The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has gone fully electrified with a hybrid-only lineup of powertrain options, which should not only help improve overall efficiency, but also improve overall performance across the range. To celebrate this improved performance, Toyota has even gone so far as to introduce the first-ever RAV4 GR Sport trim for the new model year, with sportier styling including a GR grille, a large rear wing, and larger wheels with performance rubber. However, the North American market should consider our luck, as many other markets won’t get the same hot setup that we get to enjoy, and you have their governments to thank.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.5L Inline 4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
What’s The Problem Everywhere Else?
In the US, the new RAV4 in its standard hybrid setup with front-wheel drive is good for 226 hp, and the all-wheel drive standard hybrid makes 236 hp. All North American RAV4 plug-in hybrid models will come with all-wheel drive, 320 hp, and an upgraded 50-mile electric-only driving range. That’s not the case in the European market, however, due to stricter regulations, according to a Toyota exec’s recent comments. In reference to lower horsepower figures for the PHEV model in Europe, Toyota’s Robert Tickner told Motor1 that the market differences are “due to homologation and emission requirement specifics and reflects the differences between the USA and the EU/EFTA/UK requirements.”
Related
The New Toyota RAV4 Will Let You Drive For Months Without Using A Drop Of Gas
The new Toyota RAV4 comes with a long list of welcome changes, including improved battery-only range in the PHEV variant.
What’s The Difference In RAV4s?
In Europe, the PHEV RAV4 is limited to just 300 hp, or 20 fewer than in the States, though that market does get the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, unlike in North America, with the FWD model making 236 hp (and coming in cheaper than the AWD, obviously). It’s curious the US doesn’t get the FWD version, but there could be some sort of method to finding a balance in the RAV4’s very popular global demand.
The regular all-wheel drive hybrid is also limited in Europe to just a measly 188 hp, or 48 ponies fewer than in the US, and the front-wheel drive regular hybrid drops down to just 181 hp, or down 45 hp from the US version.
Related
The New Toyota RAV4 Would Make An Awesome Pickup
Rendering artist Theo Throttle took digital pen to the recently revealed 2026 RAV4, turning it into a Ford Maverick rival.
Other New RAV4 Details
The Euro AWD PHEV RAV4 setup is good for a 0 to 62 mph time of 5.8 seconds, which means it should be even quicker in the US for the new GR Sport trim especially (we should get more US specs confirmed by Toyota later this year). The Japanese-market PHEV is also said to be good for a total maximum driving range of 839 miles when fully fueled and charged (likely a figure from the FWD version). There’s no diesel in any market, and no announced plans for the RAV4 to go fully electric anytime soon, although the nameplate will eventually become a BEV, as CarBuzz found out in an exclusive interview.
Source: Motor1
#Americas #RAV4 #PlugIn #Hybrid #Elses
