When the company was considering a full redesign for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, the topic of maintaining a gas-power model was thoroughly discussed.
And the ultimate decision may have come as a shocker to some. Toyota decided the standard RAV4 would no longer be gas only. There’s no need to say “RAV4 hybrid” because every standard 2026 model is a hybrid. The gas-powered engine is gone, but a plug-in hybrid remains an option. To date, Toyota does not offer a totally electric RAV4.
Swaying the decision to go hybrid is a year ago half of RAV4 sales were the two electric versions. Another major contributing factor was fuel economy.
With the current accelerating gas prices due to the complications of the war in Iran, the RAV4 requires a serious look if one is shopping for a compact crossover SUV. The fuel economy ranges between 42-48 mpg and equates to typically more than 600 miles before the RAV4 needs a fill up.
Judged solely by numbers, the RAV4 has been the top-selling SUV during the past decade. It has historic sales of more than 20 million worldwide and is coming off its all-time top sales year with 479,288 sold in the U.S. The 2025 total marked the eighth time in nine years that RAV4 sales have exceeded 400,000. Its longtime competitor – Honda CRV – had sales of 403,768 in 2025.
For 2026, the redesign gave the RAV4 exterior a boxier look, featuring a new “hammerhead” front design that some say makes it sportier. The back end has new LED taillights and the rear glass window is larger and provides improved visibility.
Slotted in the Toyota SUV lineup between the midsize Highlander and the subcompact Corolla Cross, the RAV4 has considerable variety, offered in six trim levels – LE, SE, XLE Premium, Woodland, XSE and Limited.
At a glance: 2026 Toyota RAV4
Performance: two electric motors, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 226 horsepower
Mileage estimate: 42-48 mpg
Price estimate: $31,900 to $43,400
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside Assistance: 3 years/unlimited; Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited; Battery 10 years/150,000
There is a downside to the RAV4. While it’s difficult to argue against its overall practicality and low base price, it doesn’t provide an exciting ride. Many of its rivals offer turbocharged engines and are sportier to drive and have more powerful engine upgrades.
The standard front-wheel drive RAV4 has two electric motors that combine with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder to generate 226 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. It’s been clocked going 0-60 mph in a modest 7.1 seconds.
With all-wheel drive added, there’s one additional motor, the horsepower increases to 236, and the RAV4 is slightly faster. Front-wheel-drive models can tow up to 1,750 pounds, while all-wheel-drive can haul up to 3,500 pounds, more than most other small crossover SUVs.
One of the RAV4’s greatest qualities is its cargo space. In fact, the cargo area of 37.8 cubic feet is so large that one might believe the RAV4 is a midsize SUV. Drop the second row to the floor and the space expands to 70.4 cubes, one of the largest in the class, allowing the RAV4 to make sizable hardware store purchases.
The cargo area is sizable and the seating is also better than most compact SUVs. Interior room is solid in both the front and back rows, although three adults in the second row is not ideal for long trips.
The redesign added more technology and better interior materials. The RAV4 is the first Toyota to be equipped with the most up-to-date infotainment system. There’s a standard 10.5-inch touchscreen that’s easy to read and navigate. We like that there’s a mix of digital controls and old-school physical buttons and a knob.
Standard driver safety features include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; lane tracing assist and lane departure alert; radar cruise control; proactive driving assist; automatic high beams; and road sign assist.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 redesign was a success, making this popular compact SUV even more appealing.
Folsom Times welcomes auto writer Jeffrey Weidel
Jeffrey Weidel joins the Folsom Times this week, debuting with a review of the 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Weidel is an award-winning journalist from the Sacramento region who has written automotive reviews for nearly three decades. His weekly reviews were previously displayed in multiple area newspapers, magazines, websites, and have been promoted on various social media platforms.
Weidel is thrilled to join the team at Folsom Times, a website he greatly admires for its overall content and ability to bring a wide range of relevant information to people of all ages and interests.
Weidel can be reached atskiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on BlueSky at jeffweidel.bsky.social.
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