When Toyota invited us to its North American headquarters for an event this week that included the global reveal of a new product, those of us that cover this industry began discussing what we would see. The consensus quickly became that it would be a new RAV4 since the current fifth-generation model is the oldest remaining product in the current lineup. Well, our speculations were correct, and the sixth-generation model is here and it’s 100% electrified, but that doesn’t mean it’s electric
It’s no secret that at the highest levels of the company, Toyota hasn’t been a fan of battery electric vehicles. The pioneer of modern hybrids Toyota has spent a lot of time over the several years talking up the concept of the 1:6:90 rule. The premise is that with the materials required to build one EV battery, you can build 6 plug-in hybrids or 90 conventional hybrids.
Consider the 30% reduction in fuel consumption between a gas and hybrid 2025 RAV4 and the corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. Replacing 3.5 gas RAV4s with hybrids would have the same impact as a single EV equivalent. The 90 hybrids that could theoretically be produced with the materials from one EV would have a similar environmental impact of more than 25 EVs. In reality, the battery size ratio between the 74.7-kWh 2026 bZ and the 1.5-kWh hybrid battery is about 50:1. But that’s still about the equivalent of 14 bZs if the battery materials from 1 bZ were used to make RAV4 hybrids.
To their credit, Toyota has demonstrated true commitment to hybridization. They now offer electrified options in every single model line across both the Toyota and Lexus brands. The system in their longitudinal engine trucks and SUVs aren’t terribly efficient, being biased toward power instead. But the transverse engine systems remain among the most efficient in their respective vehicle segments. Indeed, many Toyota models are now exclusively available with hybrid powertrains including the Sequoia, Sienna and Camry.
Motors Everywhere
Thus it should come as no surprise that the 2026 RAV4 is exclusively propelled by hybrid powertrains, either with or without a plug. This is the first application of the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid Drive system on an SUV or crossover. This is the latest evolution of the classic Toyota power-split hybrid architecture that we’ve had since the original Prius launched in Japan in 1997.
There are two motor-generator units with one primarily providing propulsion and the other acting as a variable ground for a planetary gear set. That gear set coupled with the motor is what provides the electronic CVT capability that has been a staple of Toyota and other hybrids for decades. In recent years, Toyota has launched two other hybrid systems, the Hybrid Max that’s on a variety of transverse engine applications like the Crown and Lexus RX, and i-Force Max which is on the body-on-frame trucks and SUVs. Both of these utilize conventional step ratio transmissions and provide better performance at the expense of the amazing fuel efficiency of the classic system. The RAV4 doesn’t get either of the Max hybrids.
As on the previous generation, both the HEV and PHEV versions of the RAV4 use an Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Atkinson cycle uses a shorter effective compression stroke than intake stroke and is significantly more efficient than an Otto cycle and has been used since the original Prius. The electric drive with its instant torque makes up for the lower torque output of the Atkinson. All we know so far about the battery is that it’s lithium ion but we expect it to be about the same 1.5-kWh capacity for the hybrid.
Previous generation RAV4 hybrids have only been offered with all-wheel-drive with an electrically driven rear axle. Since there won’t be a gas-only variant available going forward, a front-wheel-drive RAV4 hybrid will now be offered. The front drive hybrid will have a total power output of 226-hp compared to 203-hp for the previous gas model but with a bit more weight, the performance should be about the same. Opting for the AWD hybrid bumps that output up to 236-hp.
The PHEV gets a variety of upgrades as well for 2026. Toyota hasn’t revealed the capacity of the battery yet, but presumably it’s going to be a bit more than 18.1-kWh in the previous edition, probably about 21-22-kWh. The electric driving range is increasing from the current EPA-rated 42 miles on a charge to about 50 miles, making it even more useful for driving around in electric mode. The PHEV is again only offered with all-wheel-drive and the power goes from an already impressive 302-hp to 320-hp.
Aiding the performance and efficiency of the PHEV is the adoption of silicon-carbide in place of the silicon chips in the inverter which may well be a first in a PHEV. Until now, SiC power electronics have been mostly used in 800V battery electric vehicles like Hyundai’s E-GMP platform. The RAV4 PHEV also adds DC fast charging capability for the first time on the Woodland and XSE trims. Toyota hasn’t said what the charging speed will be, but it’s probably about 50-75 kW given the quoted 10-80% charging time of 30 minutes.
