A lot is on the line when you redesign the country’s top-selling SUV, but Toyota has stuck the landing with the latest RAV4.
Finished in Storm Cloud blue in this case, and checking in at $46,883 as tested (including destination), this sixth-generation model, in high-end Limited trim, leans into what buyers already love while making smart upgrades across the board.
Now hybrid-only, the 2026 RAV4 brings more power and better efficiency without changing its winning formula. AWD hybrid models produce 236 horsepower (up from 219), while returning an estimated 41 mpg combined (up from 39). That’s an impressive balance, even if acceleration feels merely adequate rather than downright quick.
The redesign leans into a rugged, boxy look. The upright shape preserves what many buyers value: excellent cargo space and good outward visibility.
Inside, the cabin is modern and thoughtfully laid out. A large center touch screen is easy to read and generally intuitive to use. The dual wireless phone chargers on this Limited model were very welcome.
That said, key functions such as heated seat controls live on the touch screen, whereas physical buttons would have been more convenient.
I also ran into a minor hiccup: On a few startups, the audio didn’t want to play, though it’s unclear whether that’s a software bug, design quirk or probable user error.
Overall, the new RAV4 doesn’t try to reinvent the compact SUV; it just refines it. With better efficiency, a bit more power and the same everyday practicality, Toyota’s bestseller remains easy to recommend.
Your only challenge may be tracking one down, with Toyota telling me that demand is sky-high.
