Toyota’s Best-Selling RAV4
Design Draws Mixed Reactions
How Will the New Model Change?
Toyota’s global reputation for building reliable and durable vehicles is well-established, regardless of terrain or climate. You’d be hard-pressed to find a country where Toyota vehicles aren’t sold. The brand consistently delivers solid performance, safety, and affordability across its lineup, making it an easy choice for many consumers. Yet, for all their strengths, Japanese vehicles, including Toyota, have often faced criticism for one thing: design.
Sure, new models generally get praise for their sharp looks, but Japanese cars aren’t usually top of mind regarding trendsetting design. Consumers tend to gravitate toward Toyotas for their value, reliability, or engineering but not so much for their bold aesthetics. The RAV4, Toyota’s star player in the compact SUV market, is no exception. So, how will the upcoming 2026 redesign change that? Let’s look at what might be in store based on recent renderings.
A more refined front-end
Looks like an electric vehicle
Motor Trend released a virtual rendering of the new Toyota RAV4 on September 25. This rendering is purely speculative since no test mules or prototypes have been spotted yet. Motor Trend’s take reimagines the RAV4 by blending elements from Toyota’s latest design language with the current model’s overall shape.
In the case of the new vehicle in the rendering, the overall details have changed, but the layout does not deviate much from the characteristics of the current model. First, the boundaries between the grille, bonnet, and headlamps have been blurred to add a futuristic feel. It appears that separate headlamps have been applied, and the daytime running lights (DRL) are naturally connected to the gray garnish that runs across the center. In the case of the radiator grille, the area has been minimized by moving it under the bumper like an electric vehicle.
The rear silhouette is similar
Expect more complete details
The rear side is also similar enough that it is difficult to tell them apart just by looking at the silhouette. The chrome garnish applied only to the top of the DLO line adds a luxurious feel. The character line, which combines strong horizontal lines and curves, completes a voluminous side no matter which angle you look at it from. The wheel arch garnish, roof, and side mirrors are finished in black high-gloss.
With its simplified shape, the tail lamp makes the rear end neat and stable. These days, the popular horizontal light strip is applied, and the Toyota emblem in the middle catches the eye. Like the current model, the simple circular muffler tip is proudly revealed. The front processed wheel emphasizes the identity of the urban SUV, along with the black high-gloss panels all over the body.
What Interior Changes Can We Expect?
Expected Launch in Early 2026
While the renderings don’t show off the interior, we can also expect significant updates here. Judging by Toyota’s recent releases like the Camry and Crown, it’s likely the RAV4 will feature a large center touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel will probably follow the ergonomics of the Prius, with more user-friendly button placements. There’s also a good chance we’ll see higher-quality materials and a splash of more vibrant interior color options.
The RAV4 is expected to remain on Toyota’s TNGA platform, though likely with a few enhancements. Under the hood, the standard gas engine is expected to be dropped in favor of hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options, giving drivers more electric-only range thanks to improved batteries.
When this new RAV4 hits the streets, it’s likely to arrive in early 2026, with Motor Trend predicting a starting price of around $29,000. So, while it’s still a ways off, the next-gen RAV4 promises to blend familiar reliability with just enough design updates to keep things fresh.
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