CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 600
Average Price: Around £21,000

Toyota RAV4 (2026) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Appealing design, interior and drive	Engine choice is PHEV-only
Efficient plug-in hybrid tech	Some plasticky materials inside
Reliability should be superb	Higher entry price than before

Quick Summary

The Toyota RAV4 (2026) is a sensible evolution of a popular family SUV, now exclusively available as a plug-in hybrid in the UK market. With a generous EV range of up to 85 miles, owners can take advantage of cheap-rate home electricity for much of their everyday driving. The latest generation features bolder, more assertive design inspired by the Toyota Land Cruiser, with retro styling cues that bring back character to the range. It measures 4.6 metres long, making it slightly larger than rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, and offers practical interior space with a 446-litre boot that expands to 1,690 litres with rear seats folded.

The RAV4 is fuss-free to drive, with enhanced suspension providing good grip and long-travel springs that soak up rutted roads comfortably. The GR Sport variant offers firmer dampers and bespoke steering for those seeking more dynamic handling. Available in front-wheel-drive (268bhp) or all-wheel-drive (305bhp) configurations, it delivers 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds or 5.8 seconds respectively. The updated 2.5-litre petrol engine is more efficient, with claimed fuel economy figures up to 217mpg and sub-40g/km CO2 emissions. Toyota's acclaimed reliability and extended warranty scheme (up to 10 years or 100,000 miles with annual servicing) provide peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Best for: Families seeking a practical, reliable SUV with low running costs, company car drivers benefiting from low CO2 emissions, and those wanting to combine electric and petrol driving flexibility.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking multiple engine options, those prioritising premium interior materials throughout, or those wanting the lowest entry price in the family SUV segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the RAV4 if: You're seeking a practical, reliable family SUV with low running costs, want to combine electric and petrol driving flexibility, or are a company car driver benefiting from low CO2 emissions.

Consider alternatives if: You require multiple engine options, prioritise premium interior materials throughout, or want the lowest entry price in the family SUV segment.

Competitive Position: The Toyota RAV4 (2026) is a strong contender in the family SUV market, offering a sensible balance of practicality, reliability and efficiency. Whilst the Kia Sportage edges ahead on expert rating and value score, and the Volkswagen Tiguan scores higher with users, the RAV4 holds its own with a competitive overall rating. Its exclusive PHEV powertrain, generous EV range and Toyota's renowned reliability make it an excellent choice for those prioritising long-term dependability and low running costs. The bold new design and improved infotainment system add contemporary appeal, though some rivals offer lower entry prices or more dynamic driving experiences.

Read our full Toyota RAV4 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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