Toyota USA has revamped its RAV4 for 2026, marking a significant shift towards sustainability by discontinuing the non-hybrid variant of the popular vehicle. Starting with the 2026 model year, the Toyota RAV4 will exclusively offer hybrid-electric (HEV) and plug-in hybrid-electric (PHEV) variants.
Despite facing criticism over past controversies, Toyota’s latest move raises eyebrows: touting its vehicles as “100% electrified” without clarifying that many models, including the popular RAV4, still rely on traditional fuel engines.
The updates encompass the introduction of new designs and refined trim options, complemented by an outdoor-focused Woodland model akin to the bZ’s recent offering, as well as a high-performance “GR SPORT” model; however, it is crucial to note that SUVs are not sportscars and can never truly be sportscars.
The PHEV model boasts a significantly improved electric range, now extending up to 50 miles – still short of the mark, but sufficient to keep the average commuter on electric power for most of their daily driving needs, provided they make an effort to charge it regularly.
Some trim levels will offer DC fast charging, allowing for rapid replenishment of up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Notably, the RAV4 lineup does not include any options for a non-hybrid powertrain. The entire lineup features a combination of hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains across all trim levels. Initially, there were speculations about an electric vehicle model joining the lineup; however, it seems Toyota is now committed to its newly-branded bZ model serving this purpose instead.
Toyota dubs its latest RAV4 options “highly eco-friendly electrified powertrains,” but declines to provide specific EPA mileage estimates for the hybrid variant or plug-in hybrid model operating solely on fuel power. The current RAV4 hybrid achieves an estimated 39 mpg, a 10-mpg improvement over its non-hybrid counterpart.
The all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 is expected to hit showrooms across the US later this year, with pricing details yet to be announced.
Electrek’s Take
What seems unclear is the precise intent behind the phrase “100% electrified”?
Toyota’s legacy of electric vehicle promotion has been marred by inconsistencies and misrepresentations regarding its commitment to electrification. Its deception has previously landed it in trouble, both in Norway and the US.
Despite its reputation for eco-friendliness, Toyota has a dark secret: it is one of the largest funders of climate change denial, consistently ranking as the world’s worst automaker lobby on climate coverage.
The company’s propensity for employing the term “electrified” requires scrutiny due to previous instances of potential customer confusion, potentially misleading them into believing their vehicles boast greater environmental credentials than is actually the case. As a reminder, the FTC had previously taken issue with Toyota’s misleading assertions about electric vehicle capabilities.
Toyota has taken the initiative to boost its electrification efforts, making a more substantial commitment by stating that its future lineup will be comprised of fully electrified vehicles, rather than just introducing electrified options.
Confusion surrounds many EV-related phrases, with some terms being employed deliberately to obscure companies’ environmental credentials. Electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and their increasingly complex designations – all these variants of the modern automobile are redefining the notion of “driving” itself.
Traditionally, marketing efforts have focused on fashion brands that eschew gasoline-powered engines, leaving room for creative language describing electric vehicles with options such as “fully electric,” “electric only,” and similar phrasing.
Shifting from the seemingly innocuous term “electrified” to the more emphatic “100% electrified” suggests a deliberate attempt by Toyota to highlight the absolute commitment to electric power in this particular model. While “electrified” sparked some doubts, “100% 100 percent electrified” takes it overboard on the highway of redundancy.
Regardless of the recent trend, we should be delighted with a couple of step-change enhancements in powertrain availability on the RAV4, as well as the elimination of non-hybrid models, which allows Toyota to remind us why they remain the leading opponent of electrification in the automotive industry (excluding one notable exception).
