Toyota already tests new generation of RAV4 in Brazil

The new generation of Toyota RAV4, revealed globally in May, has not yet reached dealerships, but is already being tested in Brazil. The SUV was spotted by colleagues from @placaverde in the region of Campinas (SP), with heavy camouflage and typical homologation equipment, such as tubes connected to the rear lid and laptops connected to the electronic system.

What stands out is Toyota’s agility. Even though the commercial launch is only scheduled for the end of 2025 in the United States and Europe, the model is already in the validation phase here. As it will only be sold with electrified sets, the approval process is more complex, as in addition to the combustion engine process, it requires the electrical system.

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Source: @placaverde

What the new RAV4 2026 is like

With a completely new look, the 2026 RAV4 became more robust and began to resemble the Prius at the front. The optical groups are C-shaped and the grille has been redesigned. On the sides, the wheel arches are even more square than on the current generation, while the rear adopts more vertical lines to improve the perception of size and make better use of the internal space.

The TNGA-K platform remains the same, but the proportions have changed slightly with the new body. The wheelbase remains 2.69 meters. The total length is 4.59 meters in most versions, the same number as the predecessor, but reaches 4.62 meters in the Woodland and GR Sport configurations, due to the different bumpers. The height has increased more significantly and is now 1.72 meters. The trunk has also grown, going from 733 to 749 liters thanks to the new design of the rear backrests.

Photo by: Toyota

Photo by: Toyota

Visually, the new generation repositions the RAV4 within Toyota’s range. When the previous generation was launched, the Corolla Cross did not yet exist, and the RAV4 alone occupied the space of the brand’s medium SUVs. Now, with the Cross consolidated as a direct rival to models like the Jeep Compass, the new RAV4 goes up a notch globally, targeting top mid-range vehicles, like the Jeep Cherokee.

Photo by: Toyota

Hybrid only

Under the hood, Toyota maintained the already known recipe. The RAV4 will continue with a 2.5 gasoline engine combined with one or two electric motors, depending on the traction and version. The digital dashboard and 12.9-inch multimedia center are new, as is the updated Toyota Safety Sense package.

In the plug-in version, autonomy in 100% electric mode reaches 100 kilometers, courtesy of the new 22.68 kWh lithium-ion battery. Direct current recharging reaches 50 kW and goes from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes. With alternate charging, the power reaches 11 kW, with a full charge in around 3 hours. For the first time, the system can be used with front-wheel drive, with 268 horsepower, or all-wheel drive, with 304 horsepower, guaranteeing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.

The interior of the new RAV4 has become more refined to move away from the Corolla Cross

Photo by: Toyota

Adventurous and GR Sport versions

At least in the United States, the line will be divided into three groups. The Core versions (LE, XLE and Limited) have a body-colored grille and black moldings on the fenders. The Rugged line, which replaces the old Woodland package, features a split grille with LED auxiliary headlights from Rigid Industries and raised roof rails. The Sport models (SE, XSE and the new GR Sport) feature two-tone paintwork and a finish with colored stitching on the interior.

Here, it is not yet known what Toyota’s strategy will be with the new generation. Today, the RAV4 is sold in Brazil in two versions: the SX Connect Hybrid, with a conventional hybrid system, for R$349,290, and the XSE Plug-in Hybrid, which combines a combustion engine and rechargeable electric drive, for R$402,420.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB4QLYVOXy0