Toyota's 2026 RAV4 SUV to Have Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Options Only

Core Insights - Toyota Motor Corporation is transitioning its 2026 RAV4 to be exclusively electrified, offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid options as part of a redesign of its best-selling SUV [1][2] - The new RAV4 will feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with the hybrid version producing 226 horsepower (front-wheel drive) and 236 horsepower (all-wheel drive), while the plug-in hybrid will deliver 320 horsepower, an increase from 302 horsepower in the previous model [2] - Toyota aims to sell 9.8 million vehicles globally in the current fiscal year, an increase from 9.36 million the previous year, with electrified vehicle sales projected to rise to 5.18 million units [8] Product Launches and Strategy - The 2026 RAV4 will be available in three new design variants: Core, Rugged, and Sport, and will include updates such as a new touchscreen display and enhanced safety features [2][3] - By 2027, Toyota plans to launch 10 new electric vehicles in key global markets, including the Urban Cruiser and C-HR+ electric SUVs in Europe [6] - In China, Toyota has introduced the bZ3X, its most affordable EV, and plans to launch additional models to strengthen its position in the largest EV market [7] Market Performance and Sales Targets - Despite selling over 10.2 million vehicles globally in fiscal 2025, only about 145,000 were fully electric, representing just 1% of total sales, while EVs accounted for approximately 14% of global vehicle sales in 2024 [4] - Toyota's cautious approach to fully electric vehicles has been noted, but recent announcements indicate a shift in strategy with new EV launches and production targets [5] - Combined sales of Toyota and Lexus are projected to reach 10.4 million units, a 1.2% increase from fiscal 2025, driven by improved production capacity [8]