2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
An all-new Toyota RAV4 arrives for 2026 with hybrid engines only, and the PHEV model has never had so much power or tech.
Known as the RAV4 Prime in the outgoing generation, the new 2026 RAV4 PHEV once again offers impressive all-electric driving range, and now faster charging among other changes that should keep it plenty competitive with other sub-$50,000 plug-in hybrid SUVs.
What’s New
Basics
- New GR Sport model joins the PHEV lineup
- Woodland model is now offered as a standard hybrid and PHEV. Other PHEV trims include SE and XSE.
- Improved driver-assist and active safety features
- Longer electric range of 50 miles (up from 42 in the previous model)
- Charging speed upped to 11 kW, with available fast-charging capability
Exterior
- Fresh exterior design
- Available 20-inch wheels on GR Sport model
Interior
- 10.5-inch touchscreen is standard, with 12.9-inch display optional
- Standard 12.3-inch driver display
- New infotainment interface
What We Think
The RAV4 is hybrid-only now, and the updated 2026 RAV4 PHEV is the most hybrid of them all—with 52 miles of all-electric range, it makes a more compelling EV alternative than ever before.
With that long electric range, the new RAV4 PHEV makes it possible to do local errands and commutes without using a drop of gasoline. And now with available DC fast charging capability built in, keeping the battery charged can be quicker than before, although still slower than in a true EV.
The outgoing RAV4 PHEV was impressively quick, and with up to 320 hp the new version should be even quicker, especially in the performance-oriented GR Sport model.
Although these updates are important, the 2026 RAV4 PHEV maintains many of the the attributes that made it such a popular hybrid SUV previously. The cabin looks more high-tech than ever, but we wonder about ease of use for the way some climate control functions are integrated into the touchscreen rather than low-tech-but-functional knobs and buttons.
The 2026 RAV4 PHEV’s biggest competitor is perhaps within the Toyota lineup itself. Toyota just updated the fully electric bZ SUV and introduced two more electric SUVs, the C-HR Electric and the bZ Woodland. But for drivers interested in going electric yet not quite ready to make a complete switch, the 2026 RAV4 PHEV could be a solid solution.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
- Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
- Toyota bZ
Performance
Powering the 2026 RAV4 PHEV is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors that deliver standard AWD. Combined output rises to 324 hp. For reference, the previous 302-hp RAV4 PHEV hit 60 mph in 5.5 seconds in MotorTrend testing, so this new version should be even quicker.
PHEV Range and Charging
Toyota estimates an all-electric driving range of 52 miles for the 2026 RAV4 PHEV, up from 42 miles with the previous model.
On the RAV4 PHEV XSE and Woodland trims, an onboard charger with 11 kW of charging capacity will be included to reduce charging times on a Level 2 charger. That’s quicker than the up-to-6.6 kW the last model offered.
Additionally, those trims have a CCS port (not NACS) so they can use a Level 3 DC fast charger. That allows them to go from 10 to 80 percent charge in about 30 minutes, indicating a rather slow charge rate considering the vehicle’s presumably modest battery size. Still, for those who insist on charging while road-tripping, it’s another option.
Safety Features
Debuting on the 2026 RAV4 is Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, a more advanced suite of driver-assist and active safety features. Every version of the RAV4 has:
- Front automatic emergency braking
- Intersection collision mitigation
- Rear and side cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beams
New RAV4 PHEV: How Big?
Cargo capacity with both rows of seats in place gives the RAV4 PHEV more room for gear compared to the Tucson PHEV and Outlander Hybrid. Passenger legroom remains unchanged from the previous model, though, leaving the Toyota a bit behind rivals.
Technology
Infotainment
The new RAV4 PHEV comes equipped with a 10.5- or 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen depending on configuration. These run Toyota’s latest user interface, which integrates a permanent home button but unfortunately also adds some screen-based climate controls.
Regardless, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and every version of the 2026 RAV4 has a 12.3-inch digital gauge display.
Sound System
As standard the RAV4 PHEV has a six-speaker audio system, while higher-end versions upgrade to a nine-speaker JBL arrangement.
Available Upgrades
A wireless charging pad, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and 360-degree camera are likely to be offered as options.
New RAV4 PHEV GR Sport
Certainly the most exciting version of the new RAV4 is the GR Sport model, which is offered exclusively with the PHEV powertrain.
As a member of Toyota’s GR sub-brand of cars tuned for sporty performance, the RAV4 GR Sport will have 324 hp like the rest of the 2026 PHEV lineup but with a chassis tuned for fun handling.
The GR Sport rides slightly lower than other RAV4 versions and wears aggressive exterior styling details. Inside, it gets faux suede seat upholstery accents and aluminum pedals.
If the GR Sport model is anything like the GR Corolla, it’ll be legitimately fun to drive.
Value
Standard Features
Expect the base SE trim for the RAV4 PHEV to include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch driver display, and six-speaker audio system. The Toyota Sensing System 4.0 group of driver-assist features will also be standard.
Recommended Trim
Although pricing has not yet been revealed, we’d likely stick with the basic RAV4 PHEV SE instead of upgrading to the XSE, Woodland, or GR Sport PHEV trims.
The RAV4 PHEV SE is expected to include heated front seats, the 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, plenty of driver-assist tech, and other useful amenities for daily driving in a vehicle where long all-electric driving range is the main appeal.
The RAV4 PHEV SE could start at approximately $46,000, while the XSE could crest $50,000. If spending more is in your budget, maybe opt for the performance-focused and likely fun-to-drive GR Sport model, which could come in at closer to $55,000.
With any RAV4 PHEV, the SUV is a greater value when it's regularly plugged in. That way, you take advantage of the plug-in's quiet motoring, with electric power that is often cheaper and more convenient than gas.
