New Toyota RAV4 PHEV confirmed for 2026 with 100km EV range: Look out BYD, GWM!

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025 Toby Hagon 545 Views 0 Comments PHEV, rav4, Toyota

Toyota has added a plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) drivetrain to its all-new 2026 RAV4, unveiled today ahead of its arrival in Australia in the first half of next year.

The sixth-generation RAV4 gets a sharper-looking exterior and brings major upgrades across the board, including more tech and more advanced active safety systems.

There are also three distinct faces for a mid-sized SUV that is set to broaden its appeal with a more athletic GR Sport model and a more adventurous variant aimed at heading beyond the bitumen.

But it’s not all good news for the new RAV4, with regular hybrid models going backwards on power.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 gets three distinct faces: sporty, everyday and adventurous.

But the headline news is Toyota’s decision to offer a PHEV version for the first time ever locally – a move that signals a stronger push into the electrified market for Australia’s top-selling SUV.

It also finally gives Toyota some PHEV firepower to combat rival plug-ins such as the BYD Sealion 6 and Haval H6GT that are growing in popularity due to their sharp pricing and ability to run for substantial distances on electricity.

The RAV4 PHEV offer an electric-only driving range of about 100km (the exact WLTP figure is yet to be determined), powered by a 22.7kWh battery that can DC fast charge from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes (home powerpoint charging takes about 13 hours, or as little as three hours from a wallbox).

Due to arrive in local showrooms in the first half of 2026, the new RAV4 is built on a version of Toyota’s TNGA platform and promises more space due to improved packaging.

It also claims better driving dynamics and improved tech across the range, including a digital instrument cluster and larger, more advanced central display screen. That screen is now running Toyota’s Arene operating system that incorporates over-the-air software updates and is said to offer slicker operation.

“We believe PHEV will be a big growth market here, and the timing is right,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations.

As with the regular hybrid (or HEV) that will be the top selling drivetrain in the RAV4 range, the PHEV will use a 2.5-litre petrol engine.

Both PHEV and HEV variants will be available with two- or all-wheel drive.

However, in regular hybrid mode the RAV4 has gone backwards on power, now making a combined 143kW, down from 160kW in the outgoing 2WD model and 163kW for the AWD.

Blame it on the quest for fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions, something that’s an increasing focus in an era of mandated efficiency standards.

However, whereas the RAV4 HEV gets a version of Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, the PHEV will get the latest sixth-generation hybrid technology that increases power.

A new 150kW front electric motor helps boost overall outputs to 201kW for the 2WD PHEV variants and 227kW for the AWD PHEV; that allows the most powerful model to reach 100km/h in as little as 5.8 seconds.

Topping the line-up will be a new GR Sport variant that’s offered exclusively as a PHEV AWD.

This flagship model will feature sportier suspension with a 20mm wider track for improved stability and handling and “increased driver thrills”.

It incorporates a unique steering and damper tune as well as a stiffer rear suspension brace, reinforcing the GR badge’s performance edge.

There will also be unique design elements to help it stand out visually.

Speaking of which, the 2026 RAV4 gets a bold new design adopting Toyota’s “hammerhead” front styling, along with redesigned interior that aims for a more premium feel.

Tech upgrades include an improved Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance suite and new connected services.

The new body has better packaging that places more components under the bonnet, which Toyota says makes for a roomier cabin. Upgrades to finishes and materials are aimed at delivering a more refined experience for occupants.

While pricing for the new 2026 RAV4 is yet to be confirmed, Hanley suggested the PHEV will carry a premium over hybrid models due to higher production costs.

“The positioning of the PHEV will be different,” he said. “It won’t be outrageous, but it will cost a little more than the HEV.”

The final model line-up will be confirmed closer to launch, but expect familiar trim names such as GX, GXL, XSE, Cruiser and Edge to return, now joined by the PHEV-only GR Sport.

With the addition of a plug-in hybrid option Toyota is eyeing the top sales spot on the Australian sales chart, something no SUV has managed locally in a calendar year.

“In 2026, I think the RAV4 could be Australia’s number one selling vehicle,” said Hanley. “And PHEV will only help get us there.”