Why the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Is Priced at $2,000 More but Ultimately Costs $1,000 Less | Carscoops

Why the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Is Priced at $2,000 More but Ultimately Costs $1,000 Less | Carscoops

      Toyota’s revamped 2026 RAV4 starts at $31,900, which is less than last year’s hybrid while enhancing its technology.

      

       8 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Stephen Rivers

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      The all-hybrid 2026 RAV4 begins at $31,900 for the base LE model.

      Despite advancements in power and technology, price increases remain modest.

      Higher trims remain competitive in the busy compact SUV market.

      

      After Toyota introduced the completely redesigned RAV4 last month and we took it for our initial drive, we were impressed, but one question remained: what would it cost? That mystery has now been unveiled, and the result is better than many anticipated.

      

      

      Review: The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Finally Lives Up to Its SUV Potential

      To begin with, it’s important to note that the previous 2025 RAV4 was available in non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options, while the new 2026 model comes solely as a hybrid, with the plug-in variant expected next year.

      Thus, while the base 2026 RAV4 Hybrid starts at $31,900—$2,100 more than the previous non-hybrid base model priced at $29,800—the price difference seems warranted.

      

      

      The new entry-level 2026 RAV4 is priced nearly a thousand dollars less than last year’s base hybrid, yet it offers more power, enhanced technology, and an improved chassis.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      It’s important to note that the pricing mentioned does not account for a $1,450 delivery, processing, and handling fee. The 2026 RAV4 Hybrid LE FWD starts at $31,900, which is $950 less than the outgoing 2025 Hybrid LE AWD priced at $32,850. This is significant since the new RAV4 is solely a hybrid.

      Considering the upgrades, Toyota could have increased the price into the mid-thirties, but it opted to maintain competitive pricing, offering strong value.

      

      All 2026 models feature upgraded hybrid powertrains, a more rigid platform, improved ride comfort, increased cabin space, and additional standard features.

      

      

      Base LE models now have a larger touchscreen, the XLE Premium trim gains a standard liftgate, and the Woodland Edition is equipped with Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Monitor.

      Here’s the complete pricing list for the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid:

      

      Hybrid LE FWD: $31,900

      Hybrid LE AWD: $33,300

      Hybrid SE FWD: $34,700

      Hybrid SE AWD: $36,100

      Hybrid Woodland AWD: $39,900

      Hybrid XLE Premium FWD: $36,100

      Hybrid XLE Premium AWD: $37,500

      Hybrid XSE AWD: $41,300

      Hybrid Limited AWD: $43,300

      Pricing for the plug-in variant will be released in early 2026.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      In the end, Toyota has kept the prices of the middle and upper trims below the ceiling we feared while evaluating the SUV. The XSE and Limited models now enter the low-$40,000 range but do not exceed the level where buyers must justify spending $45-$50k on a compact SUV.

      More: Toyota’s New RAV4 Infotainment Upgrade Surprises in Many Ways

      

      

      This is significant because it is the best-handling, most refined, and most broadly appealing RAV4 to date. However, it leaves us curious about how Toyota will price the plug-in hybrid. Early anticipations suggest it may fall within the mid-to-high $40,000 range, making it a tougher competitor against its rivals.

      In addition to the upcoming PHEV, Toyota is also gearing up to introduce the first-ever GR Sport RAV4 next year. Though pricing has not yet been confirmed, we expect it to start just above $50,000. You can read our first drive impressions of the 324hp performance-oriented SUV here.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Credit: Stephen Rivers for Carscoops

Why the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Is Priced at $2,000 More but Ultimately Costs $1,000 Less | Carscoops Why the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Is Priced at $2,000 More but Ultimately Costs $1,000 Less | Carscoops Why the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Is Priced at $2,000 More but Ultimately Costs $1,000 Less | Carscoops Why the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Is Priced at $2,000 More but Ultimately Costs $1,000 Less | Carscoops

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Why the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Is Priced at $2,000 More but Ultimately Costs $1,000 Less | Carscoops

The revamped 2026 RAV4 from Toyota begins at $31,900, which is lower than the previous year's hybrid price, while also introducing additional technology.