Toyota RAV4: What’s Changed in the Sixth-Generation Redesign?

The fan favorite RAV4 is back for sixth generation redesign

For years, the Toyota RAV4 has been on the forefront of the compact SUV segment. Millions of drivers opt for the RAV4 over the Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue for their daily commute, road trips, and weekend activities. The newly arrived sixth generation redesign has completely redefined the RAV4; which begs the question, what has actually changed? So let’s get into it.

The Biggest Shift: All Hybrid Powertrain Lineup

The previous generation offered the traditional gas-only engine as the highest volume seller, alongside its hybrid and plug-in hybrid counterparts. For the 2026 lineup, the gas-only model has been completely dropped from the roster. Working first-hand in the dealership, I can tell you this was a needed shift. The demand for hybrid variants has greatly outweighed demand for gas-only models, especially with the cost of living and gas prices steadily rising. Toyota has effectively positioned themselves as a top retailer for reliable hybrid vehicles; supporting their efforts in the past decade to shift select model line-ups to all hybrid powertrain.

With the powertrain shift comes significant performance bumps. The hybrid system now pushes a higher horsepower averaging 226 hp for FWD and 236 for AWD models; while the plug-in hybrid system cranks out a combined 320 hp. The plug-in hybrid has also added a longer all-electric range of roughly 50 miles compared to the previous generations plug-in model. With so many people opting for a hybrid option rather than all-electric, the all-new RAV4 fits the bill for a wide variety of SUV drivers.

Exterior Styling

The fifth-generation RAV4 leaned heavily into the rugged and blocky aesthetic with traditional trims like the LE, XLE and Limited. For the sixth-generation, the RAV4 has taken on a modernized look that closely aligns to the design cues of Prius, Camry, and Grand Highlander. With a new look also comes a new hierarchy of trim levels, now categorized into three distinct groups.

Core Grades: LE, XLE Premium, & Limited. Focused on the everyday lifestyle with upgraded sleek styling with the choice of FWD or AWD.

Rugged Grade: Woodland. Previously a special edition, the Woodland grade RAV4 taps into the needs of an outdoor enthusiast. The exterior style features a slightly raised front end, all terrain tires, roof rails, and specialized off-road lighting upgrades.

Sport Grades: SE, XSE, & GR Sport. The track inspired exterior aesthetic features two-tone paint options, larger 20-in alloy wheels, and performance tuned suspension on select models for increased handling. Debuting in the Sporty lineup is the first-ever GR Sport developed in partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing; possessing the highest level of performance and capabilities behind the wheel.

Tech & Infotainment Upgrades

The slightly outdated tech in the RAV4‘s cabin has been upgraded with bigger screens and up-to-date safety and software. Starting with displays; the infotainment screen previously maxed out at 8-in, with the optional upgrade to 10.5-in. For the sixth-gen, the screen has been upgraded to a standard 10.5-in with a larger 12.9-in available on higher trim levels. The 12.3-in digital gauge cluster is now standard across the board. Software has also received an upgrade to the newest platform offering lightening-fast commands with dual Bluetooth device pairing and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Safety features got one of the most notable upgrades debuting the newest suite of safety, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0! Object detection is now sharper and semi-autonomous driving capabilities have become notably smoother.

RAV4 Versus Competitors

Some of the RAV4‘s closest competitors include: Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue, & Chevy Equinox.

The RAV4 dominates the compact and small SUV sector, but we understand it isn’t perfect. One of the few setbacks is the comparable cargo space. The biggest selling point for other makes like Honda is the legroom and overall cargo space of the SUV. While we understand this is important to some, the compared capacity is minor if cabin space isn’t a high priority. Increased rear seat legroom in the Honda CR-V versus the RAV4 only differs by roughly 3 inches. As for cargo space, competitors like the Nissan Rogue offer a max square footage of about 74 cubic feet with the rear seats folded; while the RAV4 maxes out at 70.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Don’t get me wrong, every cubic foot counts when you are frequently packing your SUV full. However, most drivers are not maxing out the cubic feet available each time they drive. Even if you are moving and packing up your RAV4 floor to ceiling, it still offers a considerable amount of space. For context, I drive a 2019 RAV4 with a max cubic space of 69.8 cubic feet. I have moved twice during my RAV4 ownership and was able to fit nearly all my belongings into a 2019 RAV4 (not all at once of course); I even fit my small loveseat into the back with the seats folded down. Trust me when I say, the RAV4 offers plenty of space for a vast majority of drivers.

If max cargo space is not at the top of your needs list, consider the features that set the RAV4 apart from the others. Most other makes maintain their models heavily reliant on gas models, with hybrid models that underperform in comparison to the RAV4. In contrast, the Honda CR-V standard hybrid models offer about 180-204 hp; while the RAV4 hybrid clocks in at 226 hp (FWD), 236 hp (AWD), and 324 (PHEV). When it comes to the tech and safety, competitors like the Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Tucson typically provide a larger multimedia screen that most desire. However, the advanced safety and wireless phone integrations on such models frequently require a trim level jump. The new RAV4‘s upgraded standard screen size of 10.5-in multimedia screen (with an available 12.9-in screen) has positioned the SUV closer to the standard size it’s competitors are offering. In regard to safety, the RAV4 provides that strongest value proposition with its rollout of Toyota’s most up-to-date safety suite, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0. All of this is to say, we can expect the sixth generation of the RAV4 to continue the legacy of leading the compact SUV sector.

Shop the all-new sixth generation Toyota RAV4 at Anderson-Weber Toyota today. We have new RAV4 models in-stock and ready to roll off the lot today. If you haven’t seen the redesigned RAV4 in person yet, this will be one you want to take a closer look at and take for a test drive. Anderson-Weber is your trusted Northeast Iowan Toyota dealer, visit us today at 3450 Center Grove Dr Dubuque, IA 52003; we’re right next to Target!