The sixth-generation Toyota Rav4 boasts a more angular design.
Image: Supplied
Although it has been pushed from prominence in South Africa by the locally produced Corolla Cross, the Rav4 is still Toyota’s second best seller globally, after the Corolla range, which means this 2026 redesign is a crucial one.
The sixth-generation Toyota Rav4, revealed to the world on Wednesday, receives a more muscular look along with new hybrid drivertrains and high-tech cabin featuring the company’s new self-developed Arene software.
The exterior, with its chunkier proportions, more pronounced creases and ‘hammerhead shark’ face, is available with different design themes depending on the model.
Regular versions feature a colour-coded borderless grille, much like the facelifted Corolla Cross, while the GR Sport flaunts an enlarged honeycomb grille. An ‘Adventure’ specification is also set to join the line-up, boasting a more rugged appearance package.
From left to right: Toyota Rav4 GR Sport, Core model and Adventure prototype.
Image: Supplied
The new Rav4 will be available either as a regular self-charging hybrid (HEV) or as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), with the latter featuring a new 22.7 kWh battery that allows a claimed electric range of up to 150km, or 100km on the WLTP combined cycle.
Smart geo-fencing technology furthermore optimises the electric range, based on each unique journey.
The new Rav4 has been confirmed for South Africa.
Image: Supplied
Thanks to an on-board 50kW DC charger, the vehicle can be charged from 10% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, which is rare in the PHEV segment. The battery can also feed power back to your home during a power outage, which will certainly be a boon for South Africans.
Thanks to an improved front motor, the all-wheel drive PHEV model is now good for a system output of 224kW and, according to claims, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
Depending on the market, Toyota will also offer a front-wheel drive PHEV model, with 197kW on tap, while the regular self charging hybrids will be available in 135kW (FWD) and 140kW (AWD) guises. No further specification details have been shared in that regard.
The cabin of the sixth-generation Toyota Rav4 has a more simplistic layout, thanks to what Toyota describes as an “island architecture”, which groups controls like the gearshift, display screens and air vents together to minimise eye movements and improve ergonomics while driving.
The newly designed cabin promises enhanced ergonomics.
Image: Supplied
The redesigned cabin also ushers in a new multimedia system, powered by Toyota’s new Arene digital ecosystem that promises a seamless digital in-car experience.
For instance the 1.23-inch driver information screen provides real-time navigation information and 3D lane assistance to make directions easier to follow.
Furthermore, the new 12.9-inch central screen includes a quick settings menu and has customisable shortcuts.
When is it coming?
The new Toyota Rav4 has been confirmed for 180 countries worldwide, including South Africa. However, launch timing as well as local specifications will be provided at a later date.
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