Skip to main content

Japan Has Already Seen The 2026 Toyota RAV4 And It Will Not Be As Groundbreaking Under The New Skin

Toyota's 2026 RAV4 dons all-new looks, but plays it safe in the powertrain department.

The Toyota RAV4 is still in its fifth generation with the next model being pushed to 2026. The current RAV4 has enjoyed great success, despite some common issues. In 2024, the current Toyota RAV4 saw its most successful year in terms of sales numbers - 475,193 sold in the US, according to GCBC statistics. It seems, 2025 will be the last year for the current generation as fresh reports from Japan suggest the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 will arrive for the 2026 model year, at least in Japan.  

The next generation of the Japanese SUV was supposed to drop in 2024 as a 2025 model, but was delayed. The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 is definitely arriving for 2026, but Japan might be the first to get it as we have seen with other Japanese models. A case in point is the Nissan R35 GT-R, which was available to order in Japan, in 2007 – a year earlier than the rest of the world.  

Japanese publication, Best Car Web has been a reliable source of information so far. They have not only reported their findings on the upcoming Toyota RAV4, but they have, reportedly, seen it too. The renderings by Best Car Web (which I have attached to the article) should be fairly accurate. While I think the design (assuming it's accurate) looks great. Things are not as revolutionary under the “skin”, but that's not a bad thing. Here's what I mean. 

An interesting “change” in the powertrain options shows Toyota is playing it safe 

Toyota will keep the familiar powertrains in the 2026 Toyota RAV4, but with more power from the e-motors

Last year, I reported on another revelation regarding the future Toyota RAV4, which confirmed it was going to be all-hybrid. That means no more gasoline-only-powered variants of the compact Japanese SUV. Toyota recently unveiled two new engines, which will power the vast majority of Toyota and Lexus models in the coming years. This includes the Lexus ES and IS models, which will adopt the larger of the two engines – a 2.0-liter turbo-four – where the V-6 previously worked

The other new Toyota engine – a 1.5-liter turbo-four – is developed for the company's more compact models, including the RAV4. However, the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 will not feature that engine. A mid-cycle refresh could change that. For now, the upcoming RAV4 will continue to be motivated by the 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine.

The inline-four engine features an Atkinson cycle and works with one or two electric motors, depending on the application. Toyota promised that the next generation of this powertrain would feature more powerful electric motors, and we already saw that in the 2025 Toyota Camry. This also includes the Toyota RAV4 Prime, which even now, can sprint to 60 mph, from a standstill, in 5.7 seconds. The 2.5-liter engines that Toyota uses in almost all of its hybrid models have proven to be reliable units, so no point in retiring it so soon.

Eventually, we are going to see the 1.5-liter turbo-four engine in the RAV4, as part of a hybrid system. I personally think that a larger-displacement, normally-aspirated engine like Toyota's 2.5-liter unit would deliver a more effortless power delivery than a downsized 1.5-liter engine. Meanwhile, the most powerful variant of the large 2.0-liter turbo-four engine – the G20E – will make 400 horsepower in the next-generation Toyota Celica, and up to 600 in race trim.  

Toyota says it is the new 2JZ. We'll see about that, but judging by what we are seeing from the GR Corolla's G16E turbocharged three-cylinder engine, the G20E sounds like the next big thing in the tuner scene. What o you think about Toyota's new engines? Should the RAV4 get a 1.5-liter or is it a bit too small? Let us know what you think in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on XLinked-inInstagram, and Facebook.

Comments

Brian Ethier (not verified)    January 18, 2025 - 8:52PM

We just bought the 2024 Toyota RAV4 XLE with the naturally aspirated 2.5L, no turbo, no hybrid. Nice and simple. Our two sons would each like one of these. Never been a fan of lowering the 2.5L to 1.5L and adding a turbo. The engine literally screams, so just keep that reliable 2.5L with no turbo. Keep the hybrid if you like for those that like that option. Change the body style if you like, but keep the engine and drivetrain the same, 2.5L naturally aspirated. Put a turbo in a 1.5L as an option for those that want that. There's a reason this SUV is number one in sales. If Toyota owners start seeing turbo bearings fail, this cars reliability will drop

Dimitar Angelov    February 4, 2025 - 11:15AM

In reply to by Susan B. Anthony (not verified)

Indeed. The 2.5-liter mill is good enough for the RAV4. I feel like Toyota might be taking a page out of Mazda's book.

Mazda has a 2.5-liter engine, which they put even in the Mazda 3, in normally-aspirated and turbo form. You can even get the 2.5 N/A with a manual in some of the higher trims.

Meanwhile, Toyota removed the Corolla Apex, which had a 2.0-liter N/A with a 6-speed stick shift, which I think, was a mistake.

