New generation SUV on its way

Toyota New Zealand has announced the sixth-generation RAV4 is set to arrive in showrooms in the first half of the year and offer advanced safety technology and two electrified power options.

The 2026 model range will debut a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and introduce an all-new GR Sport grade.

The latest generation has three styles – Core, Adventure and GR Sport. Toyota NZ says the Core will appeal to the everyday RAV4 driver, the Adventure style brings a more rugged look and GR Sport will be for those “who love hitting the road and driving for the pure fun of it”.

All models will feature the latest Toyota Safety Sense package, which now has an emergency response system. This includes an emergency driving stop feature that triggers an SOS emergency call and safely slows and stops the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive, for example, during a sudden medical event.

RAV4 will be the first Toyota in New Zealand to feature the new Toyota Connected Services and link to the driver’s mobile device via the new myToyota app, providing a range of safety, security and convenience features.

Andrew Davis, Toyota NZ chief strategic officer, says the RAV4 combines reliability, value and an enjoyable driving experience.

“With the popularity of RAV4 we have expanded the line-up even further so it has basically become a brand of its own with a grade for every Kiwi driver, from our core everyday customers to adventurous types and driving enthusiasts,” he adds.

“RAV4 has become the car for everyone. Going places, having fun and getting there in comfort, style and saving fuel at the same time is what the RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid are all about.”

Davis notes the introduction of a PHEV variant is a major step forward on Toyota’s electrification pathway and provides the “convenience of electric driving with the added confidence of fuel efficiency and lower emissions when you need to go further”.

Toyota NZ says a mix of options are available depending on the particular style chosen by consumers, such as front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and hybrid or PHEV powertrains.

All hybrid grades of the RAV4 have a fifth-generation hybrid system with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and lithium-ion battery that produces a total system output of 143kW. The GXL PHEV produces 201kW total system output.

Stepping up to the Core GXL grade also means extras such as a Qi wireless device charger, rain-sensing front wipers and 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels.

The higher XSE and Limited grades add further driver comforts and technologies. 

The Limited, which is hybrid only, has an adaptive high beam system, a panoramic view monitor for greater visibility when parking and reversing, a JBL premium audio system, leather-accented upholstery and a panoramic moon roof. It also rides on bigger wheels – 20-inch black and machined alloys – shod with lower profile tyres.

Meanwhile, the XSE is only available as a PHEV and offers a two-tone colour exterior paint scheme.

The Adventure option, pictured, comes as a hybrid and has large over fenders, angular bridge roof rails and 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels. Inside, it features harder-wearing synthetic leather seat material and front seat heaters.

Davis says the GR Sport version had an additional 70,000 hours of engineering development put into its design and development.

“RAV4 GR Sport combines the best of both worlds with a focus on driving performance,” he continues. 

“It’s less about recreation and all about on-road performance. The GR version is specifically designed for on-road performance whilst keeping the benefits of an SUV for practicality.”

The GR Sport includes 20-inch black machined alloy wheels that are 2.2kg lighter than the equivalent-sized 20-inch wheel on the XSE and Limited hybrid. 

It combines the new AWD PHEV powertrain with high-performance dampers, a stiffer rear suspension brace, retuned suspension and power steering calibration, and a 20mm-wider wheel track.

As the new RAV4 flagship, the GR Sport will be offered exclusively with its sixth-generation 2.5-litre hybrid system, 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery, and front and rear electric motors generating a total output of 227kW.

The interior features include aluminium sports pedals, GR Sport synthetic leather and Brin Naub microsuede accented seats.

Pricing for the new RAV4 starts from $49,990.