The new Toyota RAV4 tested: How do you keep a hit?

The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 arrives with a new design, an improved and more efficient powertrain, and above all, a global reputation built over decades. Back in 1994, it was not yet clear where Toyota was taking the SUV market; rugged off-road enthusiasts mocked the refined “soft-roader,” demonstrated how easily it could be stuck in technical terrain, and called it a “Fun Cruiser for choir girls.” But while people were laughing, the RAV4 quietly impressed in sales - 15 million units have been sold worldwide. It is the best-selling private vehicle in the United States (excluding pickup trucks), and globally it has been competing head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y for the title of the world’s best-selling car. Thanks to its phenomenal success, the entire automotive industry shifted toward crossovers - from small city models, through people carriers, to sporty variants.

Over the years, Toyota has managed to preserve the RAV4’s original DNA, and today we take the sixth generation for its first test in Israel. We wanted to see what has changed and what has been removed from the specification. Even more importantly, we try to assess how the new RAV4 will cope with the volatile 2026 market, a market filled with crossovers from around the world, including a wave of Chinese electrification. Toyota importers proudly note that the base model price has increased by only NIS 5,000 compared to the outgoing generation - a respectable achievement given the many improvements. That would be more convincing if we did not also know that currency rates for the dollar, euro, and yen have fallen in the meantime, while other importers are actually lowering prices, including Mazda.

We tested the E-Exclusive version priced at NIS 276,000; like most RAV4s arriving in Israel, this is a hybrid with front-wheel drive and a single electric motor. Combined output is 185 hp, and the trim level is relatively high. Above it sits the Sky AWD version, which adds a panoramic roof, all-wheel drive (AWD), and additional features, pushing the price to NIS 300,000. Below the test car are the E-Motion version at NIS 240,000 and the base E-Experience at NIS 220,000.

For context, the Hyundai Tucson hybrid with AWD starts at NIS 200,000, the Kia Sportage hybrid with front-wheel drive at NIS 190,000, and the MG HS hybrid with front-wheel drive at NIS 180,000. Soon, the Subaru Forester hybrid will also arrive, offering Japanese reputation and strong resale value, along with superior off-road capability. The battle for customers’ wallets will be tougher than ever.

The 2026 RAV4 is based on the familiar TNGA platform, and its dimensions are almost identical to the outgoing model - 4.60 meters bumper to bumper, 1.855 meters wide, 1.68 meters tall. The wheelbase remains 2.69 meters, with a curb weight of 1,655 kg for the test version. The proportions have not changed, but the exterior design is completely new. The sixth-generation RAV4 is more rugged and chiseled than before - full of sharp lines and angles. The hood features two prominent metal creases, and the front grille is square and vertical, with a nearly agricultural design.

Large air intakes hint at sporty ambitions, and the new lighting units are impressive and elegant. The wheel arches have grown significantly, and the rear has a bold, angular finish. The rear lights are styled in a modern electric-vehicle-inspired theme, with a faux rear skid plate. The new design tries to inject visual elements from the new Land Cruiser into this family crossover - and it works fairly well, for those not looking for a subtle urban vehicle.

The sharp design language continues inside, with a dashboard sculpted in straight, angular lines. There are no curved surfaces; everything conveys visual toughness and an intentional “adventure vehicle” feel. In general, it looks good, with some exceptions such as the oversized square drive-mode switches.

We were not impressed by the material quality in most of the cabin - while the light upholstery is pleasant and soft, the rest of the plastics feel hard to the eye and touch. In fact, material quality here is lower than in the outgoing model. We also missed even minimal ambient lighting - the cabin is completely dark at night. At NIS 276,000, and in an era where Chinese competitors offer far more luxurious interiors, we expected more.

On the other hand, this is a very comfortable, practical, and ergonomic cabin. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and in the E-Exclusive trim they are leather, electrically adjustable, heated, and ventilated. The 12.9-inch infotainment screen is bright and clear, but there are also many physical controls - for audio, climate control, drive modes, and more - along with a good head-up display. There is no need to dig through menus; everything is intuitive and within reach, which we really appreciated. Wireless iPhone connectivity is available, but Android requires a physical cable - welcome to the sixties! The center console is practical and modular, the steering wheel is well-sized and positioned, and it is easy to find a commanding driving position.

The designers found space for plenty of storage: Two wireless charging pads, and beneath them a compartment for wallets or keys. There are two cupholders, a useful armrest, storage in each door, and even a small shelf for the front passenger. On the downside, the wide center console and door-mounted window controls reduce knee and leg space, even though they look good.

