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
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 X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.