Has Toyota forgotten how to build cars? New RAV4 Review

Is this the new RAV4 essential SUV of 2026?

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This is the brand new Toyota RAV4!

Mat's got his hands on this all-new, family-friendly SUV to see if it has what it requires to take on class leaders like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Jaecoo 8. The RAV4 rolls up with a hefty cost increase because the previous iteration, but is it worth it? Let's take a closer look, starting with the style …

There's no denying that the RAV4 looks pretty clever on the exterior. We have actually got our hands on the mid-level model, and your attention is instantly drawn to the angular headlights and bonnet with creases that imitate the Land Cruiser. If you select the GR variation, you have a sportier front bumper than what we have here, however we believe it looks more than good enough without upgrading. Along the side there are plastic surrounds on the wheel arches and along the sills, paired with a load of creases along the length of the automobile. Around the back there are long taillights, a new RAV4 badge, and similar to the front, GR editions feature a sportier bumper. All in all, it's a good-looking automobile!

On the within, there are a number of nods to the Land Cruiser, although you do not have to look extremely far to discover that a number of the panels are covered in scratchy black plastic. Luckily, though there are numerous saving enhances, including a big infotainment screen that's crisp and simple to use, and a whole load of storage throughout the cabin. There's a digital dial screen which uses ok graphics, however the heads-up screen is a good touch. Eventually it's a pretty good cabin, but it does not use enough to notably stick out versus the competitors.

All editions of the RAV4 are plug-in hybrids. The car we're evaluating here features the entry-level powertrain – a 2.5-litre fuel engine, coupled with an electrical motor, which drives the front wheels to deliver 272hp. It comes with a battery that allows for approximately 75 miles driving on electric power alone, and it speeds up to 60mph in 7.5 seconds. The range-topper is a 2.5-litre PHEV that powers all 4 wheels, and this delivers 309hp.

The RAV4 variety starts from ₤ 44,195, increasing all the method as much as ₤ 52,045 for the GR Sport edition. But does it provide enough to lead you away from class leaders like the VW Tiguan? Let us understand which you 'd choose in the remarks, then sign up with Mat for this all-new extensive evaluation!

Jaecoo 8 evaluation:

VW Tiguan review:

Ford Kuga evaluation:

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Chapters
00:00 Toyota RAV4 Evaluation & Introduction
01:10 Toyota RAV4 Engine Options & Hybrid Specs
01:22 0-60mph Acceleration & Emergency Braking Test
02:17 Toyota RAV4 Outside Style & Styling
03:15 Toyota RAV4 Interior Quality, Tech & Infotainment
05:26 5 Annoying Characteristic & Style Flaws
06:33 Finest Characteristics & Hidden Details
08:00 Back Seat Legroom & Guest Comfort
09:46 Boot Capability, Travel Luggage Space & Usefulness
11:30 City Driving & Daily Urban Performance
13:56 Highway Acceleration & Overtaking Power
15:08 Back Road Handling & Ride Quality
16:15 Toyota RAV4 Cost, Trims & Worth for Money
17:20 Verdict: Is the Toyota RAV4 Worth Purchasing?

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Comments

73 responses to “Has Toyota forgotten how to build cars? New RAV4 Review”

  1. @mohsaleem3965 Avatar
    @mohsaleem3965

    Crazy work with that pricing!😂

    1. @slevinlindsay3624 Avatar
      @slevinlindsay3624

      it’s a toyota

      they last forever.

    2. @joenathanz7474 Avatar
      @joenathanz7474

      ​@slevinlindsay3624until chinese brands come to UK

    3. @moiz12345679 Avatar
      @moiz12345679

      @slevinlindsay3624 not anymore they dont, youre also paying 60k+ usd for a mom car do with that what you will.

    4. @Astke Avatar
      @Astke

      ​@slevinlindsay3624that is a cope

    5. @eder.merino Avatar
      @eder.merino

      @slevinlindsay3624 Correction, they LASTED forever. Toyota, as every other brand, isn’t what it used to be any more. It is what it is,

  2. @carwow Avatar
    @carwow

    Get 20% off CarVertical using code Carwow: https://www.carvertical.com/carwow

    1. @JOHN-l2z8t Avatar
      @JOHN-l2z8t

      AUDI

    2. @purwantiallan5089 Avatar
      @purwantiallan5089

      I rate the 2026 Toyota RAV4 a 4/10.😅

    3. @weaponxi_r Avatar
      @weaponxi_r

      @carwow @matwatsoncars please review the corolla cross gr sport and do a comparison video with lexus ux f sport

    4. @JOHN-l2z8t Avatar
      @JOHN-l2z8t

      ​@weaponxi_rGreat idea

  3. @beerbros6082 Avatar
    @beerbros6082

    Why are your cars so fricking expensive in the UK? The absolute range topping model in Aus is the equivalent of less than 40k pounds!