Randy H Mcgiveron (not verified)    January 19, 2025 - 6:11AM

In reply to by Brian Ethier (not verified)

I know it's not a Toyota but I had a Chevy Cruze with a 1.4 l turbo. I was unimpressed with a small turbo motor. If you drove it with very light throttle, it was capable of good mileage. However, if you drove it, normally the turbo frequently kicked in and it used more gas than an actually aspired motor. Also off the line torque was very low.

Dimitar Angelov    January 22, 2025 - 5:53AM

In reply to by Brian Ethier (not verified)

Hi. I am happy for your purchase. And I agree that the simpler the better. Almost all of the new cars are unnecessarily complicated. It's good that Toyota still does that for some of its models. A 1.5-liter turbo is too small for even a compact SUV.

Some other carmakers (I am thinking of a European company, obsessed with safety) started putting 2.0-liter engines on even its largest SUV and there are already issues. Toyota should leave a non-hybrid option for some customers who are fans of simplicity.

 

Paul Gergen (not verified)    January 18, 2025 - 11:44PM

Hybrids & EV are terrible in Hurricane & Emergency Work, the reliability factor is awful....

Stick with Gasoline / Diesel Engineering for the serious models or sales would suffer...

Look at your serious emergency services, snow / hurricane response and farm equipment vehicles in the world - not an EV or hybrid in the bunch. Hybrid / EV has low reliability and can't be driven in water. The latest Toyota Land Cruiser can't do 30% of the older version, bad Engineering.

Dimitar Angelov    January 20, 2025 - 8:11AM

In reply to by Paul Gergen (not verified)

I agree that Toyota should keep some of its models (or some variants of them) "old-school" although one problem with that would be to comply with the latest emissions regulations, which seem to be getting more ridiculous every year.

Stikk, there are examples it can be done. In Japan, you can still buy a brand-new 70 Series Toyota Land Cruiser with very light modernizations. Why not make it available for other markets is what I'm asking? 

Brian (not verified)    January 20, 2025 - 8:56PM

In reply to by Paul Gergen (not verified)

Why does not one ever factor or consider that the epa is the cause for the the vast majority of vehicles getting smaller engines. Why be logical when it's easier to just bash the manufacturer... look at Why they are doing what they are doing. And the majority of parts that are failing have been found to be Taiwan made. Like the transmissions in the tacoma.

Dimitar Angelov    January 20, 2025 - 8:13AM

In reply to by Merlin Valencia (not verified)

Exactly. I'd go even further and offer basic models for those that want something more old-school. I like that in Japan, you can buy a brand-new Toyota Land Crusier 70 Series with very light modernizations. 

Making it available on other markets would be great, assuming they can get around the ridiculous emissions regulations that get more stringent every year.

Bill Morris (not verified)    January 19, 2025 - 9:35AM

I am committed to the theory that the 1.5 which is in Buick, Chevrolet honda is grossly under powered have plastic engine parts that are unreliable. Intake and valve cover to be specific. Cheap cheap cheap! Major cost to replace as you can't repair them. You will be paying twice the carbon foot print if we go down that road, I can't afford that.

David (not verified)    January 19, 2025 - 11:11AM

As usual, I see all the "I hate change" voices are the first to be heard, even without any experience with the new engines. I'm sure when the current 2.5L engines were announced, the same voices were heard in support of whatever was in place before -- even though they defend the 2.5 now.

Human nature is so predictable and consistent.

Dimitar Angelov    February 4, 2025 - 11:20AM

In reply to by David (not verified)

You raise a good point, but in Europe, the RAV4 was never sold with a V-6. It always had 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, and 2.4 engines.

North America got a V-6 RAV4, which I thought was cool.

But a 1.5 is too small. I'm sure Toyota has done some clever engineering, but leaning on the power of a small turbo engine usually spells fuel economy, worse than a large N/A engine.

It's like driving a turbodiesel at high RPMs like it's gasoline engine - they don't like that.

Joseph Muentes (not verified)    January 19, 2025 - 2:03PM

Toyota should keep the 2.5 literally engine but improve the hybrid system for the Rav4 suv... Also keep the awd system. More technology with all Toyota's regardless of trim. Technology includes memory seating for driver and passenger, more LEDS, brighter LEDS for interior and exterior lighting, 360 camera view especially with the backup camera and etc.

Jay I (not verified)    January 20, 2025 - 10:06PM

I was really thinking of buying a gasoline RAV4 in 2026 with the capacity to tow 3500 pounds. Sadly, they’re not gonna make the gas RAV4 available in 2026. That’s unfortunate. I guess I’ll keep my Broncos for badlands.