Browse over 9,000 car reviews
Could it really be true that the next Toyota RAV4 will be available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric guise?
That’s the word from Japanese magazine BestCar, known for its insider sources, which has come across information suggesting the new RAV4 won’t only be a Nissan X-Trail rival, but also compete with the BYD Sealion 6 in plug-in guise and the Tesla Model Y as a BEV.
There’s even a render based on sightings of prototypes to accompany the story. Bad news is that the new version of Australia’s second most-popular car won’t launch until the third quarter of 2026.
We’ve known for some time that the new RAV4 is likely to follow the lead of Camry that sits on the same TNGA-K platform in getting a heavy redesign, rather than all-new model but the RAV is set to go much further.
The latest info suggests that there’s no new-generation 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre turbo coming to the RAV4 hybrid, instead it will continue with the fifth-gen hybrid just like the Camry.
So far, outputs are expected to stay similar with the RAV4 hybrid producing either 168kW in front- or 173kW in all-wheel drive guise. There will be no petrol-only RAV4 this time around.
However, a new battery electric version is looking to take over from the bZ4X based on a modified version of the hybrid RAV4’s underpinnings. Adding fuel to the fire is Toyota’s publicised move away from alphanumeric names back to real ones, at least in Europe.
A Toyota RAV4 electric certainly has more brand recognition than a bZ4X. There’s precious little more detail on battery size, driving range, power outputs or battery chemistry.
To be competitive an electric RAV4 would require at least a 70kWh battery, if not 80kWh, for a 500km-plus driving range. Charge times will need to improve from the bZ4X, closer to 20 minutes from 10-80 per cent.
Toyota’s plug-in hybrid system will continue with BestCar suggesting improved electric-only driving range, up to 120km from a charge. It is currently 75km. Expect a 20kWh-plus battery for such a result, up from the existing 18.1kWh item.
BestCar’s intel suggests the RAV4 will grow significantly, stretching to 4.7 metres long (+85mm) and riding on a 60mm longer, 2750mm wheelbase, resulting in improved cabin space. It’s not clear if seven seats will be available in certain markets.
There are strong ties to the new Camry in the RAV4 render’s design, with a honeycomb grille and the ‘Hammerhead’ front clip. The electric version is expected to have a blanked off grille.
Interestingly, it sounds like there will be minimal differentiation between hybrid, plug-in and electric versions, with all of them available in various trims sold simply as RAV4.
Information from Japan suggests that pricing will go up to 4.5 million yen (A$46,500) for a hybrid version, when it currently starts at $42,260 for the GX.
Surprisingly the plug-in hybrid (est. 5.8 million yen/A$60,000) is only expected to be a little cheaper than the battery electric version (est. 6.0 million yen/A$62,000) making both far more competitive with Chinese-made EVs such as the Tesla Model Y and Deepal S07.
Currently, the RAV4 news is pure speculation, though now we’ve seen spy pictures of test mules on public roads the launch must be approaching.
BestCar’s estimate is a third quarter launch in 2026, so over a year and a half away. By that time, a hybrid Mazda CX-5 may have left its mark in Australia and the USA. Stay tuned for more information on the new Toyota RAV4.
Comments