Interestingly, Toyota is sticking with a CCS charging port on the RAV4 PHEV despite introducing three BEVs last week with NACS/J3400 charging ports. This is probably due to the relative prevalence of J1772 AC chargers in public parking areas that are backward compatible with CCS. The SE and GR-Sport trims make do with J1772 and AC charging only. AC charging will be nearly twice as fast as the previous generation thanks to an 11-kW on-board charger in place of the 6.6-kW unit used previously.
Variations on a Theme
For 2026, the RAV4 is being offered in seven different trims across three main design themes, Core, Rugged and Sport. The LE, XLE and Limited trims all fall within the Core grouping and are hybrid only. The SE, XSE and new GR-Sport as expected fall into the Sport group and of course the Woodland is the Rugged version and each is available as an HEV or PHEV except for the GR-Sport that is a PHEV exclusive.
While no sheetmetal is carried over from the previous generation, Toyota has retained a similar overall approach to the design with a generally boxy, rugged kind of look and lots of chiseled creases in the sheetmetal. Fans of the current generation probably won’t be too shocked when they see the 2026 model. The biggest visual differences among the three main themes is in the front fascia. All get a crisper variation of the “hammerhead” front lighting theme first seen on the current Prius but with the headlamp between the outer ends of the horizontal running lamps rather than below.
The core trims feature an upper grille comprised of a body-color hexagonal mesh, similar to the Crown Signia and Camry.
As the more off-roady version, the Woodland gets a lift with more ground clearance, but Toyota hasn’t provided specific details yet. The grille is more blocky and features a molding at the bottom edge that is painted silver to look roughly like a skid plate, but beware, because it’s not protective.
The GR-Sport is a new trim which has had some suspension tuning input from the Gazoo Racing engineers including wider, summer performance tires and reinforcements to improve structural rigidity. There’s a large, open, GR matrix grille that implies this one needs more breathing capacity, even though it probably doesn’t. More aggressive front and rear spoilers also set it apart visually from lesser trim levels as do the gloss black wheel arch extensions rather than the flat black parts on the other trims.
Remarkably, the RAV4 has not grown from the previous generation. The core models have the same length, wheelbase and width at 180.9-inches, 105.9-inches and 73-inches respectively. The Rugged and Sport variants are 1 inch wider, while the Woodland is also 0.9 inches longer.
De Rigueur New Tech
It’s 2025 so a bunch of new tech is obviously required in the RAV4. That starts with the first production application of the Arene OS developed within Toyota’s Woven Group. Again, Toyota hasn’t provided us with much detail yet about the electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture, but we assume it has moved toward at least a domain layout if not a more centralized compute architecture. Traditional E/E architectures have discrete electronic control units for each function, for example, blindspot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and stability control. In a domain controller layout, all of these might be consolidated in a single ECU with a more powerful system on a chip. The total number of ECUs is likely reduced but not yet down to a completely centralized architecture.
Arene is designed to provide abstraction between the application layer of software and the underlying hardware. Instead of applications calling sensors and actuators directly, they call application programming interfaces (APIs) that then talk to the hardware. This allows the applications and hardware to be updated asynchronously so that each can be improved over the life of the vehicle. We don’t know how far Toyota is taking this with the RAV4, but it could potentially be classed as a software-defined vehicle if they have implemented features like over-the-air updates.
The RAV4 also gets a new version of the Toyota Multimedia system that’s enabled by Arene. It will support wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto and even when the projection systems are in use, a home button that takes you back to the embedded system will be visible. On most vehicles, it takes a couple of taps of the screen to get to an app drawer before a home button is visible. The built-in digital voice assistant is claimed to be improved with faster responses and improved accuracy, but we’ll have to wait to really judge that When using the native map and navigation system, the maps can now be displayed in the instrument cluster, much as they are with Android Automotive systems with Google Services.
The central content is displayed on one of two screen sizes, a base 10.5-inch touchscreen or an optional 12.9-inch display while a 12.3-inch digital cluster is standard across the board. The Limited and XSE are also available with a heads-up display. Unfortunately, Toyota has opted for digital climate controls that are now on the touchscreen, but at least they are constantly displayed across the bottom of the display. Still, physical climate controls are always superior and at there is at least a row of buttons to adjust temperature and turn on defrosters as well as a volume knob. Thankfully, the vents remain fully manually controlled. Depending on the trim, the seats are covered in either fabric or Toyota’s synthetic leather that’s called Softex.
