Toyota's RAV4 price increase of up to $4,000 in Australia for 2026 has raised concerns in the US | Carscoops

      Significant price increases overseas have consumers speculating whether one of America's beloved SUVs will soon see a substantial rise in cost.

      Prices for the RAV4 have surged by as much as 10.8 percent in Australia.

      Toyota is anticipated to announce pricing information for the US version of the RAV4 shortly.

      The high-end GR Sport AWD might have a starting price around $50,000.

      Although Toyota recently allowed journalists, including Carscoops’ Stephen Rivers, to test drive the all-new 2026 RAV4, they have not disclosed its US pricing.

      Conversely, in Australia, the company has unveiled the complete range and pricing details, which raise concerns that similar price hikes could occur in the United States.

      In Australia, the new RAV4 will be offered in no less than 11 configurations, the same as the previous-generation model in the US. While the naming conventions differ for some models in Australia, the standard features of each variant are generally akin to those of similar models in the US.

      How Much More Will It Cost?

      In Australia, the hybrid 2026 RAV4 GX 2WD now starts at AU$45,990 (approximately US$30,000 at the current exchange rate), reflecting an increase of AU$3,730 (US$2,400) or about 8.8 percent. The GX AWD sees a 9 percent rise to AU$49,340 (US$32,200). Moving higher in the lineup, the GXL 2WD and GXL AWD experience increases of 6.9 and 7.2 percent, pricing at AU$48,990 (US$32,000) and AU$52,340 (US$34,200), respectively.

      Notably, not all models have become more expensive. Toyota has reduced the prices of the Edge AWD and XSE AWD by AU$3,020 (US$2,000) and AU$5,755 (US$3,700), respectively. Nevertheless, the Cruiser 2WD and Cruiser AWD have risen to AU$56,990 (US$37,200) and AU$60,340 (US$39,400), which represents increases of about 10.8 percent, or nearly AU$6,000 (US$4,000).

      New to the Australian market is the RAV4 PHEV, starting at AU$58,840 (US$38,400) for the XSE 2WD, while the XSE AWD is priced at AU$63,340 (US$41,300), and the all-new GR Sport AWD is set at AU$66,340 (US$43,300).

      What About the U.S.?

      It remains uncertain if Toyota will implement comparable price increases in the US. Should they adopt Australia’s 7 to 11 percent price hikes, American buyers might face an unwelcome surprise.

      The outgoing 2025 RAV4 has a starting price of $29,800 in the U.S. for the base LE, with the Hybrid models commencing at $32,850. If Toyota follows the pricing trends seen in Australia, the 2026 RAV4, which will be available exclusively as a hybrid (with a plug-in version planned for later release), could see its starting price approach $35,000.

      As the new flagship GR Sport AWD is a fresh addition to the lineup, it cannot be compared to the 2025 model. However, it is speculated that it may have a starting price in the vicinity of $50,000, placing it in direct competition with notable brands like Genesis, BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz.