All-New 2026 Toyota RAV4 Gains Plug-In Hybrid & GR Sport

Meet the 2026 Toyota RAV4, Australia’s favourite medium SUV, now electrified, digitised, and wearing her most daring outfit yet, far ahead of the current RAV4. With a fierce new Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain, next-gen multimedia, and the debut of a GR Sport variant, the sixth-gen RAV4 is offering PHEV alongside the tried and test HEV we’re used to. While PHEVs are vastly out numbered regular HEV (hybrid electric vehicles) models, other brands have introduced a plugin hybrid as an option to satisfy the tastes for those not ready or not willing to buy a full EV.

The Detail;

Toyota has taken the tried-and-true formula of practicality, durability, and family-friendly flair—and added spice. The big news? The new RAV4 PHEV is Toyota’s first-ever plug-in hybrid SUV in Australia, and it’s offering up to 100km of electric-only range thanks to a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery. That’s enough for the daily grind without using a single drop of petrol.

Under the bonnet, we’re talking serious brawn:

A 2.5L petrol engine paired with dual electric motors
AWD PHEV variant pumps out a staggering 227kW and rockets from 0-100km/h in just 5.8 seconds
A more affordable 2WD PHEV delivers a still-impressive 201kW, perfect for urban warriors
Fast-charging support via a 50kW DC charger (10%–80% in just 30 minutes) and 11kW AC charging (full recharge in around 3 hours)

She’s efficient, she’s quick, and with that battery stashed low under the floor, the RAV4’s centre of gravity is tight enough to make a Lotus jealous (only joking about the Lotus bit). Handling? Controlled and composed. Ride? Polished, even on rough Aussie goat tracks masquerading as roads. She’s got that same confident, comfortable feel we loved in the Camry SL Hybrid, but now with a bit more va-va-voom.

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ABOVE: all-new 2026 Toyota Rav4 PHEV and HEV

GR Sport: A Performance Punch With Personality

GR Sport is a halo variant that’s more than just a bit of lippy and a new do. Toyota’s Gazoo Racing team has worked their magic to give the RAV4 some proper theatre.

Wider 20mm track
Stiffened rear suspension brace
Retuned dampers and electric steering for sharper responses
Topped off with 20” black twin-spoke alloys, sporty spoilers, and a GR-exclusive mesh grille that’s all about presence

Inside, the GR Sport dons its best red-accented party frock: sports seats, suede/leather combo trim, aluminium pedals, and discreet GR badging that whispers “I lift weights” rather than yelling it from the rooftop.

Tech-Savvy and Safe; Toyota’s expands it gadget suite

The 2026 RAV4 also debuts Toyota’s latest multimedia platform—Arene—which ditches the clunky feel of old systems and welcomes a fresh, intuitive digital experience:

Enhanced voice control
New home screen layout and better screen clarity
Real-time Google navigation and POI integration
Over-the-air updates for multimedia and driver assistance systems

With Arene, your RAV4 evolves over time—like a relationship, but with cup holders.

Toyota has also bulked up Safety Sense, giving the RAV4 more brains to match her brawn:

Front cross-traffic alert to help at busy intersections
Blind Spot Monitor with a new rear vehicle approach alert
Expanded lane change assist with signal-linked autonomous manoeuvres
Pre-Collision System now picks up bikes, motorbikes, and more
Optional remote smartphone parking and a new 3D panoramic view monitor that makes tight carpark manoeuvres a breeze

This is an arena where brands constantly jostle for supremacy, and one where Toyota has fallen a little behind. The Koreans have moved ahead, with the Chinese hot in their heels but for the Japanese brands have been left in a place that is safe and secure, but one whose buyers miss out on some of the best the industry has to offer.

It is worth mentioning that the revamped Tesla Model Y starts at $58,900 for the RWD model. The Tesla, a full EV, bristles with whiz-bangery and gives buyers even more to think about.

Design, Comfort

Outside, the 2026 RAV4’s restyle is modern, muscular – aimed at adventurous types. Toyota’s design team has freshened the look without losing the RAV4’s spirit. Inside, it’s comfort all the way, with clever packaging (thanks to the relocated battery layout) that frees up space for both passengers and gear. Expect plenty of storage, clever cubbies, and Toyota’s famously comfy seating—especially up front.

Like the Corolla Cross Atmos AWD, which we found to be surprisingly capable on rough tracks, and the stylish-yet-thrifty Camry SL Hybrid, the new RAV4 balances performance with practicality. But now it also throws in zero-emissions capability (using the plug-in charge option and does not exceed the EV-only range) and a genuine performance edge for those who want to do the school run with flair—or just take the long way home.

A Word from the Boys

You just know the boys are going to have thoughts:

Max loves the AWD grunt and GR Sport styling—farm boy strength with city polish.
Nico gushed over the clean cabin and Arene’s connectivity but said the red accents were a bit twee.
Hunter will obsess over the eco credentials and electric range. “Can I charge it at the skatepark?”
Travis? He’ll be impressed by the 5.8s sprint to 100—but ask where the V8 is.
And Charlie? He’ll say it’s the first RAV4 that’s finally caught up to his Citroën DS Pallas in style.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV and GR Sport will arrive in Australia in the first half of 2026. For buyers wanting electric performance, up-to-date tech in a stylish all-rounder that sips less and gives more, this new RAV4 is shaping up to be another hit for one of the world’s biggest brands.

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