For many years now, Toyota has made a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assist systems standard equipment on all new models and the 2026 RAV4 is the first to get Toyota Safety Sense 4.0. Like the multimedia system, the ADAS applications are running on the Arene platform and are claimed to have updated hardware and perception software. Beyond that, Toyota isn’t revealing other details until closer to launch.
Speaking of launch, Toyota is equally vague with no pricing and only a later this year timing. Overall, the RAV4 appears to be a notable step forward for the brand’s best-selling nameplate in North America and its second-best seller globally behind the Corolla.
more pics of the inside! what are all those buttons?
The specs on this are incredibly impressive when you think about the price point – 320 system horsepower, 50 mile EV range, and some decent tires and more fun suspension on the GR. I’m sure pricing will make a significant jump, but even if the GR is around the $40k mark, I don’t think you could do better if you’re an enthusiast looking for a slightly more interesting daily.
Right now, the cheapest RAV4 phev available in my area is $45k. So it would be amazing if they had a trim that came in at around $40k, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
The real news is that you have RAV Prime available at all. And the dealer isn’t slapping $10k on top of the sticker 🙂
I have a neighbor who has one, but it’s still the only Prime I’ve seen anywhere in the US. The Prius is a little easier to find, but not much…
Wow, really? Here in new england we’re practically surrounded by primes.
Yep, Toyota’s PHEV shortage is pretty widespread now, much more so since Covid. Even the Sienna is on a year-long backorder in most cases.
You might be lucky and live in a perfect combo of Fed/State incentives to where Toyota is directing a lot of inventory in that direction. It happens a lot with EVs in general.
Yeah, that may be. I admit, I have not shopped for them, so I can’t speak to how available they are to buy, but I do see them on the road/in parking lots all the time.
Do tell! I had to wait 2 years to get a Gen 5 Prius. But that’s what I really wanted and it was definitely worth the wait.
This. I don’t love the looks but if you’re an enthusiast with a family who wants an efficient daily that won’t break the bank or completely crush your soul it sure checks a lot of boxes.
That being said I imagine it’ll be nearly 50 all in since the current Prime is 45k and this will have a lot of extra kit.
I like the upright tailgate compared to many crossovers
BUT
If you are going to make a “rugged” “woodsy” model make sure it has a hitch in the back and tow points in the front so we can unstick the overconfident drivers when they try a muddy two track in the woods.
Toyota is spot-on as usual. I would have been shocked if they *weren’t* hybrid-only.
Still less than zero interest in owning one of these ugly, boring things though. That’s a face a mother should drown at birth.
They kept my nitpicky styling complaint – that black line on the D pillar that has no relationship to any of the style lines on the rest of the profile. I know why it’s there, but it could be incorporated better.
I hate them and I think, not sure, so they can use a little plastic insert to hide the roof welds without having to spend money and time to make the seam hidden with bodywork.
I bellieve that is exactly why it’s there, but other automakers have the same thing and incorporate it into the design in a way I think looks better.
Yeah, I find the current RAV to be the most visually offensive mainstream vehicle available. This definitely fixes most of that, but I still see they’re going for the “slightly floating roof” approach here. But I agree with 4jim in that it’s probably also a practical choice to hide a seam there. It’s something you don’t really think about until you need to get a body shop estimate 😉
The GR Sport version is rather gaudy. The rest look decent. Not that it matters because the Rav4 could look like a Aztek boned a Cybertruck and they’d still sell a billion of them.
This feels one small step closer to conventional hybridization becoming the industry standard in North America.
Perhaps the idea of a dedicated hybrid model will become quaint. Like when automakers used seatbelts as a selling point.
Being conservative with their approach to EVs was the right choice. EVs don’t offer much benefit over a PHEV for most consumers, and PHEVs don’t have the barriers to adoption inherent in BEVs. Given the demand for Toyota hybrids and PHEVs, the ability to make six PHEVs or 90 hybrids rather than a single BEV means limiting BEV production is an easy choice.
The 11 kW AC charging is a game changer. That encourages plugging in at every opportunity because the battery will get charged fairly quickly at home. Alas most public L2 chargers are 6.6 kW and split that if someone else hooks up.
It’s cute. Smiling a little like a Mazda.
It kind of looks like a Ford Escape. GR version is super sad. At least with the regular version maybe you have a cool car on the side, but if you feel the need for the GR version you really have given up and accepted that the RAV4 is it for your life.
Nothing wrong with having the daily be more fun than expected too. I have my Roadster, but when it came time for the van we went with the Sienna SE because the suspension was entirely different than the main line of trims and so much more engaging. It’s still a minivan, but if I have to drive one, I’m glad it’s the most fun one on the market (back in 2016 when I bought it).
