Meet the new Toyota RAV4, the 6th generation of the Japanese automaker’s popular SUV (now also offered in GR Sport form). And it’s coming to South Africa in 2026…
Say hello to the new Toyota RAV4. Finally revealed after a string of teasers, the 6th generation of the Japanese firm’s SUV debuts on the global stage in Core, Adventure and GR Sport trim.
Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the new RAV4 is scheduled to hit local roads in the opening half of 2026. At this stage, however, details on the local range have yet to be confirmed.
The RAV4, of course, is an incredibly popular nameplate worldwide, having placed 3rd on the list of the world’s best-selling vehicles in 2024. In South Africa, it’s not quite as strong-selling as it once was, with 1 174 units told locally last year. Over the opening 4 months of 2025, a further 525 examples have been registered in SA.
But back to the new RAV4. Unwrapped in Japan, the 6th-generation RAV4 sports new exterior styling (including a fresh model logo) and what Toyota describes as “similar dimensions” to those of its predecessor. Inside, you’ll find a redesigned cabin featuring the brand’s latest 12.9-inch multimedia system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as new safety technology.
Three exterior “styles” are on the table (depending on the market): Core, Adventure and GR Sport. Each features a unique grille and front bumper design, along with derivative-specific alloy wheels. Toyota says Core is built for urban settings, while Adventure (or “Rugged” in North American markets) has more of an “off-road feel”.
The GR Sport grade, meanwhile, boasts more aggressive styling (including front and rear spoilers) along with “enhanced suspension tuning and body rigidity”. The Japanese automaker also says the new RAV4 GR Sport upgrades to a wider track, gaining some 20 mm of width.
The new GR Sport version of the RAV4 comes with high-performance dampers, strengthened rear bracing and retuned springs. Depending on the market, 20-inch black alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design are also standard, while the cabin scores console knee pads, an alloy pedal set and sports seats, plus plenty of “GR” logos.
While it’s not yet clear whether all powertrain options have been detailed, Toyota has confirmed the new RAV4 will be sold in both parallel-hybrid (HEV) form and plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) guise. The automaker says the updated HEV powertrain features higher outputs “thanks to improvements to the transaxle, power control unit, battery and other components”. Peak figures appear to differ markedly by region, though Toyota Australia quotes an output of 143 kW.
Seemingly again built around a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine, the PHEV powertrain now offers a higher all-electric range (with Toyota targeting a figure of 100 km) thanks to the adoption of a new 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. In Australia, the AWD version of the new RAV4 PHEV will offer 227 kW and bear a claimed 0-100 kph time of 5.8 seconds. That market will also receive a “more affordable” front-drive PHEV derivative generating 201 kW.
As a reminder, the XA50-series RAV4 touched down in Mzansi in March 2019. The current line-up in South Africa comprises 6 derivatives (including the flagship PHEV variant that Toyota SA Motors is not actively marketing) priced from R712 700 to R989 800.
Find a Toyota RAV4 on Cars.co.za!
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