Three styles of new RAV4 – which one suits you?

Arriving in three distinct styles, with two powertrains and drivetrains on offer, the 2026 RAV4 line up will provide a versatile range of options to meet all RAV4 customers’ mobility needs.

Over the years, the RAV4 has proven to be a vehicle that appeals to all markets, all ages and all occupations. Taking the number one passenger vehicle spot in New Zealand and in other major markets, such as the United States, the RAV4 provides safe, efficient and reliable mobility for all. In fact, with over a million vehicles sold to date this year, it is the world’s most popular passenger and recreational vehicle.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Strategy Officer, Andrew Davis, says the expanded RAV4 range and introduction of Toyota’s first Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for New Zealand will make the new (sixth) generation RAV4 even more appealing for customers.

“The RAV4 has been hugely successful in New Zealand, having been the best-selling passenger vehicle in the country for the past three years and this new generation model will broaden its appeal even further,” Andrew says.

“The introduction of the new PHEV powertrain showcases our multi-pathway approach to electrification by offering a range of powertrain options suited to different applications, with our Plug-in Hybrid delivering both high levels of performance and efficiency.”

Andrew says Toyota New Zealand is truly excited about presenting the PHEV RAV4 to its customers in 2026 as this vehicle might well be the ultimate mobility solution for many different car buyers – from dashing to afterschool practices to your on-the-road office.

“We expect the PHEV to be highly popular as it will provide a long-term mobility solution for some, or a stress-free transition from hybrid to electric vehicle for others. Either way, we will meet many Kiwi’s mobility needs – as a weekday commuter and weekend explorer, or for fleets that require an efficient low operating cost car likely to rack up the kilometres in town or country.”

Select a style that meets your desires 

The new generation RAV4 will be even more versatile with its matrix of powertrain, drivetrain and grades to choose from, meeting a range of requirements. The first style is Core, ticking the box of many customers due to the different options offered – base grade hybrids (HEV), mid-range HEVs, fully featured HEV, as well as a highly spec’d PHEV.

The next is an Adventure style which will appeal to those with a focus on the outdoors. And the option of a GR Sport will occupy a special place of its own, with the best performing powertrain as well as other performance aspects, offering a unique GR driving experience.

Go far with PHEV

The PHEV appeals with the electric-only driving range, enough to satisfy the daily needs of most drivers. The PHEV powertrain will be available in three variants – a front-wheel drive (FWD) GXL and all-wheel drive (AWD) XSE – and in the exciting new (AWD) GR Sport grade.

The RAV4 PHEV is designed to fit the Kiwi lifestyle – offering electric driving for everyday trips and hybrid efficiency for longer journeys. Charge it overnight in your garage and enjoy pure EV mode around town, avoiding petrol stations during the week. When it’s time to head out of town, the hybrid system seamlessly takes over, removing range anxiety and delivering a smooth, flexible driving experience. Whether commuting or escaping to the bach, the RAV4 PHEV keeps Kiwis moving.

Toyota NZ has structured the new RAV4 model range to meet the needs of three key groups of customers – private customers, business and fleet buyers, and driving enthusiasts.

For example, the FWD version of the Plug-in Hybrid GXL will appeal to private, business and fleet customers who are looking for fuel and CO2 savings but don’t necessarily require an AWD system. Whereas the AWD PHEV will be available in two higher grades – the XSE for customers who are looking to step up from the current RAV4 AWD Hybrids and the GR Sport, which will be the top RAV4 grade with enhanced driving performance.

GR Sport for the driving enthusiast

As the new generation RAV4 flagship, the GR Sport will only be offered with the new PHEV AWD powertrain. Based on the new sixth generation 2.5-litre hybrid system, 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery, and powerful front and rear electric motors generating a maximum combined total system output of 227kW, the RAV4 GR Sport will be the most powerful RAV4 in New Zealand to date.

When PHEV RAV4 demonstration models arrive in Toyota Stores mid-2026, customers will be able to physically feel the difference between the standard HEV system and the enhanced PHEV with its additional 84kW of power.

The bigger battery set low into the chassis, coupled with more power, enhanced steering, a wider wheel track and lightweight alloy wheels will give drivers a thrill and send pulses racing – not bad for a mid-sized family SUV!

GR Sport delivers significantly enhanced performance through its exclusive AWD plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 227kW, paired with sport-tuned suspension, high-performance dampers, a stiffer rear brace, and a wider track for sharper handling and road agility.

Core – the urban hero

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.

Core models are available in four grades: 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 happy mid-point between the GXL and fully spec’d Limited.

All hybrid grades employ a fifth-generation hybrid system with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and either front-wheel drive or e-four all-wheel drive producing a combined total system output of 143kW regardless of FWD or AWD, while providing typically smooth operation.

GX RAV4 grades will feature comprehensive standard specification and safety equipment, including 17-inch dark grey alloy wheels, 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, privacy rear and side 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 alloy wheels, 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.

Limited grade offers 20-inch machined black alloy wheels, 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, among other features.

Adventure – for roads less travelled

RAV4 owners who like to head to the mountains for skiing or in summer for mountain biking would appreciate the rugged design of the Adventure. Like other hybrid AWD grades, Adventure features downhill assist control and a trail and snow drive mode which tailors the vehicle’s traction control system to provide extra grip in slippery conditions.

The specification levels for the Adventure grade have been reset for 2026, anchoring itself around the adventurous lifestyle and light off-road usage.

The Adventure looks the part outdoors, with bridge-type roof rails and more rugged styling. The repositioned Adventure, available exclusively as an all-wheel-drive hybrid, stands out among the RAV4 range with its unique front and rear bumpers with integrated silver skid plate and wider black reinforced wheel arches. Other enhancements include synthetic leather upholstery available in both Black and Mineral, two-stage heated front seats, a powered back door and a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen. 

The 2026 RAV4 matrix – Customers can select a combination of powertrain, drive train and grade that meets their need and budget: 

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