Summer tires are an interesting choice. Almost like they expect the GR to be the cool car on the side.
I’m betting that there will be some surprised owners who buy the GR for the looks when they discover the joys of summer tire treadwear and cold-weather performance.
Maybe that enthusiast types are already more prone to running winter tires than normal (we read the articles! we don’t mind an hour in the driveway biannually!)?
I’d be less concerned about the enthusiast types and more concerned about the soccer moms and dads that pick the GR simply because it looks cool.
Even with a GR86 and a winter tire set, I buy HPAS for the other seasons as they’re much better on the street than summer-only—last longer, (often) cost less, handle New England odd weather and road conditions much better, don’t flat spot as some summers do even when it’s not that cold, are more balanced in handling, and don’t give up much ultimate grip. I was summer/winter for a while, then got sick of the short life of summers and realized that modern HPAS have gotten great. I wouldn’t do summers again unless I was going to track it.
So when the software goes sideways, I can say “Come on Arene”
Toora, loora, toora, loo-rye-aye…
Come on Arene
I swear I’m gonna scream
At this moment, you’ve blocked everything
Give me CarPlay
‘Cause I don’t have all day
Where’s my nav screen
Oh, come on Arene
Huh.
Looks like the PHEV version has a spare tire now, which apparently isn’t a big deal to many but is with me.
Where is that detail revealed to the spare lovers among us?
Autogefühl’s youtube video of the RAV4, 9:15. GR-Sport models are all PHEV.
“Rugged RAV4” got some real mall-cop-tactical vibes going on
ALSO…we have a Turbo trim on the new Tiguan that ups the power ante and a GR trim on the new RAV4 that improved the handling/driver engagement and is paired with a 320 horsepower PHEV powertrain?
….are we entering the golden age of dad cars?
Yeah while I know I am far too cheap to buy one, I love that this exists! Fun trim levels on non fun cars are great.
Only if appearance packages on appliance package crossovers is your idea of Golden age. Luckily, we have been and still are in the golden age of hot hatches and actually fun econobox sedans. This GR trim screams TRD Camry/Avalon part 2. I’m sure we will be seeing a million of them on the roads sooner than later
It’s got a GR tuned suspension, summer tires, 320 horsepower, and a 50 mile all electric range. The current PHEV RAV hits 60 in the lows 5s and this one has more power. It’s more than just an appearance package and I bet it’ll be a hoot as far as crossovers go.
It’s a GR Sport, not a true GR car, so it’s going to be dulled down to some degree. Just look at previous GR Sport trims in Japan compared to full GR models for reference (and there was a GR Sport RAV already). Obviously we can all reserve judgement until we drive one, but I think it’s more about being playful than focused. In my mind, a true GR RAV would use the Hybrid Max system from the Crown that integrates a traditional transmission for some driver engagement.
I would be mad if they attempted a full GR Rav. It’s not the right car for it and will never be worthy of that name. A TRD off road would be more appropriate. The GR lite is perfect. Just sharpen it up a bit, make it slightly less awful to drive, without actually compromising the utility aspect and it’s as good as you’re going to get out of a Rav that isn’t a first gen soft top.
Mad is a stretch – it’d be perfectly fine if they did it, but they couldn’t half ass it. Look at the LBX Morizo RR – it’s effectively a Lexus Yaris Cross with a GR Yaris/GR Corolla drivetrain, including the manual gearbox. Toyota can do a truly hot SUV if they try – they just have to want it, and give it a complete effort.
This is where I’m at. It still needs to be a PHEV midsized crossover first. Many of us need that kind of space and practicality. It would be cool if we could all daily Toyobarus and Miatas but unfortunately that’s not how it works.
A midsized crossover with 300+ horsepower and a 50 mile electric range that isn’t completely soul sucking to drive is still a win in my eyes. And the only compromise free all out hot crossovers that are out there either ride like shit and chug gas or cost $80,000+. Ask me how I know lol….
This wont be any more than the last gen TRD Camry. They’re relatively quick in a straight line, but nothing to write home about elsewhere. Also I’d wager it isn’t any more practical than a CTR or Elantra N and I know which one I would much rather drive every day.
