The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 has officially been confirmed for Australia, arriving in showrooms from late Q1 2026, with a starting price of $45,990 plus on-road costs for the GX 2WD Hybrid. It marks the biggest evolution yet for Australia’s best-selling SUV, bringing sharper styling, upgraded technology, a richer safety suite, and — for the first time — a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option.
Toyota says the all-new RAV4 ushers in a new era for its electrified SUVs, expanding its multi-pathway strategy with both fifth-generation hybrid powertrains and the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid system for the Australian market.
“The all-new RAV4 will raise the benchmark in medium SUVs,” said Peter Phan, Toyota Australia Senior Product Planning Specialist, during the recent media preview.
“It combines a dramatic new design inside and out with massive upgrades in safety, multimedia and connected services technology, and substantially improved driving behaviour. It’s a car that will really surprise people when they get behind the wheel.”
Hybrid power across the range
Every RAV4 in the 2026 line-up is electrified, beginning with the 2.5-litre fifth-generation hybrid system producing a combined 143 kW in both 2WD and AWD variants. The system’s transaxle, battery and power control units have been redesigned for improved performance and fuel efficiency.
The Hybrid range starts with:
- GX 2WD – $45,990
- GX AWD – $49,340
- GXL 2WD – $48,990
- GXL AWD – $52,340
- Edge AWD – $55,340
- XSE AWD – $58,340
- Cruiser 2WD – $56,990
- Cruiser AWD – $60,340
All-wheel drive models gain an additional rear electric motor, as well as Trail and Snow modes and Downhill Assist Control, improving traction and control for adventurous drivers.
Plug-in Hybrid joins the RAV4 family
A highlight of the new generation is Toyota’s first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) for Australia — available from Q3 2026. Using a 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with the 2.5-litre engine and twin electric motors, the PHEV AWD develops a combined 227 kW, making it the most powerful RAV4 ever produced.
The system supports 50 kW DC fast charging and 11 kW three-phase AC charging, with Toyota claiming an ample EV-only range suitable for daily commutes and urban use.
PHEV models include:
- XSE 2WD – $58,840
- XSE AWD – $63,340
- GR Sport AWD – $66,340
The XSE PHEV mirrors the specification of its Hybrid sibling, adding water-repellent glass, larger disc brakes and a 1500W inverter capable of powering tools or appliances directly from the vehicle’s battery — a useful addition for tradies or campers.
The range-topping RAV4 GR Sport AWD PHEV represents the performance pinnacle of the lineup, featuring a 20mm wider track, uprated suspension with unique spring rates and dampers, GR-tuned electric power steering, and striking styling details including red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloys, and GR badging. Inside, it gains sports seats, GR steering wheel, JBL premium audio, and suede trim with red stitching.
New design and premium interiors
The 2026 RAV4 wears a completely redesigned exterior, with sharper lines, slimline LED headlights, and a more sculpted body that gives it a confident, contemporary presence.
“On the outside, the sharp lines and slimline headlights give the RAV4 a very contemporary look, while inside, comfort, ergonomics and functionality have been prioritised,” said Peter Phan.
“The dash sits 40 millimetres lower to improve visibility and uses an island architecture theme that groups key functions and switchgear together for quick and easy access.”
Inside, Toyota has elevated the RAV4 cabin with premium materials and intuitive technology. Depending on grade, customers get either a 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch multimedia display, paired with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard across the range, along with Toyota’s latest Connected Services, supporting remote lock/unlock, climate pre-conditioning, and even an embedded dashcamfeature known as the Embedded Drive Record.
Safety upgrades with Arene platform
Every variant features the latest Toyota Safety Sense suite, enhanced by the new Arene software platform, delivering improved object detection, lane tracing, and proactive driving assist functions.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
- Emergency Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Active Cruise Control
- Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Monitor with Safe Exit Assist
- Parking Support Brake
- Lane Trace Assist
- Eight airbags
Trim highlights by grade
GX: 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, and 5 USB-C ports.
GXL: 18-inch wheels, privacy glass, powered driver’s seat, wireless charger, rain-sensing wipers.
Edge AWD: Adventure styling with 12.9-inch display, premium trim, heated seats, and power tailgate.
XSE: 20-inch black alloys, two-tone paint, panoramic monitor, ventilated front seats, and moonroof.
Cruiser: Adds leather-accented upholstery, head-up display, heated rear seats, and JBL audio.
GR Sport: Wider stance, performance chassis upgrades, GR cabin details and sport-tuned steering.
Fleet-ready flexibility
Toyota confirmed that fleet and novated lease buyers will have access to both Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid grades, with the XSE and Cruiser positioned as likely volume sellers thanks to strong whole-of-life cost advantages and improved technology integration.
“Our customers have gravitated towards hybrid technology, and the all-new RAV4 represents the next step on that journey,” said Toyota’s Sean Hanley.
“With both Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid options, we’re offering the right powertrain for every application — and making Australia’s favourite SUV even more appealing to business and private buyers alike.”
Pricing summary (excluding on-road costs)
| Model | Drivetrain | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| GX | 2WD | $45,990 |
| GX | AWD | $49,340 |
| GXL | 2WD | $48,990 |
| GXL | AWD | $52,340 |
| Edge | AWD | $55,340 |
| XSE | AWD | $58,340 |
| Cruiser | 2WD | $56,990 |
| Cruiser | AWD | $60,340 |
| XSE PHEV | 2WD | $58,840 |
| XSE PHEV | AWD | $63,340 |
| GR Sport PHEV | AWD | $66,340 |
Optional full-size spare: $300.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 range goes on sale in late Q1 2026, with Plug-in Hybrid variants arriving in Q3. Orders are open now through Toyota’s dealer network.
