The new Rav4 2026 crushes the competition … except on this critical point

A stylized face to face

One would have thought that Toyota would release a Rav4 directly from a boredom generator. Hand. The Japanese bestseller offers a more than honest cosmetic update for 2026, without breaking everything but enough to deserve that we turn our heads on his way. The family air is there, of course, but the design took good protein care and a pinch of audacity. The muzzle sports to Light signature in «Hammerhead»More threatening than a shark in a Sardinian basin.

Three visual temperaments are offered, because obviously you have to satisfy everyone: the model Nucleusfor those who want the discretion of a beige on the beige; the version SportIn particular, the sport gr which takes for a muscular SUV; And finally the declination Robust/forestDedicated to those who love dirt roads … or simply say it on the terrace.

And even if the TNGA-K platform remains unchanged, so no revolution under the skirts, the dimensions are affirmed. The new 20 -inch wheels give a more installed and wider air, without falling into the syndrome «I have too much chrome, look at me». AND A successful visual updatewithout false note or useless extravagance.

Electrification of the program

Only thermal? Dead, buried and we will not cry. Toyota passes the 100 %hybrid range. We are talking about two options here: Classic hybrid (Hev) And Rechargeable hybrid (PHEV). The trendy version climbs a 320 horsesWhich, on a Rav4, is equivalent to attacking a push in a yoga teacher.

Another remarkable point, the rechargeable Rav4 announces a Fifty kilometers in electricenough to bring children to school without turning on the engine. And of course, The whole wheel drive is partWith a choice between traction or AWD depending on the model.

On the techno side, Toyota eliminates great words: New Arenne interfacefollowing driving aid Toyota Safety Sense 4.0And a lot of radar, cameras and various notices that transform the RAV4 by guiding the most vigilant assistant of your front passenger.

High -tech cabin, but not cold

Inside, the RAV4 2026 interprets the scholar student who wants to do well, without doing too much. First observation: Two giant screens are proudOne for the instrumentation (12.3 inches), the other for infotainment (up to 12.9 inches). The wow effect works. Especially if you come from an old model with a screen of the size of an alarm clock.

But be careful, Toyota has decided to Make the physical conditioning buttons disappearJust to force everyone to play with the screen. It’s beautiful, it’s technological, but It is also quite irritating when it is necessary to lower the temperature guiding. In short, enthusiasts enthusiasts can already start complaining.

Fortunately, the materials are in clear progress: the foam wherever necessary, Solid assembliesAnd some finishes inspired by Camry. The space remains generous, the rugs are soft and the storage well thought of. Clear, RAV4 2026 finally has the interior it deserveseven if everything is not perfect.

On the road: Promise detained or not?

This is where things become interesting. Toyota announcement A more rigid frame, Suspensions reworkedand Better treatment of rotary vibrations and noise (NVH). In theory, this means that we are less shaken that in a shaker as soon as the road deteriorates.

The version Gr sport It is more «busy» (understand: a little more solid without being sporty, however), while the variant Woodland Add All-Terrain tires and optimized earth space. No real 4 × 4, of course, but enough to play Sunday advertising on Sunday.

There are some mysteries: Toyota has not yet communicated Data on official consumptionCandies Thoracic volume. Two information, however crucial for families who hesitate with a tucson or a cr-v. It will therefore be necessary to wait for road tests to verify if the promises retain the way … literally and in a figurative sense.

Keep

• The design evolves without shockingwith a true visual leveling.

• No more thermal: place for a 100 % hybrid offerclassic or rechargeable.

• The cabin makes a technological leapBut he loses ergonomics with the disappearance of physical pimples.

• Performance and comfort are in progresswith an improved technical basis.

• Some important details remain unknownsuch as royal consumption or boot space.