In the rear, there is good space for two adults; a third will feel cramped. Rear passengers get heated seats, air vents, and two high-power charging ports. A sunroof is available only in the expensive Sky AWD version.

The trunk is electrically operated and very spacious, with secure tie-down hooks. The rear seats can be folded to create a flat loading or sleeping area. Under the floor there is space for a spare wheel, but the importer does not provide one. We recommend adding one after purchase - in Australia, this is standard equipment (not in plug-in versions). It will later be offered as an accessory in Union showrooms.

The TSS 4.0 safety suite provides a wide technological umbrella, including emergency braking, lane centering, cross-traffic detection, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane change assistance, and more. There is also excellent automatic parking for parallel or perpendicular spaces. If that is not enough, there are eight airbags. A 360-degree camera system assists in city driving and parking.

Trim levels include:

In an era when global attention is focused on the Strait of Hormuz and the impact of its closure on fuel prices, fuel consumption is especially important. Accordingly, Toyota has stopped offering a non-hybrid version of the RAV4 in Israel. To reduce consumption, the new RAV4 has lost 33 horsepower compared to before, now producing 185 hp (compared, for example, to the Hyundai Tucson’s 230 hp). However, improvements in transmission tuning and electric motor integration allow it to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 8.0 seconds. In the electric age, this figure is not impressive, but on the road the car does not feel underpowered. It is responsive and lively, and fully meets expectations of a family crossover.

The Sky AWD version improves the sprint by 0.3 seconds - essentially irrelevant. The plug-in hybrid version will be quicker, but it is not here yet.

A pleasant surprise awaited us at the fuel pump. Toyota claims 19.2 km/l in combined driving for this version with 20-inch wheels, and we did not quite reach that. However, during the test we achieved an average of 17.8 km/l in intercity driving at 110–125 km/h, including Highway 6 at over 130, some hilly sections, and light off-road use. After adding urban and suburban driving, the average improved to 20.2 km/l over the test period. This is an excellent figure, even better than the manufacturer’s official rating. In practice, it is also better than what most plug-in hybrid competitors achieve when they are not charged regularly.

It is possible to drive in full electric mode, but only for very short distances - just a few hundred meters. Towing capacity is high, up to 2,000 kg. Globally, a sporty GR version exists with lowered suspension tuned by Toyota’s GAZOO Racing division, wider track, sharper steering, and aerodynamic aids. Due to pricing, it will not be sold in Israel.

While performance and efficiency are strong points, ride refinement is less impressive. Under gentle driving, the petrol and electric systems work well and most drivers will be satisfied. But when more power is needed - quick acceleration, overtaking, or hill climbs - the engine rises to 3,200–3,600 rpm, where its power band sits. This is accompanied by an unpleasant CVT-like droning noise. At steady urban or highway speeds, it is less noticeable.

Ride comfort is surprisingly good, even though the 235/50R20 tires are somewhat too sporty. The base version uses more comfortable 235/60R18 tires, but these are not available on higher trims. Even with 20-inch wheels, the RAV4 absorbs highway and urban bumps well and does not crash over imperfections like some rivals. On light trails, it handles minor surface disruptions adequately. The engineers have struck a good balance between comfort and body control.

The RAV4 is not a sporty SUV, but it can still be enjoyable on winding roads. Steering weight is good, the brakes bite but lack feel, and body movements are well controlled. Push harder and the stability system intervenes, which is appropriate for a family crossover. What pulls you back to a relaxed pace is mainly engine noise - it constantly sits at high revs and becomes intrusive.

Off-road driving? The original RAV4 had respectable capability, but not this modern version. With 18.6 cm of ground clearance and road-biased tires, it is no longer suited for serious off-road use. It will not match a Subaru Forester in this regard, but that is not the goal. The new RAV4 is intended to offer a bit more capability than a regular family car for light outings and picnics. The Sky AWD version is slightly better thanks to AWD, but still uses road-focused tires. In the US, a Woodland version is sold with higher ground clearance, underbody protection, and more off-road-oriented tires, but it will not arrive here.

The latest RAV4 fits perfectly into the segment it created decades ago, while preserving the brand’s values. In 2026 it is more refined and efficient, offering a strong blend of practicality and family usability, with high confidence in reliability and resale value. It is not a car for off-road enthusiasts or driving purists, but it serves family buyers very well. The main drawback is its relatively high price, which will struggle against alternatives from Japan, Korea, and China. Still, many customers will likely buy it without hesitation, assuming that fuel savings and strong resale value will offset the higher purchase price.

3 years or 100,000 km, extendable for an additional fee