Toyota unveiled its sixth-generation RAV4 on May 20, 2025, eliminating the gasoline-only option from the U.S. lineup for the 2026 model year. The compact SUV will be offered exclusively with conventional hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Toyota lists the front-wheel-drive hybrid’s starting MSRP at $31,900, excluding dealer processing and handling fees. The company’s announced schedule calls for hybrid models to begin arriving at U.S. dealerships in December 2025 and plug-in hybrids in spring 2026. Plug-in hybrid pricing is due in the first half of 2026.
The change follows an increase in the share of electrified RAV4 sales. Toyota says hybrids and plug-in hybrids accounted for more than half of the model’s sales in 2024.
Hybrid becomes the standard powertrain
The outgoing 2025 gasoline-only RAV4 used a 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. Toyota lists EPA-estimated fuel economy for the LE front-wheel-drive model at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined.
The 2026 conventional hybrid uses Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, pairing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators and a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is available on selected trims, while all-wheel-drive versions add a dedicated rear electric motor.
Toyota rates combined system output at 226 hp with front-wheel drive and 236 hp with all-wheel drive. The previous all-wheel-drive hybrid produced 219 hp. Toyota separately lists engine torque at 163 lb-ft and torque from the primary electric motor, MG2, at 153 lb-ft.
Plug-in hybrid gains power and electric range
All 2026 RAV4 plug-in hybrids have standard all-wheel drive. Toyota rates the new system at 324 net combined hp, an increase of 22 hp over its predecessor, and estimates electric driving range at up to 52 miles. Actual range varies with conditions including speed, outside temperature and accessory use.
The plug-in lineup includes SE, XSE, Woodland and the first RAV4 GR Sport offered in the U.S. Developed with Toyota GAZOO Racing, the GR Sport has specially tuned suspension and steering, along with aerodynamic changes. It is available exclusively as a plug-in hybrid using the 324-hp system. Woodland is offered as either a conventional hybrid or plug-in hybrid, with standard all-wheel drive.
Toyota’s fuel-economy estimates differ
Toyota’s October 22, 2025, announcement quoted manufacturer-estimated fuel economy of up to 44 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive hybrid and up to 41 mpg combined for the SE and XSE plug-in hybrids.
The company’s published figures are inconsistent, however. Another version of the announcement lists 43 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive hybrid in its detailed specifications and up to 40 mpg combined for the plug-in hybrid. These figures are manufacturer estimates rather than EPA ratings.
