment system, connected services, and the inclusion of new Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance technologies - set to include post-crash functionality including e-call.
When will the 2026 Toyota RAV4 go on sale in Australia?
Toyota Australia says it has plenty of stock to meet current demands for the RAV4 SUV, but don't expect heavy discounts on run out models as the local arm carefully matches stock levels to maximise resale values for its vehicles.
With the new RAV4 still over six months away, dealers are unlikely to take orders for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 vehicles and the first plug-in hybrid versions until later this year.
New safety and multimedia technologies headline the infotainment updates in the new Toyota RAV4. Overseas vehicle shown.
2026 Toyota RAV4 design and specification
The new RAV4 will be built on the Toyota new global architecture (TNGA) platform, a modular vehicle platform shared with Lexus and designed to improve vehicle handling as well as reduce manufacturing and development costs.
The exterior design is sleeker, and more angular than the current RAV4, adopting Toyota's updated hammerhead styling cues, as seen on vehicles including the Toyota CH-R SUV and the recently arrived new Camry hybrid.
The new Toyota RAV4 GR Sport model features unique exterior styling including 20-inch twin-spoke black alloy wheels, aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, and a stand out grille design with GR mesh pattern.
Driving experience in the GR Sport model is set to be enhanced with a 20-millimetre wider track, which Toyota says will improve stability and handling, as well as upgraded high-performance damper design, stiffer rear-suspension brace and retuned suspension and power-steering calibration. All of which says Toyota will bring 'motorsport-inspired driving character'.
A reimagined cabin design is expected to provide more interior space and comfort and is headlined by new safety and multimedia technologies.
2026 Toyota RAV4 models will use either Toyota's 143kW series-parallel hybrid system or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system.
PHEV variants will be equipped with a 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with a new 22.7kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery that supports fast DC charging.with an onboard 50kW charger, and the ability to charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.
Toyota has paired the new plug-in hybrid system with goefencing technology that will take real-time road and traffic data, and learn from the driver's regular routes and driving style to optimise hybrid and electric modes.
In plug-in hybrid models, a 150kW electric motor drives the front axle with all-wheel drive grades delivering a system output of 227kW, propelling the RAV4 to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
Toyota says it will also offer a more affordable 2WD PHEV system with a total system output of 201kW.
The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 is designed for adventure
What safety and technology is available on the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
Toyota's new Arene multimedia system makes its debut on the new RAV4 promising what Toyota claims will be a seamless digital in-car experience using advanced artificial intelligence enchanced by continual over-the-air updates.
A clearer screen display, configurable home screen layout, voice control, Google integration with points of interest and real-time navigation are all on offer with the new Toyota Arene system.
New safety features including front cross-traffic alert to minimise collisions at intersections, lane change assist with additional functionality including indicator-activated autonomous lane changing (while adaptive cruise control and lane tracing assist are active), and blind spot monitor that alerts the driver when it senses a vehicle rapidly approaching from behind.
A three-dimensional panoramic surround view makes parking safer and easier, while an available advanced parking system enables owners to control parking from outside the vehicle via smartphone.
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