    1. @madjooooo Avatar
      @madjooooo

      That’s everywhere in Europe. Greedy politicians charging taxes which they would embezzle.

    2. @brainsmatter7067 Avatar
      @brainsmatter7067

      yep, According to the Toyota Australia website the 2WD Cruiser spec is $63,232

    3. @Design_no Avatar
      @Design_no

      @brainsmatter7067 absurd price. RIP Toyota.

    4. @joenathanz7474 Avatar
      @joenathanz7474

      Same with Indonesia’s toyota company. Too much greed, trashy quality

    5. @matthiasknutzen6061 Avatar
      @matthiasknutzen6061

      ​@madjooooolol

  4. @joshbacon8241 Avatar
    @joshbacon8241

    Why does the UK only get the plug-in hybrid version of the new RAV4, and doesn’t get the regular self-charging hybrid version that’s offered in other markets?

    1. @richardsmith579 Avatar
      @richardsmith579

      Couldn’t agree more.

    2. @Colbolt96 Avatar
      @Colbolt96

      Australia has it too

    3. @thesapphire1743 Avatar
      @thesapphire1743

      when I googled why uk only get phev, it says uk have a strong market demand for phev.

    4. @01genics Avatar
      @01genics

      Because our government gets more money out of us with the plug in one, as they will charge 1.5p per mile in a few years, with the self charging one they wouldn’t get any extra money. Wouldn’t be surprised if the government had a quiet word

    5. @The_Stanman Avatar
      @The_Stanman

      It’s a mix regulatory (helps Toyota meet UK zero-emissions requirement) and demand from company car programs.

  5. @GBIGBIGBI Avatar
    @GBIGBIGBI

    I have recently testdriven it.
    The hybrid system is great but the interior build quality with tlots of plastic is just horrendous.

    1. @The_Stanman Avatar
      @The_Stanman

      I’ll take “cheap” physical controls focused on real-world usability over screen-everything interiors focused on showroom “wow factor” any day.

    2. @joco9958 Avatar
      @joco9958

      @The_Stanman true

    3. @dy7296 Avatar
      @dy7296

      ​@The_Stanman Why not both? Why not an efforted unboring interior that has gimmicks that are actually useful?

    4. @ShuntySK Avatar
      @ShuntySK

      @dy7296 That is what Lexus exists for.

    5. @paulparoma Avatar
      @paulparoma

      I looked at all Toyota models the other day. The interiors are atrocious. Maybe the Land Cruiser is the only one that’s half-way decent. Toyota’s gone downhill. My 2005 Scion has a much better interior than any of the new ones.

  6. @Design_no Avatar
    @Design_no

    Its a no from us. Toyota need to improve their pricing and their quality.

    1. @ivofixzone6410 Avatar
      @ivofixzone6410

      They are if you live in US. They have models not offered in UK .

    2. @rinodb83 Avatar
      @rinodb83

      Agree, I love Toyota but they think they can get away with any pricing! Also the land cruiser is insane…

  7. @EnzoNoFerrariYT Avatar
    @EnzoNoFerrariYT

    Toyota is really doubling down on its high price because of “trust” 😔

  8. @Sowhat69 Avatar
    @Sowhat69

    It’s 2026 and Toyota’s infotainment system is still in 2006

    1. @mihail24-67 Avatar
      @mihail24-67

      Honestly the interior is sooo outdated

    2. @guicane Avatar
      @guicane

      the bezel and the thickness are insane

    3. @Pelenor-b9u Avatar
      @Pelenor-b9u

      They have updated it alot since the previous gen and it’s also very responsive.

    4. @guicane Avatar
      @guicane

      @Pelenor-b9usure but the physical part is so outdated

    5. @Pelenor-b9u Avatar
      @Pelenor-b9u

      @guicane Can’t argue that. Toyota was never about fancy interiors though.

  9. @Munyabrwn Avatar
    @Munyabrwn

    Transmiasion is an ecvt not a cvt. Big difference. Way more reliable than a cvt

    1. @biafo4541 Avatar
      @biafo4541

      But it still has cvt characteristics

    2. @Cowabunga46 Avatar
      @Cowabunga46

      Yeah sure 😉- everybody knows that when you add electric components things get more reliable /s.

    3. @Orange2Brown Avatar
      @Orange2Brown

      Do you even know what CVT stands for? It still fits the criteria-

    4. @adnxn1 Avatar
      @adnxn1

      @Cowabunga46do your research…. eCVT is a planetary gear set system, very reliable

      older mechanical belt pulley or chain pulley systems are VERY unreliable and are “CVT”

    5. @Mostafa-vs8bd Avatar
      @Mostafa-vs8bd

      ​@Cowabunga46you dont know what ecvt is. So go read instaed of yapping

  10. @michaelkillerman Avatar
    @michaelkillerman

    this is what rav4 should have been. in 2015

  11. @hisintainosin0924 Avatar
    @hisintainosin0924

    In Japan, you can buy the top-of-the-line PHEV AWD grade of this car for under £29,000.

