Toyota has officially unveiled its much-awaited 2026 RAV4, and this time the SUV has arrived in a more powerful, sporty, and stylish avatar than ever before. This time, Toyota has introduced the GR Sport version of the RAV4, which not only features a stunning look but also comes with an impressive 320 horsepower. In addition, a special off-roading version has also been introduced named Woodland – which could be the perfect SUV for adventure lovers.
The new-generation RAV4 has an entirely new look, and the hybrid powertrain offered in it can deliver a mileage of up to 30 kilometers per liter – which can be considered a remarkable achievement in the SUV segment.
In India, the highest car sales are in the 10 to 20 lakh price range, but now growth is being seen in the 20 to 40 lakh segment. Mahindra is leading in this segment with five powerful vehicles – each model performing best in its category, whether it’s looks, off-roading, technology, or power.
Toyota stands at second place in this race and is performing strongly in India with models like Hycross and Hyryder thanks to its hybrid technology.
On the other hand, Jeep’s situation is deteriorating – due to having only one model and overpricing, its future in India seems unstable. Tata also faces some issues with after-sales service, and Citroen C5 is hardly remembered by anyone. In such a scenario, the combination of Toyota and Mahindra could spark a new revolution.
Toyota began working on the RAV4 in 1986 – to compete with Jeep. Its first generation was launched in 1994 with a 2.0L petrol engine. At that time, it was a rugged SUV with a completely flat boot. RAV4 stands for Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive.
In 1997, its first electric version was released, sold in California with a range of 193 km and 1,500 units sold. Then came the second generation in 2000, which had more power, but the looks were less impressive.
In 2005, the third generation came with a major upgrade, featuring a 3.5L engine and 270 horsepower. An EV version was also made in collaboration with Tesla, which had a 42kW battery and a 250 km range.
The fourth generation was launched in 2012, becoming mainstream and a favorite in the U.S. The fifth generation came in 2018, considered the best, offering up to 302 horsepower in the Prime version and reaching 6 million units sold in the U.S.
2026 RAV4: Three New Versions and Bold Looks
- Limited Version: Features a large Lexus-style grille and a new design with standard cladding.
- Woodland Version: Dedicated for off-roading, comes with grey skid plates, square grille, and thick cladding.
- GR Sport Version: The sportiest version with large air intakes, vertical LED fog lamps, and glossy finish cladding. Also offers the highest power – up to 320 HP.
All versions feature LED lights at the front and deliver a Lexus-like feel in design.
Toyota RAV4 2026 is once again set to shake up the SUV segment. In markets like India where the combination of technology, efficiency, and style matters the most, this car could prove to be a game changer – especially in the segment rapidly moving towards the 20 to 40 lakh rupee range.
