DecodedCars2026 Toyota RAV4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Le 4dr SUV, Woodland 4dr SUV, Xle/Xse/Limited 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 184–186 hp
- Transmission
- e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 43 combined · 47 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 181.1–183.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,746–3,885 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 43 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 42 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,746 lb (Le 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 43 MPG combined (47 city / 40 highway), 42% better than the 2026 small SUV average of 30.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,550 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2026
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
- Best combined MPG up from 39 to 43
- Lightest version 377 lb heavier
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 RAV4 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Woodstock, Ontario · Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture · Ohbu, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2026 RAV4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le 4dr SUV | 181.1 in | 72.8 in | 66.5 in | 105.9 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,746 lb | 57/43 |
| Woodland 4dr SUV | 183.1 in | 72.8 in | 70.1 in | 105.9 in | 63.8 / 64.6 in | 3,885 lb | 57/43 |
| Xle/Xse/Limited 4dr SUV | 181.1 in | 74 in | 70.1 in | 105.9 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,865 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 47 / 40 / 43 | +42% | $1,550 | 205 |
| RAV4 AWD SE & LE Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 46 / 39 / 42 | +62% | $1,600 | 209 |
| RAV4 AWD Limited & XSE Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 43 / 37 / 41 | +58% | $1,650 | 220 |
| RAV4 AWD Limited & XSE Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 43 / 37 / 41 | +58% | $1,650 | 221 |
| RAV4 AWD XLE Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 45 / 38 / 41 | +58% | $1,650 | 215 |
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 41 / 35 / 38 | +47% | $1,750 | 231 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Toyota RAV4.
Similar 2026 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 (this car) | 43 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 35 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Kia Seltos | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 42 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) › Software · Oct 7, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V659000 · 30,978 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The motor generator ECU may encounter an error, causing the plug-in-hybrid system to reduce power or shutdown when driven at higher speeds.
- Risk
- An unexpected powertrain shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting November 22, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 26TA22.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Sep 2, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V571000 · 135 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, 2025 Tundra Hybrid, Tundra, 2026 RAV4 Hybrid, 4Runner i-Force Max Hybrid, and 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 18, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 26TA18.
Not every 2026 Toyota RAV4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other RAV4 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 RAV4 | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 106 |
| 2024 RAV4 | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 177 |
| 2023 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 171 |
| 2022 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 154 |
| 2021 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 411 |
| 2020 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 651 |
| 2019 RAV4 | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 906 |
| 2018 RAV4 | 32 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 348 |
| 2017 RAV4 | 32 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 321 |
| 2016 RAV4 | 32 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 257 |
| 2015 RAV4 | 26 | 179.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 304 |
| 2014 RAV4 | 26 | 179.5 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →