Toyota’s sixth-generation RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) arrives at U.S. dealers in spring 2026 with a longer electric range, more power, and standard AWD. The PHEV sits within the sport and rugged designs across four grades: SE, XSE, Woodland, and the first-ever GR Sport.
Toyota manufactures the PHEV in Japan, and recently we got up close with the compact SUV, experiencing its design, space, comfort and features. Here’s what we found.
Design
Proportions of the RAV4 stay the same, as the car uses the same monocoque with refinements. Styling follows the new family look with the hammerhead front end, upright rear, and grade-specific trim. In the U.S., the PHEV lineup spans two themes. SE and XSE carry sport cues with dark exterior accents and 18- to 20-inch wheels.
Woodland stays rugged with all-terrain tires, raised black roof rails, and a unique grille. GR Sport adds functional aero parts, wider fender flares, and a lower ride height for added stability. A hands-free power liftgate is available on XSE. Two-tone paint is offered on the sport grades.
Interior
PHEV models switch to a new cabin layout with a grouped center stack and a toggle-type shift-by-wire selector on select grades. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard. SE uses a 10.5-inch multimedia screen; XSE upgrades to a 12.9-inch unit. Sport seats with heating are standard on SE, with ventilation added on XSE.
Woodland features SofTex upholstery with red-orange accents and branded all-weather mats. A head-up display is available on XSE PHEV. Five USB-C ports are fitted on SE and XSE. Cargo usability improves with a flat-fold second row and an available 120V 1500-watt outlet in the cargo area on XSE PHEV.
Experience in the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
At five foot seven, I found the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid easy to get into during my time with it at the show. The seating position felt natural, and the driver’s seat provided excellent back support and good under-thigh support, though it might feel average for someone six feet or taller. I had around six inches of headroom, and visibility was excellent in all directions—front, sides, and rear.
In the back, I had good back support and about five inches of headroom. A recline function was available, further improving comfort. The under-thigh support felt adequate for my height, but taller occupants might find it a bit short. Legroom was slightly tight, though I still had around six inches of knee clearance with the driver’s seat set to my most comfortable position.
Rear-seat amenities include two 15-watt USB-C charging ports, rear air vents, and a fold-out central armrest with two cup holders.
Specifications
The sixth-generation plug-in hybrid system debuts on the 2026 Toyota RAV4. The setup pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two motor-generators, a dedicated rear electric motor for Electronic On-Demand AWD, and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery.
System output rises to 324 net hp. Engine torque is 172 lb-ft. The front drive motor (MG2) delivers 203 hp and 201 lb-ft, while the rear motor (MGR) provides 91 lb-ft for on-demand rear-axle assistance.
Toyota applies silicon carbide semiconductors on the front axle to improve efficiency and packaging. All PHEV grades are AWD. Towing capacity is 3,500 lb on SE and Woodland when properly equipped. GR Sport receives additional chassis tuning, a reinforced rear suspension cross member, performance dampers, and dedicated power steering mapping for Sport mode.
Ride and refinement will benefit thanks to a stiffer body, updated bushings, new shocks, and an active front aerodynamic spat that deploys at speed. Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 is standard across the range.
Charging & Range
Electric range improves by 23 percent. SE and XSE are rated for up to 52 miles of EV driving. Woodland is rated at 49 miles, and GR Sport at 48 miles. Manufacturer estimated fuel economy reaches 41 mpg combined on SE and XSE, 38 mpg combined on Woodland, and 37 mpg combined on GR Sport.
Charging hardware differs by grade. XSE and Woodland include an 11 kW onboard AC charger and a CCS1 port with DC fast charging. Under ideal conditions, DC charging from 10 to 80 percent takes about 30 minutes.
SE and GR Sport fit a 7 kW onboard charger and a J1772 port for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging. A Level 2 top-up from 10 to 80 percent is about 4 hours. All PHEVs come with a dual-voltage 120V-240V portable cable.
Pricing & Availability
The new RAV4 PHEV models will reach U.S. dealers in spring 2026, and we expect prices to start at under USD 45,000. Hybrid models arrive earlier in winter 2025.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
