Toyota RAV4

The cabin has a trucky aesthetic, more akin to the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Sequoia than more family-focused small SUVs or even the Highlander. This means bold rectangular and hard plastics, making the interior look industrial and functional, rather than attractive and premium. For its $43,238 price, we expected more soft surfaces and contrasting trim elements on our XLE Premium. Buyers will need to step up to even more expensive trims for such things.

We do like the large door pockets and extra storage shelf under the center screen and vents. Overall, the interior works well, but it isn’t as modern or inviting as the cabins in some rival models.

The RAV4 boxes the driver in with its intrusive center console and firm armrests. Several Consumer Reports test drivers said that their right knee rubs on the center console. (There is a separate, hard plastic piece attached to the side of the console that seems like the automaker could readily replace with a softer material.)

Our test drivers are neutral on the front seats. They considered the seats fine, but none would go so far as to claim they were especially comfortable. Some found the seats to be flat and firm, with one person saying that the front seat base was a bit short for adequate thigh support. The lumbar adjustments help dial in the right lower-back support for the driver.

It is important that you check out the RAV4 seats to see how they fit, as we recommend on any vehicle, before buying. It is worth noting here because RAV4 inventory can be limited, leading some customers to order one with little exposure to the new version. Even so, try to find one you can sit in before putting down a deposit.

3 It Didn’t Change Enough

Toyota gave the RAV4 a safe redesign. Toyota kept the proportions and refined most key facets, such as infotainment, noise, ride, and safety. There was no reinvention here. That means owners with a 2019 to 2025 RAV4 looking to upgrade might find the newest version a bit too familiar. If you test-drive competitors, you will find several models that have grown in size, cabin amenities, and technology.

Had the RAV4 been stretched, giving each seating row and the cargo area an extra inch, buyers would consider the 2026 model to be offering them something more: space. That incremental change would have helped it keep up with rivals and strengthen its sales proposition. This shortcoming is most notable in the back seat, where passengers will find the RAV4 is less accommodating than other, recently redesigned models. (Of course, the smaller size may be an appeal for some buyers, especially if they factor in the benefits to cost, fuel economy, and parking.)

There is a risk that any popular new model will sell for a premium during its first months on the market. Right now, the RAV4 is transacting at about 4 percent over sticker price nationwide. Finance the vehicle for several years, and the impact of paying extra becomes even greater.

Historically, RAV4 hybrids hold their value well, but there is a general concern that paying extra can increase depreciation. As production catches up with demand, prices are expected to edge down. Because elevated gas prices may keep interest in the RAV4 high, don’t expect discounts any time soon.

At one point, the RAV4 was the only game in town if you wanted a small SUV that got great fuel economy. That’s changed in recent years, with the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50, and Subaru Forester all available with slick hybrid powertrains that deliver better fuel economy than even a conventional small sedan. Plus, each is slightly larger than the RAV4.

With elevated gas prices, buying a fuel-efficient, reliable new car is tempting, and for many buyers, the RAV4 is naturally high on the shopping list.

The prior RAV4 hybrid returned phenomenal fuel economy at 37 mpg overall in our tests. There is no longer a nonhybrid powertrain in the lineup, meaning RAV4s are all hybrids or plug-in hybrids going forward. The RAV4 XLE Premium we bought for testing boasts a 41 mpg combined EPA rating on its window sticker. Based on the first 2,000 miles we drove it, seeing an improvement over the previous RAV4 seems reasonable. That would mean that the RAV4 is both more efficient and more powerful than before—a rare and tempting combination.

Current owners and those acquainted with the prior RAV4 will find the 2026 model similar, with identical proportions and many incremental improvements. The most overt change, beyond the freshened styling, is the trucky interior and its large center screen. Electronic features, such as entertainment and safety, have all become state of the art in Toyota’s lineup.

And the RAV4 plug-in hybrid is similarly improved, with an impressive 48- to 52-mile electric-only range (depending on the configuration), more power, and an improved ride.

If you need a small SUV now, test-drive the RAV4. It is a smart choice, if it meets all the must-have requirements on your list—and as long as you’ve considered the points we’ve made here.