RAV4 Review

We spent a weekend driving the new 6^th gen Rav4 XLE Premium to see if this bigger, boxier 5-seater lives up to the standard set by the outgoing model.

Arriving on a slushy, dark April evening in Burlington Vermont, we got our first look at a brand new 2026 RAV4 Hybrid with just 3 miles on the dash. Which, admittedly was actually our second look since we literally walked right past our rental, searching for something that looked even remotely like a Toyota RAV4…

After finally punching the lock/unlock button on the keys, we heard an unmistakably Toyota chirp from just behind. What we saw when we looked back at our wheels for the weekend was shocking.

That’s right, the world’s largest auto maker has given their flagship money maker more than just a face lift. Sporting new headlights, a different grill, boxier front end and overall more aggressive stance, the new model hardly looks like the previous RAV4.

Though it’s always good to keep things fresh, one might question Toyota’s thinking when considering the fact that the 5^th generation of the iconic SUV sold more than any other vehicle in the US market in 2024… (475,193 units worth)

Climbing inside the cabin our first driver immediately noticed the added bulkiness of the SUV’s body, particularly the new boxy hood shape.  Though the dimensions are mostly the same as the 2025 model, this 2026 example felt strangely truck-ish while maneuvering out of the parking garage.

Blame it on the disorienting darkness of our midnight arrival, or maybe the long flight. But navigating a series of sharp turns and curbs had driver #1 asking “am I going to fit?” on her way to the exit.

Out on the road we immediately felt the torque of the hybrid system. That combined with a quick steering ratio even in the “normal” drive mode to prove that the perceived bulk of the vehicle wasn’t going to slow this truck down.

As we made our way to Essex, Driver #2 set about exploring the cabin and infotainment features. Physical climate control buttons and an ample heater core were a plus; along with VERY warm heated seats. We recommend leaving them on the “low” setting…

Meanwhile Apple Carplay connected easily as our phone re-charged on the wireless pad of the center console, and would continue to quietly connect wirelessly throughout the remainder of the trip. This worked so well that we admittedly didn’t spend much time in Toyota’s native infotainment software, but what we did play with functioned quickly with an intuitive interface.

True to form we found Toyota’s leather wrapped front seats to be quite comfortable, if not quite as divine as those from Lexus. Additionally, there was more than enough leg and head room on both sides for Driver #2 at 6 foot 2 inches.

Arriving at our residence for the weekend we found our first flaw, as we struggled to organize our luggage in the dim cabin lighting provided. Finally gathering our things, we left the more rigorous driving tests for Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday morning our second driver got his first crack at exploring driving dynamics.

Normal Mode

Starting in Normal Mode on the way to breakfast, he noted good power from the naturally aspirated 2.5 liter inline 4 cylinder, and an e-CVT system that was alarmingly compliant. Giving the driver actual power when they put their foot down, what a novel concept…

Jokes aside, this car was able to do what many competitors in this segment have struggled to do for years: get out of its own way. This car isn’t going to blow anyone’s doors off, but we actually felt safe merging onto a major highway. Which is a step in the right direction, at least according to Driver #2.

Steering proved to be surprisingly touchy, though it was fairly precise when pushed in medium speed corners and fingertip light thanks to the electronically boosted power steering.

The suspension loads up nicely through higher speed turns, as the hybrid’s weight settles atop a grippy all-wheel drive system. Even with slippery conditions surrounded by lingering snow our drivers felt confident in pushing the vehicle up twisty mountain roads.

Eco Mode

Out for a cruise through the damp countryside after breakfast we tried efficiency on for size. The result was exactly what you would normally expect from lesser versions of this class of vehicle. Think of a late model naturally aspirated Nissan Rogue delivering pure CVT horror.

While the contemporary RAV4 reminded us of that previous nightmare, it did feel at least capable of interstate driving and is relatively safe through lane changes and merging (as long as you floor it).

With the vehicle boasting 47mpg on the highway and 40 through the city, our wallets felt safe enough to leave Eco Mode behind fairly quickly.

Sport Mode

Seeing a particularly twisty road on the 12.9” display, Driver #2 activated Sport Mode. After enjoying the Normal setting, we were prepared to be shocked by what this SUV could do in Sport.

Sadly, activating the “sport” function left us with more questions than answers.

The first taste of Sport Mode was heralded by an even touchier throttle. Though jarring at first, the quick natured tuning of Normal mode was quite usable after getting to know the car. Sport Mode’s tendency to lunge forward at the slightest throttle modulation was almost annoying, especially considering that there was no added power to be extracted after that initial grunt.

Sport Mode’s throttle might have been quicker, but the linear nature of Normal mode made it a much better dancing partner in both normal and spirited driving. Since this wasn’t a turbo engine, we had a little trouble deciphering exactly why this SUV wanted to charge hard early only to fall flat on it’s face after the initial push. Our best guess is that the explanation could be found somewhere in the tuning of the hybrid system.

Our next observation was almost as immediate as the first. And even more perplexing.

After flipping it over into sport mode and immediately noticing the change in throttle response, Driver #2 pitched the RAV4 into an upcoming corner and was met with what could only be described as “artificial steering feel”. A term which still seems to not quite capture the strangeness of the experience.

Where Normal gave darty yet precise and easy steering, Sport dealt out added resistance. This resistance would have been welcomed if it added steering feel, that would have been a gift to any enthusiast driver. Sadly, the resistance was uneven and inconsistent, leading us to conclude that the lower level of steering boost actually makes the driving experience more unpleasant than the touchy and over-boosted Normal setting.

What’s worse, the variable-assist steering made it feel like the steering ratio actually got slower in Sport. Even though the true ratio remains fixed, this type of deadening to the driving experience can only be counted as a sin by the RAV4’s so-called “Sport Mode”.

Trail

Though the RAV4 isn’t meant to be a true off-roader, it does feature a “trail” mode which our team felt obliged to make use of on some steep and muddy dirt roads. Without adaptive suspension, altered spring rates or variable ride height, the RAV4 makes due by using the existing suspension and traction control and modules and adjusting the available torque through it’s all wheel drive system.

Admittedly our drivers never put the car in any real danger of getting stuck, but Trail Mode did manage wheel spin effectively to maintain traction on some very slippery surfaces up and down the hill country.

While we wouldn’t take Toyota’s signature 5-seater on any harsh trails, we’d say it’s more than adequate to keep your family safe in inclement conditions on both paved and unpaved roads.

Is it right for you?

Our drivers came away from their weekend driving the RAV4 with a clear message for our editor: Toyota’s got another winner on their hands.

The RAV4 continues the model’s longstanding tradition of providing value to consumers. Priced at $36,150 MSRP for this AWD equipped model, the updated king of the segment is still a force to be reckoned with. Sporting a modern interior and infotainment system that just works, Toyota ditches the haptic disaster plaguing so much of the competition (we’re looking at you, Volkswagen).

While long term reliability of the new powertrain remains a question of whether it can live up to RAV4’s of old, Toyota Care service and warranty is still some of the best on the market.

Though it feels bulkier, the 2026 RAV4 is more than capable for any kind of driving you could ask for from this segment. On road and off, it puts the power down in the right place at the right time. Just don’t go hooning this thing expecting it to keep up with the Macan.

If you’re a Toyota buyer looking for something a little more rugged, we’d suggest choosing between the 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Sequoia. Pick the right trim and they’ve all got off-road capability in spades.

But if you’re an average consumer looking for reliability, comfort, efficiency, and space to road trip a family of 4, then the RAV4 should be at the top of your list.