    1. @bripiry Avatar
      @bripiry

      Go and live in Japan then?

    2. @blackmercury956 Avatar
      @blackmercury956

      ​​@bripiry”leave the multi billion dollar car industry alone”

      You wont get redeems codes defending their scam son

    3. @invisiblekid99 Avatar
      @invisiblekid99

      @bripirywankiest answer people use. Grow a brain cell.

    4. @flecx9767 Avatar
      @flecx9767

      I mean yeah, Japan is much cheaper to live in in general not only with cars.
      Problems is often not campanies just upping the base price astronomically, it’s the overlying taxes of other countries that make those cars more expensive

    5. @August_haze Avatar
      @August_haze

      That price makes a lot of sense

  12. @Will_au Avatar
    @Will_au

    0:15 Imagine how many of these Rav4’s will have those missing in 10 to 15 years

    1. @vkrvo Avatar
      @vkrvo

      yeah if they have stupid owners

    2. @philipcrossley1279 Avatar
      @philipcrossley1279

      Hmm…
      It’s the armrest…
      I think most drivers will make damned sure it doesn’t go missing!😂

    3. @G22_AUX Avatar
      @G22_AUX

      😂😂

    4. @Topspeedmaster25 Avatar
      @Topspeedmaster25

      Nice way of bargaining in a few years with sellers😭😂😂
      “Sorry mate part of the center console is missing..lower the price”

  13. @schlix101 Avatar
    @schlix101

    I really do not like that at the bottom of the car, it seem like the battery pack is actually hanging lower the the lowest part of the door sills…It’s like the battery pack is protruding from beneath. Something is going to go wrong here. Like driving over something because you might think the car is higher than it is, only to end up hitting it and potentially damage the battery pack.

  14. @alalal420 Avatar
    @alalal420

    Uk pricing is mad, here in the middle east it cost 29k$ to buy a standard hybrid version, life must be hard in the UK

  15. @jonokorley Avatar
    @jonokorley

    £50K for cheap feeling and wobbly interior is crazy work

  16. @pauld4115 Avatar
    @pauld4115

    10 year vehicle warranty and 15 year hybrid system warranty……these days that’s nearly more important than the car !!

    1. @JVLovesSilicon Avatar
      @JVLovesSilicon

      Lot of EVs come with the same warranty period so it’s expected.

    2. @Benzknees Avatar
      @Benzknees

      Covering the inverter & battery control module, provided you get the stealership to expensively “check” it every year and you do less than 150k miles, excluding wear & tear.

    3. @BeefIngot Avatar
      @BeefIngot

      You know those warranties aren’t worth the pixels they’re displayed on with the terms and conditions.

      It’s always a hyper specific selection of parts they know won’t break, under conditions they know most people won’t follow (or of they did, would cost them more than the warranty is worth over time).

    4. @Shankz00 Avatar
      @Shankz00

      This is such a rubbish lookin car

  17. @stojadinsport Avatar
    @stojadinsport

    Interior quality is absolutely terrible. I sat in the GR version and was shocked by how cheap the plastic felt. For a €50,000–60,000 car, it’s a complete disaster.

    1. @3v3rhard Avatar
      @3v3rhard

      Looks cheap but is it reliable? Thats the selling point.

    2. @0tispunkm3y3r Avatar
      @0tispunkm3y3r

      ​@3v3rhardJapanese cars have nearly always cheap feeling, natty materials. They’re perfectly functional and will never break. They just aren’t that nice to touch. But it’s always been like that for as long as I’ve had Japanese cars. People need to separate “well made” from the interior plastics, they are well engineered and constructed where it matters and the interiors are just functional, hard wearing, but cheap feeling.

  18. @socalmrt Avatar
    @socalmrt

    The only complaint after owning a 2026 RAV4 XSE Plugin for about five months is the low-quality plastics used in the interior. Within days, we noticed scuffs and scratches on the plastics, mainly where you place your phones or grab the door panels. Power is very good. Efficiency is great. We get almost 60 miles on a full charge. About 550 miles on a full tank. But them plastics used in the interior, what were they thinking?

  19. @Josh-179 Avatar
    @Josh-179

    Toyota has figured out that they can make the cheapest cars as far as materials go, even loose fitting pieces as shown, and they’ll still sell the most. As long as the underlying engineering makes them last which they do the best.

    1. @bobcobbob3641 Avatar
      @bobcobbob3641

      The underlying engineering doesn’t cut it anymore. Accountants run the company, engineering is forced to cut corners at the expense of reliability and durability.

    2. @Tom55data Avatar
      @Tom55data

      They have Swaf in the left in the engines and they detonate after 20k. Huge problem.

  20. @signpost5596 Avatar
    @signpost5596

    The RAV4 is a very competent appliance, and obviously it’s exactly what a lot of folks want in a vehicle.

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