Toyota has unveiled the first official images of the upcoming RAV4, expected to be the sixth generation of the popular SUV. While Toyota has not yet revealed the official name, it is clear that this is the highly anticipated RAV4 for the 2026 model year.
The global reveal event is scheduled for May 21, and these images are part of a carefully crafted teaser campaign by Toyota.
The second best-selling SUV globally, the Toyota RAV4, is set to debut its new generation this month.
Toyota North America has been cautious, releasing only three exterior images of the compact SUV. However, a European branch seemed to jump the gun by releasing two additional images, giving us a glimpse of the interior of the world’s best-selling SUV.
Leaked image of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 interior by a European branch.
The new RAV4 has been spotted undergoing testing in various locations across the US and Japan. While there will be significant changes to its appearance, it doesn’t seem to be a complete redesign like some of its competitors. Similar to the latest Camry, the 2026 RAV4 is expected to retain the current platform and powertrain options.
The exterior of the new RAV4 will be refined, but not a radical departure from the previous generation. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the fifth-generation RAV4 made a bold statement with its sharp and modern design when it debuted in 2018. Even after seven years on the market, this SUV still looks contemporary and fresh. For the 2026 model, the design will be familiar, with subtle aerodynamic tweaks.
The front end will feature Toyota’s latest design language, similar to the Prius and Camry, with a sleek LED daytime running light signature inspired by the hammerhead shark and a honeycomb grille.
The profile of the RAV4 will remain largely unchanged, with the option of a contrasting roof and prominent side skirts. The glasshouse and pillar layout will be almost identical to the current model. At the rear, we can expect to see a full-width LED taillight design and a squared-off bumper with modern silver trim accents.
Recently, the Toyota Wildlander, a China-exclusive version of the RAV4, was also revealed. The current Wildlander features unique front and rear designs compared to its global counterpart. It remains to be seen if the next-generation RAV4 and Wildlander will continue to have slight design differences or if they will be unified into a single model.
The new Toyota Wildlander, the China-exclusive version of the RAV4.
Inside, the 2026 RAV4 takes more cues from the Prius than the Camry. Notable features include a digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment screen positioned above the center console, and a new center console with a substantial gear selector.
The new center console of the 2026 Toyota RAV4.
The features list is expected to include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and voice control. Premium features such as a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and wireless charging are likely to be carried over from the current model.
Under the skin, the 2026 RAV4 will likely continue to utilize the TNGA-K platform, which has been improved to meet stricter crash test standards.
Despite rumors of a new 1.5-liter turbocharged engine from Toyota, it is unlikely to be offered in the sixth-generation RAV4. Instead, the 2026 model may exclusively feature a hybrid powertrain, similar to the Camry.
If it follows the Camry’s configuration, the RAV4 could be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors in the front-wheel-drive version, producing a combined 225 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive version adds a third electric motor at the rear, boosting the total output to 232 horsepower. After the hybrid models are introduced, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is expected to join the lineup.
More significantly, there are rumors of an all-electric version. While details are scarce, the TNGA-K platform has been adapted to accommodate full electrification.
The Toyota RAV4 will face tough competition in a crowded segment that includes the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape. Pricing for the RAV4 is expected to be similar to the current hybrid model, starting at over $30,000.
In 2024, the Toyota RAV4 was the second best-selling SUV globally, with sales of 1.02 million units, a growth of 10.7%. It even overtook the long-reigning Ford F-150 to become the best-selling vehicle in the US that year.
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