It is though. This has more interior and cargo space, the CTR only has two back seats for no reason whatsoever, neither have all wheel drive, both have punishingly harsh rides, and if you care about efficiency this is exponentially better than either. My Kona N has a lifetime fuel economy average of 19.8 MPG which is just brutal in this day and age. Since Toyota knows what they’re doing their PHEVs are basically as efficient as their normal hybrids as operating as such, so this should get around 40 MPG before you factor in the pure electric driving.
This also has back seat air vents which is huge if you have kids, furry friends, or both. The Ns and the CTR don’t and neither does the Integra Type S for some reason. I totally understand wanting either of those cars more and I currently own an N product, but if your car is going to have to do family duty this is way, way, way better at it.
But if you’re single, have a partner but don’t want kids, etc. I can definitely see having a hard time choosing this over something more focused unless your biggest priority is efficiency. But for those of us that need family cars this is a pretty damn good compromise.
I’m married with two children under 3 and a 92 lb Great Pyrenees, the CTR has plenty of useable space for families. We take it on trips to go see family regularly. I can fit better in it with the kid seats in the back than I can my wife’s CX9. The ride quality on the Type R in comfort mode is better than my Civic Si or Golf GTI, the only giveaway you’re in something sporty are the seats having real bolsters. Even then the seats are comfortable to sit in for hours at a time. Last weekend I managed 31mpg average on a road trip to go and autocross for a whole weekend. That was an 800-mile trip in a car packed with a set of track wheels for the civic, track wheels for a NA Miata, Tools, Cooler, EZ Up, and weekend bag, Even including the tons of idling, and WOT Autocross runs, the fuel economy is plenty decent. As for not being AWD, having real tires is better than AWD when it comes to snow driving. I just refuse to buy into the mindset that because you have kids or dogs you must buy a boring CVT crossover that’s been tarted up to pretend it is sporty.
No one is saying you must buy it. I’m almost certainly not going to buy it. People are just saying it’s an interesting option. There’s no need to get mad that it exists when there are myriad “real” enthusiast options, two of which are in the same showroom.
I have a manual MK7 GTI and it does fit a rear facing child seat behind a 6ft tall passenger. But the cargo space is nonexistent after throwing in a compact stroller and other baby gear, and my wife gets jealous that I have access to both of our cars and she can’t drive mine because it’s a manual.
While I love my car I think this RAV4 GR Sport is a real contender to replace the GTI. I love the electric motor’s get up and go on my wife’s 4XE, and the RAV4 seems to have more of that in a more reliable package.
CTR while a great driver’s car with lots of room, is not softer than the GTI. There are also people that want a bit of luxury in their cars, like a rear AC vent or leather/leatherette seat even as an option. Or AWD. Like it was mentioned, not everyone has to drive the same car and more choice is better.
Given the demand for rav4 hybrids and the general lack of them on dealer lots it’s long overdue. Even the biggest luddites out there are ok with hybrids now. Just get rid of conventual cvts and replace them with ecvt. Everyone can get behind that.
You can’t even get the ICE Rav in my area. In laws are looking to get one and it’s at least a 2 month wait and they get no say in what they get, and it’s a $5k markup on anything. They’re now looking at the CR-V hybrid instead.
There are always tons of the ice rav in the dc metro. You can normally get $1k to $2k off sticker without too much issue. They typically have a lot of hybrids they just can’t keep the primes.
Good to know. I will have to look into that and see if they want to come out to me and drive it home.
Not much of a departure from the current model, which makes sense since the current one still holds up despite its age. Playing spot-the-difference shows the new one has sharpened all the lines of the old one.
Most obvious change is the new front ends, which I like the idea behind. Having three different design themes to fit the trims into allows some more versatility. For example, the current RAV looks odd with the Woodland trim, but this new one has a dedicated fascia for it that fits the theme better.
I guess there’s nothing wrong with adding fast charging capability, aside from additional crowding at DCFC’s, but it’s just not something I’ve ever really desired.
I can’t imagine many people will ever DC fast charge these. That bump up in AC charging is great and very useful though. My Volvo only does 3.7 kW and I would absolutely make use of 11 kW the Rav is getting as I’m in and out of the house multiple times a day and always using up my 32 miles electric range.
Totally agree. My wife’s R4P charging @ 3.3kw makes public charging almost pointless. 11kw is amazing (though l2 infrastructure needs to catch up).
Yeah I might need that GR-Sport version over the Crown Signia I’ve been eyeing up.
I too have had my eye on a Crown Signia. I still don’t really like the styling of this but with 300+ horsepower summer tires and a suspension tune from the GR crew I could maybe get over it. Maybe. Idk the Signia is just so lovably weird….
