Toyota this week revealed its sixth generation RAV4 SUV due in the first half of 2026. The hybrid only RAV 4 range will introduce Toyota’s first plug-in PHEV powertrain offering a choice of 2WD or 4WD and targeting up to 100km of electric-only driving range.



The RAV 4 first arrived in 1994 and has since attracted more than 500,000 sales. According to Sean Handley, Toyota Australia’s Vice-President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations “Since the 2001 launch of Toyotas first hybrid electric vehicle in Australia, we have led the development of hybrid technology that is refined, powerful and efficient, delivering customer confidence for quality, durability and reliability. With the launch of our first plug-in hybrid, we are taking that broad customer appeal in a diversified powertrain landscape to a whole new level.


Underpinning the new plug-in hybrid system is a 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with a new 22.7kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery that will provide a targeted electric only driving range of up to 100km1 based on the WLTP cycle.
Electric driving range is maximised with the help of geofencing technology, combining real-time road and traffic data along with insights from the driver’s typical routes and driving style, to automatically switch between hybrid and electric modes. The new battery supports DC fast charging with a 50kW onboard charger, which can replenish the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes, while a new 11kW AC charger provides speedy recharging in as little as three hours.2
An improved front electric motor now develops a powerful 150kW, which on AWD grades provides a potent combined system output of 227kW which helps the RAV4 reach 100km/h from standstill in just 5.8 seconds. A more affordable 2WD PHEV system will also be offered on RAV4, achieving a total system output of 201kW.

Along with the plug-in (PHEV) options, the RAV4 will be available with Toyota’s popular and efficient series-parallel hybrid system in AWD and 2WD configurations, both of which produce 143kW combined with excellent fuel economy. The hybrid systems use Toyota latest technology with enhanced efficiency for the transaxle, PCU, battery and electric motors.


Along with smooth, frugal and responsive power delivery, the PHEV system offers enhanced driving dynamics thanks to its lower centre of gravity and improved body rigidity from the battery’s placement under the vehicle floor.An optimised system layout relocates more components into the engine bay to liberate more space in the cabin.
Along with PHEV options, the RAV4 will be available with Toyota’s popular and efficient series-parallel hybrid system in AWD and 2WD configurations, both of which produce 143kW combined with excellent fuel economy. The hybrid systems use Toyota latest technology with enhanced efficiency for the transaxle, PCU, battery and electric motors.
The flagship of the sixth-generation RAV4 range will be the newly introduced GR Sport variant available exclusively in PHEV AWD guise, bringing motorsport-inspired driving character and unique visual flair which sets it apart from the rest of the line-up.