Here are the top 5 things to know before buying the 2026 Toyota RAV4

📅 5/22/2025

⏱️ 4 Minutes of reading

Outline

2026 Toyota RAV4 top 5 highlights
Our conclusion
FAQs

Key Highlights

1
The new-gen RAV4 is one of the best-selling cars of Toyota globally
2
New 2026 model of RAV4 is only available with hybrid powertrain options
3
Toyota will soon launch the new RAV4 in the UAE before 2025 end

Outline

2026 Toyota RAV4 top 5 highlights
Our conclusion
FAQs

Tejen

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 got recently unveiled in the US market. The new-gen model received numerous changes to its design, interiors, and even the powertrain. It's basically a new car in every form now, and Toyota is soon going to bring it to the UAE.

So, if you are planning to buy the new-gen RAV4, make sure to know its top 5 highlights below.

Moreover, you can also check out the best quality used Toyota RAV4 cars in the UAE with CARS24.

Also read: 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is your next affordable sporty SUV

2026 Toyota RAV4 top 5 highlights

1. Only hybrid engine available now

Gone is the old 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine of the RAV4. The new-gen model is only available with hybrid engine options now.

For the FWD versions, it gets a 2.5-litre strong hybrid motor making 226 bhp of peak power.

Meanwhile, the AWD versions get the same engine, but it makes a little more power, i.e. 236 bhp.

However, there is also a new PHEV plug-in hybrid engine option which is available for the RAV4.

This 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, AWD motor makes 320 bhp and does around 80 km range on pure EV mode.

2. Camry-like design and new cabin features

While the dimensions of the new-gen RAV4 are nearly identical to the outgoing model, it feels like a proper premium mid-size SUV now with its design upgrade.

Look at the front and you'll immediately recognise the C-shaped LED lights, which are identical to the new Toyota Camry.

The rear is also changed with the new LED lights, which are thankfully not connected like every other car on the road.

Moreover, the overall outlook has now grown into a modern car, while it gets new elements like the option of 17, 18, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin is also new as it now gets a 12.3-inch digital console, a new dashboard, new door pads, new seats, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen (12.3-inch optional).

The new RAV4 is also loaded with the new features like panoramic sunroof, electric front seats with ventilation, leather upholstery, voice commands, ambient lighting, dual-zone auto AC, electronic parking brake, and more.

Also read: Abu Dhabi decreases speed limit on E11 and E20 highways

3. GR Sport iteration for car enthusiasts

Toyota has now added a new GR Sport sporty variant to the RAV4 and car enthusiasts are going to love it worldwide.

While it is based on the standard version of the RAV4, the GR Sport gets 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels, wider rubber, and tuned suspension, all for better handling and feedback.

Moreover, it features the GR Sport body kit, a roof-integrated spoiler, and an exclusive Supersonic Red exterior colour with contrasting piano black roof, mirrors, and spoiler.

The 2026 RAV GR Sport is available with the powerful AWD system and 320 bhp PHEV powertrain.

4. RAV4 Woodland for off-road lovers

There is an RAV4 for everyone now. How? It is because the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 is now offered in a Woodland trim option as well.

Woodland versions by Toyota are not properly off-road machines, but they do get the go-anywhere capability.

Speaking of which, the RAV4 Woodland trim is loaded with rugged body cladding, 19-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres, and an additional 0.9-inch of ground clearance.

It can be had with both engine options, the hybrid and the PHEV.

5. More safety than ever

To ensure the best level of safety for passengers, the new-gen 2026 RAV4 is now equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 ADAS system.

Now, the old version did come with the ADAS, but it was less sensitive as compared to the new system.

The new Toyota RAV4 ADAS gets new sensors, new radars, and a proactive 360-degree surround view monitoring, all of which combined provide a virtual view of what's happening around the vicinity of the car.

Toyota claims that the new ADAS is much quicker than the outgoing version. It can read more information, it can act quickly, and it can save more lives.

Also read: 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado all variants explained

Our conclusion

The new 2026 Toyota RAV4 is definitely one of the most exciting auto launches of this year, and Toyota has nailed it completely. The new model is not only better looking and more luxurious, but it is now more powerful and efficient than ever. We are eagerly waiting for the 2026 RAV to launch in the UAE, which is expected by the end of this year. It'll surely become an instant hit among new car buyers in the UAE.