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Motor1
Business
Jeff Perez

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Is Cheaper Than Last Year's Hybrid

Introducing a new generation of a popular vehicle raises a big concern: How much more expensive will this version be? That’s especially true for affordable SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. But worry not, RAV4 fans—Toyota’s ever-popular SUV is still very affordable for 2026. In fact, it’s slightly cheaper than last year’s hybrid model.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 starts at $33,350, making it $950 less than the previous hybrid once you include the mandatory $1,450 destination fee. For comparison, the outgoing RAV4 LE Hybrid AWD starts at $34,300. The new entry-level price applies to the base Hybrid LE FWD—AWD is no longer a standard affair. Here’s how it stacks up against last year’s model:

Model Price
2025 Toyota RAV4 (Non-Hybrid) $31,195
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid $34,300
2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid $33,350

Even as you move up the trim ladder, the RAV4 doesn’t become significantly more expensive than before. In addition to the base LE, Toyota offers two other trims under the $40,000 mark: The SE at $36,150 and the XLE Premium at $37,550.

Just over $40,000 is the Woodland model, starting at a still reasonable $41,350. Above that, the XSE is priced at $42,750, and the Limited comes in at $44,750. Toyota has yet to announce pricing for its plug-in-hybrid models—including the GR Sport—but the current trim structure for the standard hybrid looks like this:

Model Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive
2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE $33,350 $34,750
2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE $36,150 $37,550
2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium $37,550 $38,950
2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland -- $41,350
2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE -- $42,750
2026 Toyota RAV4 Limited   $44,750

As with most SUVs in this segment, the features depend heavily on which trim you choose—as we learned after driving nearly all of them. The base LE model, for example, comes with cloth seats and a 10.9-inch touchscreen, compared to the 12.9-inch display offered on higher trims. The Woodland trim serves as Toyota’s "rugged" RAV4, adding features like chunky tires, orange accents, and a roof rack.

The RAV4 Limited is the most expensive trim, but it’s also the best equipped. Limited buyers gain amenities such as a digital rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel, dual wireless charging pads, and the standard 12.9-inch touchscreen.

Every RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 226 horsepower and delivering up to 41 mpg combined. For 2026, buyers can also opt for several plug-in-hybrid variants, though pricing for those models won’t be announced until early next year.

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