I love the Crown Signia and will test drive one. The current stable is a CR-V Hybrid and a 981 Cayman, which I now drive <2000mi/year since having a kid. This GR contraption may just have enough fizz for my inevitable move to a single-car solution, but only driving after driving it will I know for sure.
I’ve got a soon to be 11 month old, a dog, and the wife and I will try for another in a year or so. I love my Kona N but it’s already too small for everyone and their stuff. I’ve been eyeing potential dad cars and a Signia and Forester Hybrid are the two main contenders right now unless I can talk myself into a Passport…but with 18 mpg I don’t think I can.
Maybe this will grow on me, I’ve probably got another two years anyway and I do like the idea of a handling package on a normie vehicle. Plus the wife has already begrudgingly agreed to consider a weekend car down the line if I behave myself with my next daily…
Congratulations and best wishes! Yeah, the Pilot/Passport are compelling but 18MPG ain’t gonna work for me after living with 35-40MPG (on 87 octane) on the daily. My biggest concern with getting rid of the fun car is trying to explain to my son where the ‘racecar’ went.
Handling packages are so underrated. When we were looking to replace the old Odyssey that had an unfortunate encounter with a deer, we drove everything and I could not believe how much better the Sienna SE and Grand Caravan R/T were vs the base model versions. We went with the Sienna and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I hated how the LE drove, but the SE is so different it was shocking. Highly recommend.
I just wish we got the Crown Sport. Legitimately looks like a Purosangue and can be had with the PHEV drivetrain of the RAV4.
They’re really good looking in person – after seeing a ton of them in Tokyo, it baffles me that Toyota isn’t selling it here, unless they’re afraid of stealing NX customers, but the NX is ungainly in comparison.
Thanks for calling out the lack of physical HVAC controls. Unfortunate to see Toyota going in the wrong direction on this.
Either the article was edited or we both glossed over it upon first reading, but there are also physical controls beneath the screen.
Oh, huh. Good catch, it’s definitely called out but the way I read it at first it was ambiguous as to whether the buttons were virtual or tactile.
I think it’s just the way the sentence is written. It seems to say in two different ways that Toyota removed the physical climate controls, before adding a clarifying clause that temperature buttons still exist. It seems that fan speed and climate mode have both moved to the screen, however.
That doesn’t bug me as much as temperature migrating to a screen. As someone who can literally never regulate their body temperature I make on the fly adjustments often. If those require poking at a screen I might literally die lol.
It’s whelming. A perfectly cromulent means of transportation that should outlast the payments by a good margin. A solid effort.
I’m glad they got rid of the old model’s ziggurat of stacked frowning grilles, and pleasantly surprised they haven’t used the existence of the Corolla Cross to make it bigger.
“Ziggurat of stacked frowning grilles” is such an accurate descriptor. The RAV4 has been hideous for far too long.
It looks great and this iterative approach is the way to go. It’s not as busy as the previous gen and much more cohesive overall. This still looks like a heavy refresh as opposed to an all-new model.
Toyota continue to not give a shit about styling its exhaust pipes. It really makes the car look less premium and more 80’s-90’s econobox than it needs. Either you hide the exhaust completely or you style it, not this ugly single down-turned pipe visible from everywhere.
America’s most popular car going all hybrid is also great for silence and urban emissions.
I hope they fix the NVH issues. All these Toyota hybrids drone and vibrate at the most annoying frequency. I’d just buy the plug-in and hope to drive electric 100% of the time.
No NACS is a huge mistake, although it matters less on a PHEV. But why not? Strange choice.
Is it just me or is it kind of ugly? I feel like it’s a weird mishmash of Toyota stuff that just doesn’t add up. The front end is a loose interpretation of hammerhead style that works well on their cars wagon that they’re calling a crossover…but it just doesn’t pair that well with the boxiness of a more traditionally shaped crossover.
The side profile is trying too hard to look tough and truck like with the fender flares and such but it just looks disjointed when compared to the front…and the year end is basically the same as the last gen one but slightly more trendy. The whole thing just feels like a mess to me and I anxiously await Uncle Adrian’s takes.
All hybrid is good….but when Toyota is jamming climate controls into a touchscreen I worry that we’ve truly reached the end times and that it’ll all be downhill from here. It blows my mind that manufacturers are still chasing this dragon in 2025. Literally no one wants it and it doesn’t have to be this way. The only people it pleases are the bean counters and they’re all weirdos anyway.
