I Just Bought A 2025 Toyota RAV4 Right Before They Announced the All-New 2026 Model, I Made a Big Mistake, I Should Have Waited

James is another 2025 Toyota RAV4 owner with buyer's remorse.

James shares his regret on the Toyota RAV4 Owners Facebook page. He laments not waiting for the 2026 model, a decision he made just before the new 2026 RAV4 Hybrid was announced. His story serves as a valuable lesson for potential buyers, informing them about the importance of considering future models before making a purchase. What would you do?

James says, 

"I just bought a new 2025 RAV 4 XLE premium for $48,000, including tax (in Canada). I'm having buyer's remorse because I didn't wait for the 2026 model. I decided to buy a 2025 model year right before the new 2026 RAV4 Hybrid was announced a few days ago." 

Imagine James, who likes the Toyota RAV4. He goes to the dealer, negotiates the best deal, and three days later, Toyota announces the redesigned 2026 RAV4.

James reads the reports from different automotive websites, and he likes what he sees and reads. He doesn't know the price of the 2026 model year yet, but he knows what he just paid for his 2025 RAV4. However, he's already signed the papers with the Toyota dealer, and it's too late to cancel his order. 

Now, James is having buyer's remorse. 

He says, "I am taking delivery of the new car on Monday, as the previous buyer has canceled their order. I still can't get over the feeling that I wouldn't want to spend more for a 2026 hybrid model if it's more than $10,000 compared to the 2025 model. I made a big mistake; I should have waited.”

What Should James Do Now?

After he saw the all-new, redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, he wished he had waited. But is buying an all-new model a good idea?

This raises a question for those who have not purchased a 2025 RAV4 and are wondering if they should wait for the redesigned 2026 model.

It's a dilemma many Toyota RAV4 buyers now face, as the 2026 RAV4 is expected to begin arriving at Toyota dealers this fall. You still have time to decide. 

First, what new technology is coming on the 2026 RAV4?

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 introduces a new hybrid-only powertrain, along with a redesigned interior and updated technology features. The new RAV4 will offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, with the plug-in hybrid model featuring a more extended electric-only range and faster charging capabilities. 

Powertrain:

• Hybrid-only: The 2026 RAV4 will be available exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, which includes both a standard hybrid and a new plug-in hybrid version.
• Plug-in Hybrid: The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a high-capacity traction battery, offering an increased electric-only driving range of up to 50 miles.
• Fifth-generation hybrid system: The RAV4 Hybrid will debut Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, which includes improvements to the transaxle, power control unit, battery, and other components, all contributing to its enhanced motor output. 

Interior and Infotainment:

• Redesigned interior: The 2026 RAV4 interior features a redesigned center console with a two-way closure on the storage bin.
• Shift-by-wire system: Select grades will feature a new shift-by-wire system with a minimalist toggle switch, adding a more modern feel.
• Infotainment system: The RAV4 will come standard with a 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher-end trims will offer a 12.9-inch display. Both screens will feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
• Toyota Audio Multimedia System: The new RAV4 debuts with an updated version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia System. 

Safety and Driver Assistance:

• Toyota Safety Sense 4.0: The RAV4 will include a new version of the Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite.
• Proactive Driving Assist: The RAV4 will feature Proactive Driving Assist, Lane Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with adjustable distances.
• Enhanced detection devices: The safety systems will feature more advanced detection devices to help identify pedestrians, cyclists, and other obstacles more effectively. 

What is the Price of the 2026 Toyota RAV4?

The price of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is expected to start around $33,000 to $35,000 for the base model, according to CarsDirect. However, prices for different trims and options could range up to $51,000, according to Car and Driver. 

CarsDirect says, "Shoppers could be looking at spending around $35,000 to get into an entry-level RAV4 for 2026 compared to $30,000 for 2025."

"The expected price increase for the 2026 RAV4, though, does bring some upsides. The move to a standard hybrid engine makes the 2026 RAV4 more powerful than the 2025 model." 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the estimated pricing:

• Base Model (LE Hybrid): Around $34,000.
• XLE Hybrid: Around $36,000.
• Woodland Hybrid: Around $37,000.
• SE Hybrid: Around $37,000.
• XSE Hybrid: Around $40,000.
• Limited Hybrid: Around $42,000.
• SE PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid): Around $45,000.
• Woodland PHEV: Around $45,000.
• XSE PHEV: Around $49,000.
• GR Sport PHEV: Around $51,000. 

Key Points to Note:

1. The 2026 RAV4 will be available in a hybrid-only trim level, offering both hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options.
2. The GR Sport model will be a top-tier option with a higher price tag.
3. Pricing is estimated and may vary depending on trim, options, and location. 

Now, For the Big Question: Should You Buy the 2025 RAV4 or Wait?

