Al-Futtaim Toyota has introduced the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4 in the United Arab Emirates, marking the arrival of the sixth generation of one of the world’s most established compact SUVs. First launched in the UAE in the mid-1990s, the RAV4 has played a consistent role in the country’s shift toward crossover vehicles that combine passenger-car comfort with SUV practicality.
Now three decades after its original debut, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 enters the market with a full redesign, updated powertrains, and expanded technology. Built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the model benefits from improved structural rigidity and chassis balance, aimed at delivering stable on-road handling while maintaining light off-road capability.
The RAV4 name, originally short for “Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive,” has long been associated with the compact crossover segment. Globally, the model is often credited with helping define that category by blending car-like driving dynamics with higher ground clearance and optional all-wheel drive. In the UAE, it has traditionally appealed to buyers seeking a practical daily vehicle that can also handle weekend desert or mountain trips.
For 2026, two main powertrains are available at launch. The first is a 2.5-litre hybrid electric system producing 236hp. The second is a 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 169hp, with claimed fuel efficiency of 17 km/l, up from 14.9 km/l in the previous 2.5-litre petrol variant. The latest-generation hybrid system achieves a claimed 24.8 km/l, compared to 22.2 km/l previously. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations will be offered. A plug-in hybrid variant has also been confirmed for the UAE, with further details expected closer to its release.
Inside, the 2026 RAV4 adopts a more digital-focused cabin layout. A 12.9-inch display audio system, paired with a 12.3-inch multi-information display, forms the centrepiece of the dashboard. The infotainment system features faster processing and built-in navigation, alongside Apple CarPlay integration. Additional features include shift-by-wire controls, a panoramic view monitor, and Intelligent Parking Assist, introduced locally for the first time on a Toyota model.
Safety technology has also been updated. The 2026 RAV4 is the first Toyota in the UAE to feature Toyota Safety Sense 4. The package includes Road Sign Assist, Lane Trace Assist, a Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Monitoring.
Externally, the design has evolved toward a more angular and contemporary appearance while maintaining traditional SUV proportions. In the UAE, the lineup will include EX, EXR, and GXR trims, along with the more rugged Adventure grade and the sport-oriented VXR variant, which features 20-inch black alloy wheels and a two-tone finish.
With hybrid efficiency, expanded safety features, and a broader trim range, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 enters a highly competitive UAE SUV market where electrification, connectivity, and practicality increasingly shape purchasing decisions.
