Toyota gears up for SA rollout of all-new RAV4

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At its recently held State of the Motoring Industry (SOMI) 2026 address, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) confirmed that the all-new RAV4 is heading to South Africa in 2026.

Unveiled globally last year, the internally designated XA60, or sixth-generation RAV4, will be offered locally in three trim levels: GX, VX, and, for the first time, GR Sport. The line-up will also be available with a choice of three powertrains: conventional petrol, self-charging hybrid, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

According to speculation, the outputs could mirror those of the North American version rather than the European model, where stricter emissions regulations have resulted in lower figures for both hybrid derivatives.

As such, expect the hybrid to produce 166kW in front-wheel-drive form and 174kW in all-wheel-drive E-Four guise.

SA-only petrol mill

An option unique to South Africa, however, is the naturally aspirated powertrain, as the RAV4 is no longer offered without hybrid assistance in Europe and the US. Speculatively, this could take the form of the naturally aspirated 2ℓ engine used in its Chinese-market sibling, the rebadged Wildlander. If so, expect outputs of 125kW of power and 206Nm of torque, delivered to the front or all four wheels through a CVT.

For the PHEV, which will become a mainstream option in South Africa following an almost three-year trial period with the previous generation, only a single derivative will be offered.

Serious OOMPH

Based on the same 2,5ℓ engine used in the hybrid, the PHEV is now paired with a 22,7kWh battery pack powering two electric motors. The result is a combined 235kW, making it more powerful than the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, as well as the third generation’s 3,5ℓ V6, which produced 200kW.

As in other markets, the PHEV is expected to be the sole option for the South African-spec GR Sport.

Replacing the fifth generation, which took the accolade as the world’s best-selling vehicle in 2024, the XA60 also grows in all key dimensions. Built on a revised version of the TNGA-K platform, the RAV4 measures 4 600mm long, 1 860mm wide, and 1 680mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2 690mm. Claimed boot space for non-PHEV models is 749ℓ.

Restyled interior

Styled to resemble the Tacoma and Camry, the redesigned interior features a 10,5” infotainment system, or an optional 12,9” unit, a new 12,3” digital instrument cluster, and a steering wheel with physical buttons borrowed from the all-electric bZ4X.

The redesigned centre console retains physical switchgear; however, the gear lever comes in either a traditional or toggle-switch design, depending on the trim.

Dominating the console, styled along Land Cruiser Prado lines, is a storage area that doubles as an armrest, type-C USB ports, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Despite the many physical buttons, climate control is now managed via the infotainment display.

Anticipated pricing

The new RAV4 will come at a significant premium over the outgoing model, with prices expected to start around R750 000 to R780 000, based on the current variant’s starting sticker of R719 800.

Alongside the introduction of the Land Cruiser FJ, Toyota hopes to gain more market share in the D-SUV segment. TSAM said during the SOMI that it plans to give customers more options across its Urban Cruiser and Fortuner line-up.