New generation RAV4 covers all bases, all needs, and all roads

The sixth generation RAV4 will be hitting New Zealand shores in early 2026.

The RAV4 returns in early 2026 in its sixth generation, with new styling, new technology, and in two firsts for New Zealand for the Number 1 passenger car in the country (and the world) – a Plug-in Hybrid and a GR Sport version.

Now the most popular new passenger car on the planet, the RAV4 has evolved into a truly versatile option for everyday life. It’s just as comfortable on the school run or the daily commute as it is heading off on a weekend adventure with the family. It suits busy professionals like sales reps covering big territories, and for rural families it’s more than capable of handling the drive between town and the farm.

For the first time in New Zealand the sixth generation RAV4 will be available in three distinct designs – starting with Core with a range of grades and powertrains, Adventure for tackling the roads less travelled and, a GR Sport that brings a bold, sleek, sporty edge, developed and built for the driving enthusiast who also needs the versality of a mid-sized SUV.

In another first for the New Zealand market, the RAV4 will feature a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, giving the driver access to higher power output when compared to Hybrid (HEV) variants, achieved by a combination of petrol and electric motors while also offering a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.

Andrew Davis, Toyota New Zealand Chief Strategic Officer says with our adventurous town and country lifestyles, the Plug-in Hybrid RAV4 is a natural next step for Kiwis on their electrification journey.

“This car is an absolute winner for the Kiwi lifestyle – it suits just about everybody. It has a Plug-in Hybrid powertrain built on our sixth generation hybrid technology with a floor mounted high-capacity rechargeable battery. This means pure electric driving is possible for everyone, but the back-up of a petrol tank lets you roam far and wide without stopping to charge or searching for a charger. This provides peace of mind that customers are sometimes looking for when contemplating a move to a different powertrain. Add in the electronic all-wheel drive system to tackle wet or gravel roads, and the very latest Toyota Safety Sense, and you are well sorted for any driving situation.

“Increasingly, we are seeing RAV4 as a core part of the two-vehicle family – either as the larger car pairing with a Yaris or Corolla, or the smaller of a pair when matched with a Hilux or Land Cruiser. In the first case, it might be used for longer trips and family holidays away; in the second case it might be the city car or the farm-to-town car. RAV4 has become the epitome of versatile mobility,” Andrew says.

While Toyota has been focused on self-charging hybrid systems – now found in the majority of new Toyota passenger vehicles in New Zealand – the introduction of a larger battery which can be charged simply via a household power point, or at any compatible charging station found nationwide, is a game changer for the RAV4. 

Not only does it save fuel and carbon emissions, but the combination of its electric motors with the more powerful battery gives the PHEV RAV4 a significant power uplift compared to the standard hybrid powertrain.

“The flexibility of the PHEV RAV4 is going to be key, it’s an evolution of our proven Hybrid (HEV) powertrain, trusted and widely adopted by New Zealanders. As long as there is fuel in the tank the RAV4 PHEV will function as a traditional Hybrid (HEV). But RAV4 PHEV can also be charged at home in your garage – which suits the many Kiwis who live in houses and townhouses with garaging. Or it can even be charged on the road using a DC charging station. When charged, RAV4 PHEV can be driven in pure EV mode, once the PHEV battery is depleted the RAV4 PHEV seamlessly converts back to self-charging hybrid (HEV) mode.”

Andrew says the PHEV models will also appeal to Kiwis looking to contribute to New Zealand's sustainable future with functional pure electric range, lower fuel consumption and significantly reduced carbon emissions.

A sharper look

Andrew Davis says the new RAV4 design is based on three design elements: ‘Big Foot’ with an emphasis on large-diameter tyres and a solidly planted stance on the road, ‘Lift-up’, which encompasses its SUV elevation and a reminder of excellent off-road performance, and ‘Utility’ for its capability and easy-to-use cargo space – extended in the new design.

“These three elements express the unique "RAV4-ness" of a car that feels like it can go anywhere. Which makes the RAV4 an ideal and versatile vehicle for the Kiwi driver who likes to have confident mobility on both town and country roads,” he says.

The ruggedness and solidity of the current RAV4 is accentuated in the new generation model. At the same time, the front bumper and grille across all grades have been redesigned to have a sharper and cleaner look. With a strong C-shaped headlight arrangement and deeper grille, featuring 3D designs, the front of the RAV4 appears more integrated and purposeful.

All new Island architecture

Featuring an interior design based on improving functionality, the RAV4 creates spaces for even better ease of use for the driver. An enhanced entertainment experience with a new multi-media system features swipe across screens to mirror personal digital devices.

Island architecture is a design in which various functions such as displays and switches are grouped together. In addition to a horizontal instrument panel that makes it easy to maintain a sense of balance as an SUV, this architecture offers improved usability by arranging the navigation system, meters, and other elements in such a way that eye movement is reduced.

The centre console's design enhances usability with the thoughtful placement of fast-charging smartphone pads and USB ports. It also comes with a reversible console box lid that can normally be used as an armrest but can serve as a tray when flipped over.

While the overall RAV4 size remains the same, the back door window angle is now more upright resulting in the trunk capacity expansion from the previous 733L to 749L. By making the rear seatbacks even flatter when folded, the ease of storage for longer items has also been improved.

Smarter than ever

The sixth generation RAV4 will be the smartest ever – from its upgraded multi-media system to the latest Toyota Safety Sense.

The latest version of Toyota’s Safety Sense gains safety features such as front cross-traffic alert which is designed to minimise the risk of a collision with crossing traffic at intersections, while the blind spot monitor now includes the rear vehicle approach indicator feature which can alert drivers of rapidly approaching vehicles from behind, allowing them to react accordingly. Upgrades have also been made to the lane change assist, pre-collision system and parking systems.

Andrew Davis says as the leading passenger car in New Zealand and in many markets around the world, the plan for the next generation was to keep improving and enhancing the vehicle.

“Customers who buy RAV4 tell us they love it. So, we are thrilled to see a new generation build on that reputation and bring even more features and benefits for the driver and their passengers. We are excited for the Plug-in Hybrid and what it can offer Kiwi drivers – for both business and private owners. And we can’t wait to see the RAV4 GR Sport – it’s going to be stunning,” he says.

First customer orders of the sixth generation RAV4 are expected to land in New Zealand in the first half of 2026. Toyota Stores will have demonstration vehicles in stores from early 2026. Customers can currently register their interest in a new RAV4 online or with their local Toyota Store.

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