Test drive.

Toyota Rav 4 sixth series focuses on style: more technology for the hybrid SUV

Also available with plug-in motorisation, the Japanese manufacturer's bestseller gets a makeover and offers greater efficiencyThe rechargeable version with over 300 hp runs on electric power for around 130 km and is a suitable choice for the needs of company fleets

by Giulia Paganoni (Malaga - Spain )

4 May 2026

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel-drive. Better known as the Rav4 arrives at its sixth generation on the strength of more than 30 years on the market and more than 15 million vehicles sold worldwide. There are two engines available (phev and hybrid), both of course electrified, and four trim levels. Orders are already open at a list price, net of discounts, that starts at 45,200 for the Hybrid and 53,700 euro for the plug-in, and the first deliveries are scheduled for September. We were in Malaga, Spain, to test it on the road.

Robust and modern design characterises the new generation of Rav4, which is also equipped with a rich array of driver assistance systems with the new Toyota T-Mate and state-of-the-art on-board technologies.

Based on the updated Tnga-k platform, the Japanese d-suv has grown in size to a maximum length of 4,645 mm, a width of 1,855 mm, a ground clearance of 1,700 mm and a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. Cargo capacity is 514 litres while road presence is emphasised by wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

Completely new is the cockpit, with clear and clearly visible information available to the driver, who can count on a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and a 12.9-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, which brings the debut of the new state-of-the-art software development platform dubbed Arene, enabling the development of a digital system, including the next-generation ToyotaConnect multimedia system and new Toyota Connected services. There are numerous physical buttons on board and even the multifunction steering wheel offers numerous buttons on the two upper spokes.

The range consists of two engines, the now familiar 2.5-litre hybrid with 185 or 194 hp (depending on traction), which allows low fuel consumption, as evidenced by the 6.6 litres/100 km measured in line with the manufacturer's claim.

Also making its debut is the new-generation plug-in hybrid system for company fleets, which combines the same 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 151 kW electric motor powered by a 22.68 kWh battery, guaranteeing a range of up to 137 km, declared fuel consumption of between 1.3 and 1.8l/100 km and a system output of 272 hp for the front-wheel drive version and 309 hp for the all-wheel version. With DC charging power at 50 kW, the battery goes from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.

Among other options, the Rav4 is available with both front- and all-wheel drive, making it a suitable choice for those who want a car for off-road driving. In addition, all versions are equipped with the CVT automatic transmission with shift-by-wire system.

The range then includes four trim levels that differ in terms of equipment level and range from the rav4 to the sportier GR Sport, via the Icon and Premium versions. We tested on the roads of Andalusia, between Malaga and Marbella, both the front-wheel drive Hev version and the rechargeable hybrid with all-wheel drive in the GR Sport trim. The latter was distinguished by its dowry, from the red colour of the exterior to the 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels. There is no shortage of sporty details on board, such as perforated synthetic leather and GR Sport badging.

There is plenty of space on board, raised seating and good driver visibility. Despite being over 4.6 metres long, the sixth-generation Rav4 is agile in low-speed manoeuvres. In the dynamic test, we appreciated the comfort but also the sprint at the start, which allows the car to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. On the mixed course, the car demonstrated precision in line with competitors in the segment and does not suffer particularly from roll or pitch despite its high ground clearance, thanks to the action of the brakes on the individual wheels.