Consumer Reports generally advises waiting for a car's first year of a new model or remodel to be riskier due to potential bugs and issues that may be addressed in later years. However, buying the first year can provide the opportunity to purchase a new vehicle with all the latest features and technology that the 2026 RAV4 will come with.

Pros and Cons of Buying the 2026 RAV4

Potential Downsides of Buying the First Year:

• Higher risk of "bugs" and issues: New models often have unforeseen problems that are not fully discovered until after they've been on the road for a while, according to a Reddit thread.
• Potential for less desirable features: Later years of a model might include features or improvements that were not available in the first year.
• Lower resale value: First-year models may depreciate more quickly due to the potential for "bugs" or the introduction of better features in later years. 

Potential Upsides of Buying the First Year: 

• New Features and Technology: The first year of a remodel often introduces new features and technologies that are not available in previous models.
• Potential for lower prices later on: As newer models are released, older first-year models might be discounted. 

Other Factors to Consider:

• Reliability: Some sources suggest that the last year of a model generation is often the most reliable, as many issues have been ironed out.
• Personal preferences: Consider what is most important to you in a vehicle and whether the new features and technology are worth the potential risk.
• Budget: If you're on a tight budget, consider waiting two or three years to see if prices drop. 

Here Is Another RAV4 Buyer with Buyer's Remorse

Imagine buying a new vehicle for $35,000, having driven it only 1,000 miles, and being unhappy with your purchase. You are so dissatisfied with the car that you are ready to trade it in. 

Bruce Collins is very disappointed in his new 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium trim level. He has only 1,000 miles on the new SUV and is ready to trade it in, but not for the same reason as James. 

Bruce Has Buyer's Remorse After Two Months.

He dislikes the new small SUV for several reasons. Here are his concerns. 

He says on the Toyota RAV4 Owners Facebook page,

"I just bought the ICE RAV4 AWD XLE Premium on April 30 and put about 1000 miles on it. What can I get for a trade-in? This car is a total disappointment."

What's wrong with the 2025 RAV4 that Bruce owns? He says,

1. The seat is uncomfortable and causes hip/back pain
2. The engine is very whiny
3. The car is slow and goes nowhere
4. The lane keep assist doesn't work well at all - it doesn't keep the car in the lane - alerts you when you get close to the lines
5. The adaptive cruise control is clunky and jerky, and it brakes abruptly, like a novice driver.

Bruce concludes, "I'm hoping to swap it for a Chevrolet or VW SUV, as this Toyota RAV4 is unacceptable."

Are Bruce's Concerns Legitimate? 

Another Facebook user, Greg Johnson, says, "I test-drove a 2025 RAV4 non-hybrid and thought the same thing, especially the lack of power. I ended up spending a bit extra and got a hybrid, and I love it. The seat isn't perfect, but I've added a special cushion to alleviate my sciatica. I find the lane assist and cruise control to be fine, not perfect, but acceptable. If you get rid of it, I would lean toward the Honda CR-V before anything else."  

Matt Kuhn - "I'm ok with the lane assist and drive 70 miles a day and don't have an issue with the seat except for the heat seat part, it sucks it's seems like it's just a tiny area under your butt. I have a HEV AWD, and the engine is great, and it'll get up and go in sports mode since it has a small rear engine also." 

"But I would agree the automatic cruise is frickin terrible. Someone in front of me moves into my lane and slams on the brakes; there is a decent distance between us. And yes, I am aware of the different distance levels. It could cause an accident."

Should Bruce Trade In His RAV4?

Trading in a car with only 1000 miles will result in a significant loss in value due to depreciation. The car's value drops as soon as it's driven off the lot, and dealerships offer less for trade-ins than they would for sale to the public. 

Bruce will likely have negative equity, where he owes more on the car he buys than the trade-in value, requiring him to cover the difference, potentially rolling it into a new loan and increasing his debt. 

Progressive Insurance states that trading in a new car will result in a significant depreciation of its value, potentially leading to a substantial financial loss. The car's value will drop the moment it's considered used, and a Volkswagen or Chevrolet dealer will offer a much lower trade-in value than the original purchase price. 

Conclusion

Both James and Bruce will lose a considerable amount of money if they trade in their 2025 Toyota RAV4 SUVs. Both owners experience buyer's remorse for different reasons, and it's a valuable lesson to thoroughly research a new vehicle before making a purchase. It could save you thousands of dollars. 

How About You?

Are you looking at the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4? Will you buy the 2025 model year or wait for the redesigned 2026 RAV4 Hybrid? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts.

Check out my 2025 Toyota RAV4 story: I Just Bought a 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE, Put 1000 Miles On It, and I Already Want To Trade It In, This Car Is a Total Disappointment

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl