By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
The best-selling small SUV in the United States just received a major overhaul. For 2026, all the Toyota RAVs will be hybrid or plug-in hybrid as the Japanese carmaker moves toward partial electrification of its vehicles. Thirty years on with over 6.4 million units sold and stronger than ever, the RAV4 family included an off-road Woodland edition into its fold couple years ago
The beginning of the new year signals the end of the sole gas engine, replaced by a 2.5-iter naturally aspirated Atkinson inline-4-cylinder hybrid powertrain cranking out 236 horsepower and 172 pounds-feet of torque. It is coupled to two front and one rear electric motor. A 288-volt lithium-ion battery is recharged by energy captured as the driver applies the brakes or coasts. The SUV is mated to an electronically controlled continuous variable transmission that touts a regenerative braking system. The re-tuned independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension with stabilizer bars absorbs the bumps of rough surfaces with skill and sure-footedness. And the rack-mounted electric power steering is razor-sharp with a solid on-center feel.
Apart from eco – an efficient mode where the driver can control the throttle opening – and sport for feisty driving, the RAV4 uses EV, i.e. electric at lower speeds of up to 25 mph. The adventure-ready and rugged ride may weigh nearly 3,900 pounds but still can tow up to a remarkable 3,500 pounds.
Up front, a split satin-black hammerhead grille surrounds projector-beam LED headlights as the Woodland badge is distinctly visible up on the crossbars of the roof rails and the rear liftgate. The aggressive look of the robust SUV is further boosted by RIGID Industries’ LED fog lamps. Step into the cabin and red orange accents on the stitching, center console lid and steering wheel grab your attention. All new is a 12.3-inch digital cluster as well as an improved 10.5-inch infotainment system with customizable widgets, AT&T 5G connectivity for quicker answers (“Hey Toyota, let’s go home!’) by the virtual Voice Assistant, Spotify and SiriusXM with 360L streaming, and all-new dash-cam-like feature. Ground clearance increases to 8.5 inches while the hands-free power liftgate has also been redesigned. Other thoughtful touches include eight-way power driver and six-way manual front-passenger seats, dual auto a/c, 60/40 fold-flat rear seat, leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel, overhead sunglass holder and driver-side instrument panel storage bin.
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag and driver knee airbag, blind-spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, side-impact door beams, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability and traction control, backup camera and front/rear crumple zones are standard. The revised Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 brings in a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure/tracing assists and dynamic cruise control.
Looking to venture into uncharted territory and test fresh dirt trails? Then the rugged capabilities of the Woodland trim swiftly and efficiently get to work. With a substantial new chassis, generous cargo capacity and price, the fuel-sipping RAV4 certainly deserves attention. Plenty of it if you are a beginner family or a first-time owner in search of a reliable, durable compact SUV.
RAV4 AWD (WOODLAND)
Tires: P235/65R18 all terrain
Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
Length: 182 inches
Height: 69.1 inches
Width: 74 inches
Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons
Mileage: city/hwy/comb: 41/36/39 mpg
Base price: $39,900
Web site: www.toyota.com