Edit: I missed the part about the redundant physical controls beneath the screen. That sort of nullifies some of this but I’d still rather have dials.
Toyota really cannot afford to fuck this car up and they may damn well have done it. There are multiple better looking and less tech burdened options in this class now. Really the only thing I like is that it’s hybrid only. That’s great. But for a design team that’s been on a bit of a roll lately this seems like a huge unforced error to me.
Edit: that being said pairing the 320 horsepower PHEV powertrain with the GR tuned suspension bits is probably a recipe for a reasonably fun family car.
I read the Tiguan piece from earlier today just before reading this. While going all hybrid solves the MPG issue of the Tiguan, the lackluster interior and exterior I’m afraid have infected the Toyota. The industry as a whole is heading down a disappointing path. Also, what’s with everyone removing the sunshade over the instrument cluster? Surely that affects legibility.
Heading down a disappointing path? They are mostly so far down it they are lost in the woods.
I like the hammerhead bits, but the super-tall flat nothingness underneath is just lazy. It’s a poor adaptation of what works ok on a car but just looks awkward on an SUV…especially the GR, which is apparently short for GRILLE.
It looks awful and plastic-y, just like every other crossover for sale right now. The only well proportioned crossovers I can think of are the 1st gen Ford Escape and the B8 generation of Q5.
Edit: the new squarish Mazdas are pretty and every BMW up until the current generation look pretty good.
Plot Twist: You will not be allowed to actually purchase one.
Big if true
That’s pretty much the case now. Good luck finding a new Toyota of nearly any sort. My BIL has been looking for a Sienna without a markup for 2 years now, and every one that comes into the dealer is pre sold and not available for test drives, they can’t pick trim level, it’s just what shows up, and most still have the $5k tacked on.
MIL is experiencing the same with trying to find a Rav4, not even the hybrid and it’s the same story. Toyotas are hard to get your hands on if you’re not willing to just take whatever shows up.
So in other words, demand is outstripping supply, thus dictating a price premium? What a concept. All you’re actually saying is that your BIL/MIL aren’t willing to pay the same price as everyone else locally.
FWIW out the 3 people I know driving new purchase Rav4’s, 2/3 special ordered theirs, non-hybrid, low option, 3-4 month wait, paid sticker price.
Not sure the agression is warranted, but ok.
They would pay it if they could pick what they got, but when you want an XLE with specific things, and you’re offered a Limited that costs $15k more than what you’re after, it’s hard to justify, let alone pay for.
So special order what you want?
Apologies if I seemed aggressive, my intent was to lightly mock in the context of ‘you won’t be allowed to purchase one’.
They’re effectively looking for a special order build, but don’t want to wait or pay a premium for vehicles in high demand. That’s what I found ridiculous. I’m not up to speed on the differences between a XLE and Limited, so no comment there, but if what you want isn’t on the lot or a common configuration, what do you expect?
The couple Toyota dealers I have talked to don’t do special orders. They just get their allocations and they are sold on day one if not long before, so they don’t bother with the hassle of special orders. I love Toyota products, but the insanely constricted supply is hurting them and I know at least 4 people who have gone elsewhere because they can’t get what they want from Toyota, 2 of which had literally never owned anything else. It’s hurting them and they need to find a way to get an actual supply on the ground again.
Toyota does NOT do special orders. Dealers get what they get. And so do you if you want one. And here in the South, you can count on thousands of dollars of port/dealer-installed TruKote, plus a “market adjustment’ on anything particularly popular. No thanks, not playing that game, even if I liked the cars, and I don’t particularly. Respect them greatly, but don’t like them. The definition of “dull but worthy”, and I don’t do dull. Life is too short for boring cars.
you seem mad
drive a VW and enjoy the warranty claims. Any vehicle, no matter how fun/edgy/boring/etc., can be had if you’re willing to go a distance to get it.
Hose the locals by test driving and take your business elsewhere. even better, rent one from Enterprise/etc. and see if you like that one.
Make it a mini vacay to fly somewhere to get it and drive it back. Or, wait months to get fleeced. YMMV
I’ve owned six VWs, from an ’84 Jetta GLI to a ’17 Golf GTI Sport. Never any major problems across many hundreds of thousands of miles in total. The GTI had zero warranty claims – that was the second one I bought new, the rest had plenty of miles on them when I bought them. My BMW wagon was actually MORE reliable than my Mother’s Prius V in similar time span and miles that she had the car. I still have mine and it continues to be an absolute anvil. Toyotas are *fine*, and as I said I respect them, but they aren’t really all that either anymore, while being dull as dishwater and expensive.
