2026 Toyota RAV4 to challenge BYD Sealion 6 and Mitsubishi Outlander with plug-in hybrid version

The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 will debut the imprint’s first poke-in hybrid powertrain in Australia within the first half of of 2026.

Toyota confirmed the PHEV as section of the worldwide unveiling of the most contemporary RAV4, one of the enviornment’s ideal nameplates that has sold better than half of a million items in Australia by myself since 1994.

PHEVs target 100km EV vary

Walk-in variations combine a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery with a 150kW entrance electric motor and a pair of.5-litre petrol engine.

Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models will most likely be provided, with 201kW mixed vitality for the popular (most more affordable PHEV) and 227kW for the latter that helps give the AWD a quoted 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds.

Toyota says it is focusing on a 100km WLTP electric vary for the RAV4 PHEV.

DC hasty-charging will permit for the battery to be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in half-hour by skill of a 50kW onboard charger, or 11kW AC charging for replenishing the battery in about three hours.

It’s too early for official fuel consumption figures. Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is rated at 1.5 litres per 100km, while but any other pure rival – the BYD Sealion 6 – is lower at 1.1L/100km.

Fashioned hybrid continues – but with less vitality

The most more affordable RAV4s will proceed with current, non-rechargeable petrol-electric drivetrains as historic by the most contemporary model.

They’ll once more be on hand in 2WD and AWD kinds, both with 143kW outputs – which plan less vitality than the most contemporary model that produces 160kW (2WD) and 163kW (AWD).

Toyota says it has improved efficiency for a total lot of indispensable parts of the hybrid machine, at the side of the battery and electric motors.

Improved infotainment

Toyota has apparently aimed to take care of one of the ideal criticisms of the most contemporary RAV4 (and most other Toyotas) with a critical multimedia overhaul.

Backed by a “quicker and further compact” running machine platform called Arene that can be application-updated over the air, the unusual infotainment set-up beneficial properties a elevated-resolution level to, configurable residence internet page, and enhanced allege administration.

Unusual or improved energetic security

The 2026 RAV4 positive aspects entrance sinful-site traffic alert to abet support away from collisions at intersections, and the blind-set video display has been tailored to warn of most likely rear-close impacts from “all without lengthen impending vehicles from within the encourage of”.

Self sustaining lane-altering has been added to the radar cruise and lane-imprint again technology aggregate, the pre-collision machine has been enhanced, and a 3D panoramic leer video display is designed to realize parking less difficult.

GR Sport flagship

Toyota will proceed its roll-out of its GR Sport badge with a weird vary-topping RAV4.

Whereas models such because the now not too long ago launched Corolla Immoral GR Sport are sportier in invent pretty than efficiency, Toyota has made a total lot of changes for the flagship 2026 RAV4.

In contrast with current variations, the RAV4 GR Sport has been given stiffer suspension with elevated-efficiency damping, lightweight 20-bolt alloy wheels, 20mm-wider axle tracks, and retuned guidance for extra dynamic using. There are also entrance and rear spoilers.

GR Sport aesthetics are applied internal and outside, with official photography indicating a distinction shaded roof.

The RAV4 GR Sport will most likely be powered exclusively by the AWD poke-in hybrid drivetrain.

Australian pricing and further indispensable sides on the 2026 Toyota RAV4 vary will most likely be launched nearer to the midsized SUV’s birth.