2026 Toyota RAV4 Brings Hybrid Power, Price Hikes, and High-Tech Upgrades
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is officially on its way to Australian showrooms, and it’s making quite the entrance. Toyota has just revealed pricing and full details ahead of deliveries set to begin in early 2026. While the new RAV4 is smarter, cleaner, and more powerful than ever, it also comes with a noticeable price bump across most of its lineup.
Starting at $45,990 before on-road costs for the base GX 2WD hybrid, the RAV4 is now about $3,700 more expensive than the outgoing model. The price hike comes with a generous helping of new features, though—like a fully digital driver display, Toyota’s latest infotainment system with over-the-air updates, and expanded safety tech. Toyota’s new “Arene” software brings in live connected services, satellite navigation, and even streaming support, making this one of the most tech-loaded RAV4s yet.
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A big addition to the 2026 range is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option, available for the first time in Australia. This new setup uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with electric motors , producing up to 200kW in 2WD and a punchy 227kW in AWD form — making it the most powerful RAV4 ever built. The PHEV’s 22.7kWh battery supports 50kW DC fast charging and 11kW AC charging , and while its Australian electric-only range hasn’t been confirmed yet, overseas figures suggest it could manage up to 68–100 km of EV driving.
The hybrid powertrain remains the heart of the lineup, delivering 143kW from the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder system, slightly detuned from the previous 160kW version due to stricter Euro 6 emissions standards. Fuel efficiency figures aren’t yet published, but it’s expected to stay close to the current 4.7L/100km average.
Toyota has reshuffled the trims for 2026. The GX and GXL continue as entry and mid-level options, while the Edge , once the top model, now sits in the middle of the range. Above it, the XSE , Cruiser , and new GR Sport fill the upper tiers. The GR Sport takes the spotlight with its sporty suspension tuning, paddle shifters, a unique body kit, and GR-branded interior touches — all built on the powerful AWD plug-in hybrid platform.
Pricing stretches up to $66,340 before on-roads for the GR Sport, while the popular Cruiser variant starts at $56,990 and adds premium comforts like a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, JBL audio, and heated rear seats.
Toyota says these upgrades reflect a push toward electrification and smarter technology, positioning the RAV4 as a benchmark in the midsize SUV market. Despite the price increases, the mix of hybrid and plug-in powertrains, improved connectivity, and updated design are expected to keep the RAV4 at the top of Australia’s SUV charts when it hits the road in early 2026.
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