I have driven multiple examples of almost every Toyota product for the past 30 years given that I rent 25-30 cars a year for work. Literally every Rav4 from the 3rd gen to the previous current one, most recently about three weeks ago in North Carolina for a week. Yawn. I have also bought cars from across the country, many multiple times – I travel for a living, makes it very easy to do. In fact of my current five cars, one was bought in NJ and one in KS – fly in drove home. And I picked one up at the factory in Germany. There is no Toyota that would be worth the bother, and the average person simply isn’t going to have the means or ambition to go outside their relatively local area for a car anyway.
I got a taste of the Southeast Toyota buying experience buying a car for my mother a couple years ago – it wasn’t good. If she had liked the car I would have certainly bought it elsewhere, but she needed to figure out what she wanted so we test drove cars locally.
I understand the English language and could read the words you posted. I’m sure you understand that a good deal of that first paragraph is atypical compared to the experiences of so many others. While I have heard awful, terrible things off the regular radar for recent Toyota products (the entirety of the Tacoma model, and not just what you might have read about; transmissions in the most recent gen Highlander) VW is often on another planet, and I’m staying away from dieselgate and all that. Because then we rope in Tundra turbos, and none of that gets us anywhere.
I don’t know what you look for in a daily driver. Got my daughter a used Fit and its fun to drive a slow car fast. Wife has a Highlander, not with the 8-speed. She wanted an appliance and an appliance it has been. I will say that it gets up and goes anytime I need it to, so while it doesn’t carve corners, it can do what I need it to, which is pass the slows on the rural roads and avoid Bambi and Amish with equal aplomb. I drive a GX (2017) daily. It’s got a mild lift and some other shenanigans because I drive into the woods whenever I am able. So, again, not a great handler, but that’s not its point, and the thing is otherwise magical in everything but MPG, but V8s gotta V8.
All three of the above I purchased out of state. Fit and the GX were from the furthest away. When I got rid of the old GX, I set specific parameters and found less than 5 within 1k miles away. But I went and got it. Ditto the Fit. Highlander was two hours away but I lucked into something that hit the lot the afternoon I was looking, and I jumped on it. Two hours later, would never have seen it. Next one on the list for my parameters was in Arkansas, I think.
Helped a friend get a Grand Highlander in the last couple of months and used the same plan for a new vehicle…found one about 4 hours away, a dealer with no markup.
The point is, they (Dealers) expect you to not try that hard, which is how they get you. Put in some work and you can save enough money and/or time to make the overall math work in your favor.
Parameters, usually, by the way: prefer one owner, no accidents, Carfax that shows service done, no silver color, options included I’m looking for, per model. Obviously no BHPH lots, meaning it’s got to be at an actual dealer lot that has an acceptable rating as a dealer.
I want more. My three daily drivers are two BMWs (wagon and convertible) and a Mercedes. (wagon). All exceptional cars in terms of how they drive, and I have zero complaints about the running costs. Toyotas are very rarely exceptional to drive. The one that is currently is built by BMW, and is hideous. Dull cars for people who view cars as an appliance, as general rule. And these days can be more reputation than reality in my experience. They are generally “fine”, but so is almost everything else today. if an appliance is all you want or need, great. Anytime non-car people ask me for a car recommendation I always point them towards Toyota. But they are not the brand for me.
My parents ordered* their RAV4 hybrid last year and got it in 3 months. They were looking for an XLE, in blue, without the package that includes the sunroof, but with the cold weather package.
*While Toyota might not specifically do order the dealer got them the exact car they wanted at MSRP.
Yeah dealers can swap cars around and grab inventory from others if they care enough. Trouble is finding someone who cares enough to put in the effort when they can make just as much money without doing so.
This is not meant to be a snarky question.
Has BIL checked out of his area? I found mine hours away, with the understanding I was going to have to go someplace to get it.
I’m not sure, I stopped trying to help. He’s in Nashville area and has one dealer he really likes for their service and parts, and he bought a Rav hybrid through them several years ago. Knowing him, that’s probably the only dealer he’s looked at.
i mean, I won’t do his research, but there are some places around online that were trumpeting the “good” Toy dealers not doing markups. Obviously, this will take time and $$$ to get to. But worth the trip for funsies? That’s how I viewed it. And some places are shipping for reasonable costs too.
Ok, so basically they’re going to keep doing what they’re doing. Because it works!(?)