PHEV for RAV4 range
The 2026 RAV4 line-up will provide a range of options for buyers with three styles, and two powertrains and drivetrains, on offer.
The expanded selection of the model’s sixth iteration will also mark the introduction of Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for New Zealand.
Andrew Davis, chief strategy officer of Toyota NZ, says: “The RAV4 has been the best-selling passenger vehicle in the country for the past three years and this new generation will broaden its appeal even further.
“The introduction of the PHEV showcases our multi-pathway approach to electrification by offering a range of powertrains suited to different applications, with our plug-in hybrid delivering high levels of performance and efficiency.
“We expect the PHEV to be highly popular. It will provide a long-term mobility solution for some and a stress-free transition from hybrid to electric vehicle for others.”
The first new RAV4 style is the Core, “ticking the box of many customers due to the different options offered”. These are the base-grade, mid-range and fully featured petrol hybrids as well as the highly specified PHEV.
Then there’s the Adventure, which will appeal to those with a focus on the outdoors. The GR Sport will occupy a place of its own with the best-performing powertrain and other performance aspects for a “unique GR driving experience”.
The PHEV’s electric-only driving range is “enough to satisfy the daily needs of most drivers”. Its powertrain will be available in three variants – a front-wheel drive (FWD) GXL, AWD XSE and AWD GR Sport grade.
Toyota NZ has structured the new range to meet the needs of three key groups of customers – private customers, business and fleet buyers, and driving enthusiasts.
As the new RAV4 flagship, the GR Sport will only be offered with the PHEV AWD. Based on the sixth-generation 2.5-litre hybrid system, 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery, and powerful front and rear electric motors, it produces a maximum combined total system output of 227kW. It will be the most powerful RAV4 in New Zealand to date.
The PHEV RAV4’s demonstration models are slated to arrive here in mid-2026, and Davis says customers will be able to physically feel the difference between the standard hybrid and enhanced plug-in with its extra 84kW of power.
The bigger battery is set low into the chassis and is coupled with more power, enhanced steering, a wider wheel track and lightweight alloys.
Enhanced performance for the GR Sport is delivered via its AWD plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 227kW paired with sport-tuned suspension, high-performance dampers and stiffer rear brace.
The focus for the 2026 RAV4 Core grades centres on delivering a refined, versatile SUV experience “tailored to everyday urban driving with a strong emphasis on hybrid efficiency, comfort and value” for a range of private and commercial budgets.
The Core will be available in four grades – the GX HEV FWD and AWD, GXL HEV FWD, AWD and FWD PHEV, XSE PHEV AWD and Limited HEV AWD. The XSE PHEV AWD sits in a mid-point between the GXL and fully specified Limited.
All hybrid grades employ a fifth-generation system with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and either FWD or e-four AWD for a combined total system output of 143kW.
The GX RAV4 grades will feature standard specification and safety equipment, including 17-inch dark grey alloys, LED auto-levelling headlights, and a 10.5-inch multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The popular GXL grade increases luxury with features including 18-inch alloy wheels, rear and side privacy glass, leather-accented steering wheel and shift knob, eight-way electric driver’s seat adjustment with two-way lumbar support and a wireless smartphone charger.
The penultimate PHEV grade is the XSE AWD, adding stylish 20-inch black alloys, dark stainless steel-look window frame moulding, tilt and slide moonroof and two-tone exterior paint.
Inside, the XSE gains combination synthetic leather and ultrasuede upholstery, three-stage front-seat heating and ventilation, driver memory, electric front-passenger seat adjustment, panoramic view monitor and climate concierge.
The Limited grade offers 20-inch machined black alloys, high-grade LED headlights, tilt and slide panoramic roof, leather-accented seat trim, head-up display, dual wireless smartphone chargers, digital rearview mirror and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.
Like other hybrid AWD grades, the Adventure features downhill assist control and a trail and snow drive mode. This tailors the traction control system to provide extra grip in slippery conditions. Its specifications have been reset, “anchoring itself around adventurous lifestyle and light off-road usage”.
The Adventure has a bridge-type roof rails and more rugged styling. Available exclusively as an AWD hybrid, it has unique front and rear bumpers with integrated silver skid plate and wider black reinforced wheel arches. Other enhancements include synthetic leather upholstery, two-stage heated front seats, a powered back door and larger 12.9-inch touchscreen.
