2026 Toyota RAV4 lineup eliminates gasoline power
Published 10:00 pm Friday, July 10, 2026
Now in its 30th year, the Toyota RAV4 is all new for 2026, marking a sixth generation for this wildly popular compact SUV.
The 2026 RAV4 is offered in three distinct exterior styles: core, rugged, and sport. The core design includes LE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades. The rugged design is represented by the Woodland model. SE, XSE and GR Sport models constitute the sport group, and the GR Sport is a brand new trim for the RAV4 this year.
RAV4 electrified Hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models overtook gas-only sales in 2024, and for 2026 the lineup is 100% electrified.
I drove a 2026 RAV4 PHEV Woodland. The Woodland debuted in 2023 as a special edition model, but for 2026 it’s a permanent, standalone trim within the RAV4 lineup.
Woodland’s PHEV powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three motors: two in front and one in back. Total output for the setup is a vigorous 324 horsepower, and on-demand all-wheel drive is standard.
Woodland has a range of 49 miles when running on electric power alone. Urban and suburban dwellers could conceivably drive unlimited miles in day-to-day circumstances without having to buy gasoline. We nature-addicted rural types are more prone to need the backup of hybrid mode but with fuel efficiency in mind. My RAV4 PHEV Woodland delivered the goods with its EPA rating of 41 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
The Woodland (great name, by the way) doesn’t just look the part of ruggedness, it lives it. Ground clearance is a tasty 8.5 inches, thanks in part to the standard Dunlop GrandTrek All-Terrain tires. Rigid Industries LED fog lights are a fantastic standard feature. Raised black roof rails with integrated crossbars (Woodland-branded for panache) are also standard, to accommodate the endless assortment of gear beloved by outdoor adventurers. All-weather floor mats and cargo liner, beloved by any nature-addicted resident of rural Snohomish County, are standard too.
The Woodland’s upholstery is handsome better-than-leather SofTex, yet another endearing feature.
A variety of upgrades on the 2026 RAV4’s mechanicals enhance the SUV’s ride and handling. Additional noise abatement efforts elevate the level of quiet and calm inside the cabin. Overall, a very enjoyable small SUV to drive, ride in, or look at.
The new RAV4 is equipped with Arene, the software development kit created by Woven by Toyota and a source of excitement for techies everywhere.
2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Woodland
Base Price: $46,750
Price as Driven: $46,750
