2026 Toyota RAV4 Redesign First Look

Toyota is preparing to launch the next generation of its best-selling sport utility vehicle, and this is our first official look. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is just around the corner, and the excitement is building. For a model that sold 475,193 units in the United States last year, there is a lot riding on this redesign.

Despite its current model being on the market for several years, the RAV4 still managed a 9.3 percent increase in sales compared to the previous year. That made it the most popular sport utility vehicle in America for the eighth year in a row. Understandably, Toyota is taking a careful approach with its next step.

Toyota has not directly said this is the next-generation RAV4, but the teaser images speak volumes. They appear to match a camouflaged prototype that was spotted in Detroit back in January. That prototype looked close to final production, with finished lighting elements and a body design that did not seem like a test mule. Now, the official debut has been confirmed for May 20, which means more previews could drop before the big reveal.

The teasers include drone-style shots and close-up interior photos, showing the RAV4 in several real-world environments—from snowy trails to urban roads, and even what looks like a family pickup outside a school. Toyota says this model is ready for everything from city commutes to weekend adventures.

Earlier spy photos also hinted that the new RAV4 might be slightly larger and more upright, which could lead to improved headroom and cargo space. The styling looked cleaner and a bit more squared-off, aligning with Toyota’s current design direction. One detail that stood out was a larger rear quarter window and possible C-shaped headlights that resemble other recent Toyota models.