The review
All EV Sales editorial review. Researched from official specifications, safety ratings and published expert reviews; not a first-hand owner review. Key facts Price from: US$31,900 (before destination, US) · A$45,990–A$60,340 (Australia, before on-roads) Power: 226 hp FWD / 236 hp AWD (US) · 143 kW combined (Australia) Official fuel use: 41 mpg combined (EPA) · 4.5–4.6 L/100 km Boot: up to 705 litres Safety: not yet rated by ANCAP (new generation, from March 2026 build) Overview The sixth-generation RAV4 is now hybrid-only in most markets, and it was Australia's best-selling hybrid by a wide margin in 2025. The new model focuses on technology and refinement rather than a radical redesign. A plug-in hybrid version is also offered but isn't covered here. Design & Interior The cabin is the biggest step forward. A 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a touchscreen of up to 12.9 inches run Toyota's new software platform, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Unlike many rivals, key functions keep physical controls, so there's little menu diving. A built-in dash cam is a useful addition. Reviewers note the seats are comfortable but offer limited side support. Driving The hybrid system delivers 226–236 hp in US tune and 143 kW in Australia. That's plenty for everyday driving, and the transition between petrol and electric power is seamless. The suspension is tuned for comfort and soaks up rough roads well. Steering is light rather than engaging, and the CVT-style transmission can make the engine drone when you accelerate hard. Fuel economy Economy is the RAV4's strongest suit. The official figure is 41 mpg in the US and 4.5–4.6 L/100 km in Australia. Independent testers have matched or beaten the US figure in normal driving, while hard driving on hilly roads pushed it to around 7–8 L/100 km. The 55-litre tank gives a long touring range. It can't be plugged in, so it's best suited to buyers not yet ready for a full EV. Practicality Rear seat space is generous and storage is well thought out. Boot space is up to 705 litres depending on grade, among the largest in the mid-size SUV class. Australian buyers get a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and up to 10 years' battery cover with dealer servicing. Safety The RAV4 comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. However, the new generation had no ANCAP rating at the time of writing, and ANCAP has cautioned buyers about purchasing unrated vehicles. Toyota has said safety upgrades will be added to later production. We'll update this score when an official rating is published. Verdict The new RAV4 Hybrid is more refined, better equipped and still remarkably economical. It's an easy recommendation for families who want low running costs without switching to a plug-in car. The main drawbacks are higher prices in Australia, some engine drone under load and the missing crash rating on early builds. How we rated it Range 4.5 (excellent economy for its size) · Performance 3.5 (adequate, comfortable, not sporty) · Safety 3.5 (strong standard kit, but no official rating yet, capped until rated) · Comfort 4.0 (quieter, comfortable ride, flat seats) · Overall 4.0. Sources InsideEVs review (US): https://insideevs.com/reviews/794658/2026-toyota-rav4-hybrid-review/ CarExpert review (Australia): https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2026-toyota-rav4-hybrid-review ANCAP rating page: https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/toyota/rav4/b5089e Drive, ANCAP cautions buyers: https://www.drive.com.au/news/new-toyota-rav4-gets-no-leeway-from-ancap-cautions-buying-the-unrated-vehicle/