Toyota New Zealand has announced that the new 6th-generation RAV4 will be available for customer test-drives in early 2026, with first deliveries expected in the first half of the year. The new model will come in three design concepts: Core, Adventure, and GR Sport, each with distinct styling details. The Adventure model has a more chunky design compared to the current model, while the GR Sport version will offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which will provide higher power output and extended pure-electric driving capabilities.
The PHEV powertrain is expected to accelerate the trend of the RAV4 being used as a core part of a two-vehicle family, either as the larger car paired with a smaller vehicle or as the smaller car paired with a larger vehicle. Toyota NZ chief strategic officer Andrew Davis notes that the flexibility of the PHEV RAV4 will be key, allowing it to function as a traditional hybrid vehicle or be charged at home or on the road using a DC charging station.
The new RAV4 features an “Island Architecture” interior design, which groups common controls together, and a more upright back door window angle, resulting in an expanded trunk capacity of 749 liters. The latest version of Toyota’s Safety Sense also includes new safety features such as front cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor with rear vehicle approach indicator, and upgrades to the lane change assist, pre-collision system, and parking systems.
Globally, Toyota has announced that the top GR Sport PHEV could offer up to 239kW of power, but Toyota NZ has not yet shared specific technical details for Kiwi models. However, the company expects the PHEV to be a game-changer, offering the flexibility and versatility that New Zealanders are looking for in a vehicle. With the new RAV4, Toyota NZ is poised to continue its success in the market, offering a range of models that cater to different needs and preferences.