The base powertrain under the hood of the 2026 RAV4 uses a 2.5-liter I4 that works with the fifth-generation Toyota hybrid system’s eCVT to make a combined 226 hp. That’s up from the outgoing RAV4’s internal-combustion base-model’s 203 hp, and the RAV4 Hybrid’s 219 hp.

Hybrid-electric vehicles have largely defined Toyota's approach to electrification thus far, with company executives consistently pledging their support to the gas-electric powertrain — and the new RAV4, which offers both conventional and plug-in hybrid powerplants, is the latest iteration of this promise.