Toyota RAV4 review

It may not be obvious at first glance, but this plug-in hybrid SUV is a bit of a big deal. You see, last year the Toyota RAV4 bested the Tesla Model Y to be named the best-selling car in the world… and now there’s a new one.

Well, new-ish. This sixth-generation RAV4 went on sale in North America towards the end of 2025, but only reached the UK in the summer of 2026. The US-spec Toyota is built over there, but ours is stuck together in Japan.

Is our version different?

Well, while the US and the rest of Europe get a PHEV and a standard hybrid option, Toyota UK is only taking the plug-in.

There is still a decision for you to make over here though, because the PHEV now comes with either front- or all-wheel drive.

The former pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a hefty new 20kWh usable battery and a more powerful electric motor than the previous gen, for a total output of 268bhp and a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds. All-electric range is up to 85 miles WLTP, and it’ll now fast charge at up to 35kW DC for a 10 to 80 per cent top up in 30 minutes if required. Is anyone spending half an hour rejuicing the battery when the tank can be filled in a minute? Probably not.

Anyway. The all-wheel drive version adds an extra electric motor on the back axle for a bit more grunt, taking total power up to a healthy 305bhp and dropping the 0-62mph sprint down to 5.8 seconds. That’s half a second quicker than a GR86.

Toyota reckons only 15 per cent of UK buyers will tick the box for the extra driven wheels though, which is no surprise given it knocks around 10 miles off the electric range.

Rivals include the (much cheaper) Peugeot 3008, the (slightly cheaper) Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid, and the strong-selling Hyundai Tucson (a new one is imminent at the time of writing) and Kia Sportage (cheaper but less e-range). Not to mention the Skoda Kodiaq, which is a smidge bigger and more expensive, but also more spacious. Honda loyalists will stick like limpets to the CR-V.

It looks surprisingly chunky…

Yep, the RAV4 has come a long way from the friendly three-door that first launched back in 1994. It’s now sporting a Land Cruiser-lite look with chunky arches, a more upright rear end and a “hammerhead frontal design”.

Side note, why does every carmaker seem to want a hammerhead front end? Hammerhead sharks look ridiculous.

Anyway, we’re told that there's been no increase in exterior dimensions over the previous RAV4 despite the blocky look, while UK cars get either 18 or 20in wheels. Sat in the driver's seat, it feels oddly similar to the Hilux pickup truck.

Is there a sporty one?

Of course there is. Toyota is riding the wave of success in endurance racing and rallying with an aggressive GR Sport trim that nods to its motorsport division.

Toyota even claims this is “motorsports-inspired” with a gaping GR-spec grille, extra air intakes up front and 12.5mm wider wheel arches. Yeah, no. There are also special 20in black alloy wheels and a black interior with red stitching. And in the US the GR Sport gets a proper rear spoiler, but for some reason that has been toned down for Europe. Shame.

We do get specially tuned power steering though, plus ‘high-performance’ front dampers that make the GR Sport stiffer than the standard RAV4.

How much does it cost?

Ah, well because we’ll only be getting plug-in hybrid RAV4s from now on, prices start at a rather punchy £44,195. That’ll get you into the entry-level Icon trim with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive only becomes available once you’ve made a couple of jumps up the trim levels, with the GR Sport actually then the most affordable at £52,045. Ooft. Head over to the Buying tab of this review for more detail.

For context, prices for the standard hybrid setup in the US start at just over $30,000. Ouch.

With nearly double the electric range of the old one and a price that has technically come down (thanks to the FWD plug-in option), this latest RAV4 offers decent value for money – as well as range and efficiency beyond most of its key rivals – despite being one of the dearer cars in its segment.

It’s far from the most memorable thing to drive, but the soft setup makes for a comfortable ride and if you can stomach spending £50k+ on a family SUV the all-wheel drive version is surprisingly sprightly too. Oh, and the boot is a whopper.

It's a shame the tech still lags behind what rival manufacturers have achieved, and if you really need the e-range offered here shouldn't you just go the whole nine yards and fully commit to an EV?