Toyota’s RAV4, the automaker’s bestselling vehicle, is on track to reach nearly 500,000 units sold in the United States this year, potentially surpassing even some of the big three pickup trucks, like RAM, in total sales. This impressive feat is largely attributed to the RAV4 Hybrid, whose sales have surged by 95% this year.
We’ll be receiving the sales numbers for July later today, so stay tuned for updates. The RAV4 Prime has also seen a significant increase of 56% in sales this year and an astonishing 153% surge in June alone.
In this post, we’ll look into a couple of recent articles—one from the U.S. and one from Japan—to get a comprehensive view of what’s coming for the 2026 Toyota RAV4. If you’re excited about the new RAV4, make sure to hit the like button and stay tuned as we discuss what to expect from this highly anticipated model.
RAV4 Redesign: Don’t Mess with Success
Toyota appears to be taking a page from the Camry’s playbook with their approach to the RAV4 redesign. The RAV4 will continue to use the successful K platform that also underpins the Camry, Highlander, Grand Highlander, and Sienna. The strategy is to update the platform while retaining its core attributes. If the RAV4 replicates the success of the Camry, which has transitioned fully to hybrid powertrains, it will retain the K platform but with notable changes.
The latest Camry, despite looking similar on the outside, offers a smoother ride, refined suspension, brake tuning, and an improved fifth-generation hybrid system, making it a much better vehicle than its predecessor.
Andrew Gillan, head of Automotive Operations at Toyota, highlighted that the RAV4 will cater to American consumers’ desire for small, capable SUVs. Based on available information, the 2026 RAV4 will offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and potentially fully electric versions.
Cooper Ericson noted that Toyota aims to provide customers with more of what they want while meeting stringent emissions and fuel economy regulations. If the RAV4 continues to build on the success of the hybrid 2025 Camry, it will likely keep the same successful formula. Toyota’s approach will involve refining the current model, enhancing technology, and improving the driving and riding experience without a dramatic overhaul.
Check – 2025 Toyota RAV4: You Won’t Believe What’s New
2026 RAV4: What to Expect
The RAV4’s best-selling year ever was in 2019, and it is on pace to surpass that record this year. Although Cooper Ericson couldn’t confirm the exact details of the 2026 RAV4 makeover, he suggested that any changes would be incremental rather than revolutionary. The goal is to refine the vehicle, making it better and more appealing while keeping its successful formula intact.
The next-generation RAV4, known by its development code 310D, is expected to launch in the second half of 2025 as a 2026 model. However, timelines are fluid, and delays are possible. The new model will feature next-generation software from Toyota, which will underpin all future vehicles in a software-defined era. This software will support over-the-air updates, akin to Tesla’s system, although the vehicle will still offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
In Japan, there’s speculation that the 2026 RAV4 could introduce a fully electric variant, potentially replacing the bZ 4X. The idea is to offer a more familiar and appealing vehicle rather than starting from scratch with a new model.
The North Carolina battery plant, set to begin operations in 2025, will produce cells for hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs. This could lead to higher volumes and potentially lower costs for the RAV4 Prime, which is already one of the most versatile and compelling products on the market.
The fifth-generation hybrid system, which will likely carry over from the Camry, is expected to offer 225 horsepower for front-wheel-drive RAV4 hybrids, with potential options for front-wheel-drive hybrids to reduce costs. There might also be all-wheel-drive hybrids with 232 horsepower and possibly an all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid with increased electric range and power.
The 2026 RAV4 is anticipated to make its debut at the LA Auto Show, which has become a significant venue for Toyota’s major product reveals in recent years. While the vehicle may look familiar on the outside, significant changes are expected underneath, with advancements in software and technology.
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