New 6th Gen Toyota RAV4 Review: A Huge Step Up (With One Big Warning)

The Toyota RAV4 has been one of the best‑selling medium SUVs in Australia for decades, thanks to its practical size, legendary reliability, and, most recently, its fuel‑efficient hybrid powertrain. But with price increases across the range and more competitors arriving, including cheaper hybrids and plug‑in hybrid electric vehicles, the question for buyers in 2026 is whether the RAV4 is still the most obvious choice for a do-it-all, family SUV.

00:00 – Intro: Australia’s Favourite SUV
00:40 – Hybrid Range & Model Variants
00:55 – Exterior Design & Styling
01:24 – Interior Overview & Seat Comfort
01:49 – Clever Storage & Door Handles
02:35 – Center Console Configuration
03:00 – New Infotainment & Arene OS
03:19 – Connectivity: Phone-as-Key
04:13 – Wireless Apple CarPlay Setup
04:57 – Rear Seat Space & Amenities
05:49 – Boot Space & Practicality
06:27 – Spare Tyre: Space-Saver vs Full-Size
06:55 – Driving Position & Visibility
07:34 – Driving Dynamics: Handling & Suspension
08:09 – Braking Posture Control Explained
08:25 – Ride Quality & Wheel Sizes
09:02 – Steering Feedback & Eco Mode
09:56 – Engine Performance & Power
10:07 – Fuel Efficiency & Hybrid Tech
11:04 – Final Verdict: The One "Fly in the Ointment"

Last year, over 51,000 buyers put a Toyota RAV4 on their driveway, making it the best-selling SUV in Australia. With over 600,000 models sold over the past 30 years, it is easily one of Australia's most popular vehicles, but its popularity has come down to broad appeal rather than standout luxury or performance. Simply put, the Toyota RAV4 is designed to suit families, commuters and regional drivers who want a reliable, easy‑to‑live‑with mid-size SUV.

The sixth-generation RAV4 offers plenty of new features, including what could become best-in-class infotainment and technology integration, but there are now many excellent choices in the medium SUV category, with SUVs including the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, upcoming new Mazda CX-5, the Honda CR-V and newcomers like the BYD Sealion 7 electric SUV, which are all seeking to take a greater slice of RAV4 sales volume.

Our first drive of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 hybrid range was very promising, with engineering improvements delivering a car which is more enjoyable to drive, and promises even greater fuel economy and savings.

An essential new plug-in hybrid RAV4 is also set to arrive later in the year, promising more interest. The big surprise, however, is the lack of a five-star ANCAP rating at launch, which may strike it from the shopping list of some car buyers.

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