2026 Toyota RAV4 at Brisbane’s Downtown Toyota
Posted in New Car News
The RAV4 has always been one of the most popular SUVs on Australian roads, but the 2026 RAV4 model is shaping up to take things to another level. The big news this time around is the introduction of Toyota’s first-ever Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) for the RAV4, alongside the latest fifth-generation hybrid system and a new GR Sport model sitting at the top of the range.
We’re expecting to see the new RAV4 arrive toward the end of the second quarter of 2026, and there’s a lot to look forward to so we caught up with Jon Wimhurst, one of our Senior new car sales team members to find out more.
A Plug-In Hybrid Option for the First Time
The new lineup will include two key grades that bring something fresh to the RAV4 family, the XSE and the GR Sport. Both will be available with Toyota’s plug-in hybrid technology, giving drivers the best of both worlds; electric driving when you want it and hybrid petrol performance when you need it.
The plug-in hybrid setup offers around 100 kilometres of electric-only range, which means that for a lot of owners, particularly in Brisbane, you could do your daily commute or school runs for most of the week without using any fuel at all. You’ll be able to charge it at home or at the growing number of public charging stations, and when the battery runs low, the hybrid system takes over automatically.
For those who prefer the traditional setup, the familiar 2.5-litre hybrid petrol drivetrain is still available across the GX, GXL, Cruiser, and Edge grades, now with Toyota’s latest hybrid technology for smoother, more responsive performance.
GR Sport The Pinnacle of the Range
The new GR Sport is what I’d call the flagship of the lineup. It looks sharper, drives sportier, and stands out from the rest. You’ll notice the differences straight away, a more aggressive front grille design, smoked alloy wheels (around 19 or 20 inches), GR badging through the cabin, and brushed aluminium pedals. The stance alone gives it a stronger presence on the road.
Underneath, the GR Sport gets a wider track, tuned suspension, and a stiffer chassis for a more dynamic drive. And with the PHEV AWD powertrain, you get up to 227 kW of power and 0–100 km/h in around 6.1 seconds, so it’s quick when you want it to be.
Advanced Tech and Connectivity
Inside, the RAV4 is stepping into a new era of technology. The updated multimedia system is designed to make life easier, working in perfect sync with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. From what we know so far, it will be more intuitive with your preferences and even some driving habits to make everyday use more seamless.
It’s all about giving you the information you need quickly and clearly, while keeping the focus on the drive.
Smarter Safety Than Ever
Every 2026 RAV4 comes with the latest Toyota Safety Sense, which is Toyota’s most advanced safety suite yet. It builds on the features we already know and trust, such as pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure alert, and pre-collision systems, and adds a few smart new ones.
There’s Intersection Collision Avoidance, which can detect vehicles coming from either side when you pull out into traffic, and Safe Exit Assist, which warns you if there’s a car approaching when you go to open your door on the roadside.
It’s the kind of technology that keeps evolving, this new generation is even described as Toyota’s first step towards software-defined vehicles, meaning future updates could make it even smarter over time.
Everyday Efficiency and Reliability
Since the introduction of hybrid power in the RAV4 back in 2019, this model has built a strong reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency. You’re looking at over 900 kilometres per tank from around 55 litres of fuel, which is impressive for a mid-size SUV packed with so many features.
For many drivers, it’s that mix of comfort, space, and efficiency that makes the RAV4 such a standout. You get all the creature comforts you’d expect, without compromising on range or capability.
Register Your Interest
At the moment, we’ve only got limited details available, but customers can already register their interest or pre-order the new RAV4. We’re starting to see some early pre-orders come through already, similar to what happened before the launch of the new Prado, so if you’d like to be one of the first to get behind the wheel when the 2026 RAV4 lands, it’s worth getting in touch early.
Wherever your journey takes you, there’s a RAV4 ready to match your lifestyle, and with more choices than ever before, including Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid SUV, the future of RAV4 is looking better than ever.
Contact Jon Wimhurst or the Downtown Toyota team today to find out more or register your interest in the 2026 RAV4 below.
