- New Toyota RAV4 from early-2026.
- Hybrid now available in FWD and AWD.
- PHEV from mid-year, in three distinct models.
Toyota New Zealand has clarified how its new RAV4 lineup will fill out for the local lineup next year, including the model grades and drivetrains - in particular, how far and wide the new-to-NZ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain will stretch.
In truth, it needs a bit of explanation because it's become a bit complicated, There are now three "distinct styles" (Toyota's words) of RAV4, with different looks and design details, and then individual model grades within those.
The styles are Core, Adventure and GR Sport. Or normal, off-roady and sporty if you like. And yes, they do all look very different.
The RAV Core
Within the Core style there are the more familiar GX, GXL, XSE and Limited models. But then it gets even more multi-layered because the HEV powertrain is offered on some models, the PHEV on others... and the choice of either on a select few.
You can have the GX only with HEV, but in FWD (previously the hybrid has been AWD only for NZ) or AWD. The GXL comes in the same HEV FWD/AWD mix, but also with the PHEV powertrain - but only as a FWD.
Step up to the XSE and it's PHEV only, but with AWD. And the top Core Limited is HEV-only, AWD only.
The GX features 17-inch dark grey alloy wheels, LED auto-levelling headlights, and a 10.5-inch multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GXL adds 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy rear and
side glass, leather-accented steering wheel and shift knob, 8-way electric driver’s seat adjustment
with two-way lumbar support and a wireless smartphone charger.
The XSE has 20-inch black alloy wheels, dark stainless steel-look window frame moulding, tilt and slide moonroof and two-tone exterior paint. Inside, there's combination synthetic leather and Ultrasuede upholstery, three-stage front seat heating and ventilation, driver memory, electric front passenger seat adjustment, panoramic view monitor and climate concierge.
Limited wears a different style of 20in machined black alloy wheel, high-grade LED headlights, tilt and slide
panoramic roof, leather-accented seat trim, head-up display, dual wireless smartphone chargers,
digital rearview mirror and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.
The RAV4 Adventure
The RAV4 Adventure is HEV-only, with AWD as standard.
It wears "bridge-type" roof rails and more rugged styling. The front and rear bumpers are unique, with integrated silver skid plate and wider black reinforced wheel arches.
Other equipment highlights include synthetic leather upholstery available in both Black and Mineral, two-stage heated front seats, powered back door and a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen.
The RAV4 GR Sport
The GR Sport is a new model for the RAV4 range and come exclusively with an AWD PHEV powertrain, featuring combined output of 227kW. It will be the most powerful RAV4 ever sold in NZ.
It rides on sport-tuned suspension, high-performance dampers, extra bracing at the rear and a wider track.
The new RAV4 lineup at a glance
Toyota says further details will be relased closer to the "early-2026" launch date for RAV4, although it also states demonstration models of the PHEV won't be in stores until "mid-2026".
- GX HEV FWD or AWD
- GXL HEV FWD or AWD
- GXL PHEV FWD
- XSE PHEV AWD
- Limited HEV AWD
- Adventure HEV AWD
- GR Sport PHEV AWD