Toyota dealers will enjoy a significant increase in their electrified offerings from the start of 2026 with at least two major new models going on sale.
The brand has kicked off a new model blitz, revealing the latest generation of its RAV4 SUV alongside an extended length Touring variant of the bZ4X electric SUV.
Toyota claims a major role in creating the explosion in SUV ownership with the launch of the first RAV4 in 1994, the brand’s strategy head Andrea Carlucci saying that “our unassuming little monocoque SUV has since sold 15 million in 180 markets globally, enabling people to explore off the beaten track without special equipment.” He added that the Rav4 enjoys some of the strongest loyalty among owners of the entire Toyota range.
Introducing the new sixth-generation model he added that the new RAV4 will like its predecessor be available in both full hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants and in front and all-wheel-drive form – the first time a FWD PHEV variant has been offered.
The new plug-in is a significant upgrade on its predecessor – its drivetrain is more compact and can be entirely accommodated in the engine bay, not the passenger compartment, freeing up extra space. A new high-capacity 22.68kWh lithium-ion battery increases the potential all-electric range from 42 to 62 miles – not enough to cut the benefit-in-kind tax rates for business users but useful for driving in low-emission zones.
The front motor has been uprated to 150kW, a 16kW improvement over the outgoing model, and in all-wheel drive the car offers 304hp which Toyota claims as class-leading, producing a 0-62mph acceleration time of 5.8 seconds.
Onboard charging capability of the RAV4 has been improved by the installation of a 50kW DC charger which allows a 10-80% charge in 30 minutes, while the car also now comes with an upgraded 11kW AC charger, cutting a full charge time at home using a suitable wallbox to three hours.
The bZ4X Touring D-segment SUV is the fourth member of a Toyota full-electric vehicle line-up that the brand intends to comprise six models by 2026, including a pick-up, as well as offering electrified versions across all of its size segments.
The Touring is presented as a more rugged vehicle than he currently on-sale bZ4X, both Touring models according to Carlucci being “perfect for family adventures, long journeys, weekend getaways or spontaneous trips – a truly capable SUV”.
Compared to its sister the bZ4X Touring is 140mm longer and 20mm higher, increasing rear headroom and the internal load compartment capacity by some 33%, or 148 litres. It will like the current bZ4X be available in front and all-wheel drive versions.
The FWD model’s motor produces 224hp and the dual motors of the AWD variant 380hp, elevating the bZ4X to the status of most powerful Toyota electric vehicle with the most potent versions boasting a 0-62mph time of under four seconds. The all-wheel-drive variant also offers a 1500kg towing ability.
One major advantage of the bZ4X Touring over its stock sister model is an extended range. The battery pack capacity increases from 71.4kWh to 74.7kWh which gives a maximum WLTP-certified range of 348 miles, 31 more than the standard model. Depending on grade the an 11kW or 22kW onboard charger is fitted, alongside DC fast-charging capability of up to 150kW allowing a half-hour charge from 10 to 80% at a suitable fast-charge station.
Both the RAV4 and bZ4X Touring will arrive in UK showrooms early in 2026 – UK specification and pricing will be announced later.
