First examples of a new line unveiled in May are here in early 2026 … as demonstrators. Pre-June expectation for customer deliveries.

PROMOTION of the next generation of the most nationally-favoured Toyota has begun - but expectant customers are still months away from achieving one.

Within effusive brand comment shared today about the RAV4’s high-roller status comes indication that a hard launch timeframe for the next up sixth generation range still seems to be elusive.

A heavily freshened line-up bringing first-time NZ-new availability of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain was first detailed internationally in May and since then Toyota New Zealand’s website has said the new line is ‘coming soon’.

In a media share today, the Palmerston North-based distributor has made absolutely clear a model line representing the first major change since the present choices released globally in 2018 and here in 2019, is very much still a 2026 arrival.

Also, it is saying first examples set to land next year will all be dealership demonstration vehicles.

Actual customer orders are only being fulfilled subsequently, with no month for that yet shared.

Shared thought is that “first customer orders of the sixth generation RAV4 are expected to land in New Zealand in the first half of 2026.”

Pricing and exact specification has yet to be delivered, but it is nonetheless accepting registrations of interest from now. These can be lodged online or with a Toyota outlet.

RAV4 is of high importance to TNZ. Popularity with private customers is strong, but it has made even penetration as a fleet choice, notably with rental operators.

It was the country’s top selling passenger model in 2024 and has on occasion topped monthly registrations accruals to date this year.

The new version is a heavy update of the current model, but with a full exterior and interior redesign, improved powertrains, upgraded safety technology and new multimedia.

It will continue with the current hybrid choice as an alternate to PHEV - which presently avails purely via the used import channel, mainly TNZ’s own Signature Class effort - and in front- and all-wheel-drive forms.

The PHEV comprises a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine paired with front and rear electric motors, and a 22.7kWh battery, for a combined output of 227kW.

It is expected to provision about 100km of EV-only motoring, when measured to the WLTP scale.

The battery will require about 13 hours to charge from a home powerpoint, or as little as three hours with a wallbox charger.

It will also have DC fast charging capability, able to be charged at up to 50kW from 10 to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes.

Regular hybrid models will combine the 2.5-litre engine with a new-generation front electric motor and battery.

All-wheel-drive hybrids include a second, rear-mounted electric motor, with no connection between the engine and rear axle, as with today’s model. Clarity about the new hybrid’s output has yet to come; the current model makes 160kW to 163kW.

RAV4 has also diversified into three distinct sub-genres; each with their own styling cues.

The mainstream model visually aligns more with Toyota's EVs and some Lexus product, whereas the Adventure becomes more differentiated, with a bolder frontal styling, larger wheels, chunkier body enhancements and promise of improved rough-road ability.

In addition, there’s also a a RAV4 GR Sport, with yet another different look and a lower, more aggressive stance, a wider track, retuned suspension and lightweight wheels.

GR Sport will be offered only as a PHEV and with the all-wheel-drive system that adds a motor to the rear axle.

In provided content, Andrew Davis, Toyota NZ chief strategic officer said Kiwis’ “adventurous town and country lifestyles” made the PHEV RAV4 a natural next step for Kiwis on their electrification journey.

The new powertrain choice logically allows this Toyota to become a full competitor to the Mitsubishi Outlander - which has had PHEV since 2014 - the Mazda CX-60 and BYD Sealion 6.

“We are excited for the Plug-in Hybrid and what it can offer Kiwi drivers – for both business and private owners. And we can’t wait to see the RAV4 GR Sport – it’s going to be stunning,” he said.

Davis said the plan for the next generation was to keep improving and enhancing a much-admired vehicle.

“Customers who buy RAV4 tell us they love it. So, we are thrilled to see a new generation build on that reputation and bring even more features and benefits for the driver and their passengers.”

Toyota has not made clear if it expects stock of the current generation car to last until the new family arrives.