Finally after multiple teasers, Toyota has taken the cover off its new-gen RAV4 in the global market. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has been revamped with a new design, modern cabin, and hybrid-only powertrain options.
Read the complete details of the UAE-bound new-gen RAV4 below.
Also, before you scroll down for more info, make sure to check out the top used Toyota RAV4 cars in the UAE with CARS24.
Also read: Abu Dhabi decreases speed limit on E11 and E20 highways
2026 Toyota RAV4 - Design, interiors, features
New styling
The first and foremost change is the new design of the RAV4. Gone is the old outlook as the new model now features a redesigned front fascia with new C-shaped LED DRLs and new headlamps.
The front design now appears more ‘smiling’ with the new front grille and new bonnet. Additionally, it gets the new LED foglights and different front grille design, depending on the variants.
Toyota has revealed the new RAV4 in three different versions or trims: Core (Standard), Rugged (AWD), and Sporty (GR Sport).
On the side, it gets black body cladding and conventional door handles, but the UV-cut glass is a nice touch for hot regions, like the UAE itself.
The design for the 20-inch alloy wheels has also changed as per the variant. The off-road ‘Rugged’ variant gets 18-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres for a better off-road capability.
The rear has undergone a big change in terms of design with the new LED taillights, a new boot, and a new bumper as well.
New interiors
Inside, it now features a completely redesigned cabin. The dashboard is all-new, as it is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a new steering wheel, new AC vents, and a big 12.3-inch digital instrument console.
From the door pads to the seats, everything inside the 2026 RAV4 is new. It also gets an improved standard equipment list, like the auto AC, frameless auto-dimming IRVM, sunroof, ambient lights, and more.
The centre console has a few hard buttons, which offer the functionalities for choosing the drive modes, operating the electronic parking brake, and a new gear-shift lever that now uses the shift-by-wire tech.
Also read: 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado all variants explained
Modern features
The RAV4 has always been about comfort, and the new-gen model takes it one step ahead. The 2026 RAV4 is equipped with a long list of new-age features, some of which are as follows:
- LED projector headlamps, LED taillights
- 360-degree surround view
- Leather upholstery
- 12.3-inch digital cockpit
- 10.25-inch infotainment screen (12.3-inch optional)
- Ambient lighting
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rear AC vents
- Dual-zone climate control
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless phone charging
- Electric seat adjustment with ventilation and heating
Also read: Aston Martin becomes the first carmaker to launch Apple CarPlay Ultra in the world!
2026 Toyota RAV4 - Engine and specifications
The biggest change to the new 2026 RAV4 has taken place under the bonnet. It is now available only with Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid engine options in the global market.
The 2.5-litre hybrid engine is available with a 226 bhp FWD and a 236 bhp AWD variant. This is a 23 bhp and 17 bhp increase over the outgoing model, respectively.
Meanwhile, the hybrid powertrain used is the latest fifth-gen Toyota hybrid system, which uses a new power control unit and a new battery for improved power delivery and efficiency.
With the 2026 RAV4, Toyota has also introduced new PHEV engine options. It uses the latest sixth-gen Toyota PHEV plug-in hybrid technology, which delivers 320 bhp of power along with an AWD system.
The standalone plug-in hybrid EV range is 50 miles (80.46 km) on a single charge.
However, Toyota has not released the fuel efficiency numbers of the new RAV4. But, we can safely assume that it is more efficient than the old RAV4 model, which delivered 22.2 km/l in the Hybrid guise.
Also read: The 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ has arrived in the UAE with 492 km of range
2026 Toyota RAV4 - Safety
Another big upgrade to the new-gen 2026 RAV4 is in the safety department. Toyota has equipped it with the new-age Toyota Sense 4.0 ADAS safety suite.
While this new ADAS assist offers the same features as before, it is now equipped with a more advanced radar system that can quickly detect the surroundings and act faster than the outgoing Sense 3.0 system.
Some of the top safety features of the 2026 RAV4 are as follows:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane change and lane keep assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Blind spot detection and assist
- Front collision avoidance assist
- Rear-cross traffic collision avoidance assist
- 360-degree surround view monitoring
2026 Toyota RAV4 - UAE launch, price, rivals
The new 2026 RAV4 has been revealed in the US currently. It will be subsequently launched in the other prominent markets like the UAE by the end of this year or early next year.
As far as the UAE launch is concerned, we suspect that Toyota UAE will launch it later this year with the correct GCC-spec.
With the new features and hybrid engine, the pricing is expected to rise by a couple of thousand Dirhams.
The main competition of the 2026 RAV4 in the UAE will be the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and the Nissan X-Trail.
Our conclusion
The new 2026 Toyota RAV4 has completely changed in terms of styling and interior comfort. Its new hybrid engine, especially the PHEV powertrain, is powerful and looks promising in terms of performance and mileage. The new RAV4 is expected to launch in the UAE soon, and it will surely shake the segment rivals.
FAQs
1. How much is the new 2026 Toyota RAV4?
Toyota has not released the pricing for the 2026 RAV4 yet. We expect that its starting price in the UAE will be higher than AED 100,000 for the base model.
2. When will the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 launch in the UAE?
The new-gen 2026 Toyota RAV4 is expected to launch in the UAE by the end of 2025.
3. What is the mileage of the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The mileage of the new Toyota RAV4 has not been revealed yet. But the current-gen RAV4 Hybrid offers 22.2 km/l of mileage. We believe that the new-gen RAV4 will be more efficient.
4. Is the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 better than the old RAV4?
Yes, the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 offers a modern design, an improved cabin, the latest features, and new hybrid engine options with more mileage.
