Toyota’s Giving the Most Popular SUV in America a Rugged Rethink

The Tacoma, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser may grab the lion’s share of headlines here at GP and around the automotive media landscape at large, but when it comes to sheer business might, the humble RAV4 easily trumps all of them.

In 2024, the mid-sized SUV/crossover was the third-best-selling vehicle in the U.S., trailing only behind Ford’s F-Series and Chevy’s Silverado. And in some ways, that’s not even a fair comparison, given that the sales stats for both trucks are aggregated across every vehicle version in the lineup, i.e., the F-150, 250, 350, etc.

If you’re wondering where the next Toyota vehicle falls in that ranking, it’s the Camry in 8th.

As such, any time Toyota has an update in store for the RAV4, it’s big news in the automotive sector.

Toyota has announced its plans to unveil the all-new 2026 RAV4 on May 20th at 9:00 p.m. EDT. The vehicle hasn’t received a major overhaul since 2019.

But before the official reveal, the Japanese automaker released a series of teaser images that suggest the 2026 RAV4 will look bolder and boxier in all the right ways.

Though it’s speculation on our part, each of the three images shared feels like a glimpse of three different upcoming versions of the vehicle.

A Boxier Haunch

Toyota

A photo of the new rear hatch of the vehicle shows off a far more upright and boxy stance compared to the current 2025 RAV4, which is primarily defined by its angular rear window. This seems like it might be the default version of the RAV4.

From at least this angle, the new looks feels like a blend of the recently revamped Lexus GX and Land Cruiser, with a bit of the current Sequoia body style tossed in for good measure.

The new wrap-around piano key LED tail lights also feel far more sporty and aggressive than the angular robot-eyed look of the current generation. However, they’re still subtle compared to bold striped lights on Infiniti’s QX Monograph.

The RAV4 branding has also been moved up from the left-hand corner and positioned in the center, which is bound to help trigger “woah, that’s a RAV4?” reactions, at least initially, when the new model starts hitting the road.

A Big Bold Grill

Toyota

Many of Toyota’s more recently refreshed trucks and SUVs have embraced new front facias dominated by big, technically patterned front grills. So, seeing the same design language extending to the RAV4 isn’t surprising.

That said, this grill treatment may not be standard for the new model and instead exclusive to a special version of the 2026 RAV4.

As many automotive sleuths have already pointed out, this grill in particular, drives a striking resemblance to the high-performance Toyota GR Corolla, suggesting that Toyota could be planning a sportier GR trim for the 2026 RAV4.

A More Rugged Side

Toyota

If the image above is indeed teasing a GR-themed version of the 2026 RAV4, then this image could be of a new TRD Pro/Offroad or possibly a new Woodland Edition.

Kudos to Toyota’s media team for not inadvertently giving too much away in this photo. The company has paid particular attention here to avoid spoiling details and has edited out the tire brand and size in the photo.

Luckily, we won’t have to wait long to discover everything Toyota has in store for the 2026 RAV4.

Here’s a link to the livestream video Toyota will use to unveil the new car on at 9:00 p.m. EDT

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