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← Newsroom/EVs & hybrids

Toyota RAV4 PHEV 2026 review: Australian first drive

Compiled by ADME Newsroom from 2 sources

First reported by Chasing Cars · 9 July at 7:00 pm

Who's covering this — 2 articles

Motoring press: 2

Image: Chasing Cars

The quick read

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV has been available in North America, Japan, and Europe since 2020, but is now coming to Australia.
The RAV4 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid, as opposed to a series-parallel hybrid.
The RAV4 is Toyota's best-selling mid-size SUV and now has a GR-badged flagship with plug-in hybrid power.
The RAV4 PHEV represents a significant update to the model, potentially making it a more compelling option for Australian buyers.

For dealers: Australian dealers should prepare for increased interest in the RAV4 PHEV, given its popularity in other markets and the growing demand for hybrid and electric vehicles.

AI-assisted summary of the coverage below — check the original reporting before relying on specifics.

ADME commentary

The ADME angle

The arrival of the RAV4 PHEV in Australia is a significant development, as it brings a proven and popular model to a market that is increasingly embracing hybrid and electric vehicles.

Competitor Response

The RAV4 PHEV will likely put pressure on other mid-size SUVs in the Australian market, particularly those that do not offer a hybrid or electric option, such as the Mazda CX-5 and the Hyundai Tucson.

Toyota's decision to introduce the RAV4 PHEV to Australia, after already having it available in other markets since 2020, suggests that the company is confident in the model's ability to compete in the local market.

Pricing and Margin

The pricing of the RAV4 PHEV will be crucial in determining its success in the Australian market, and dealers will need to be prepared to negotiate with customers who are comparing prices with other hybrid and electric models.

The GR-badged flagship version of the RAV4 PHEV is likely to be a high-margin product for dealers, given its premium features and limited availability.

Showroom Traffic

Dealers can expect an increase in showroom traffic as a result of the RAV4 PHEV's arrival, particularly from customers who are interested in hybrid and electric vehicles and are looking for a mid-size SUV option.

To capitalize on this interest, dealers should ensure that they have knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions about the RAV4 PHEV and its features, and that they have a range of test drive vehicles available.

One decisive action that dealers can take this week is to review their inventory and pricing strategies for the RAV4 PHEV, to ensure that they are competitive in the market and can meet customer demand.

Go deeper — ADME analysis