2026 Toyota RAV4 teased – Hybrid SUV could return to Malaysia?

KUALA LUMPUR:  Toyota has released teaser images that appear to preview the 2026 Toyota RAV4, offering the first look at its new interior design.

While the company hasn’t officially confirmed it’s the next-generation RAV4, the images line up with a camouflaged prototype seen testing earlier this year in the United States, hinting that a full reveal is just around the corner.

Rugged new Interior Inspired by Land Cruiser

Based on the teasers, the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 appears to adopt a bolder, more functional design. The cabin now sports angular lines, with elements clearly inspired by the Land Cruiser —including what seems to be a chunky looking steering wheel with thick spokes, hexagonal air vents, and squared-off dashboard components.

Toyota seems to be pushing a more adventurous tone, likely aimed at buyers who want a midsize SUV that’s both urban-friendly and off-road capable.

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Upgraded cabin tech in the 2026 RAV4

The interior tech also seems to have taken a clear step forward. A large, freestanding infotainment screen now sits atop the dashboard, breaking away from the integrated design of the outgoing model.

From what we can see, you’ll find a new toggle-style gear selector, replacing the traditional lever, alongside two practical cupholders—simple but effective updates that bring the RAV4 in line with newer SUV rivals.

Toyota RAV4 in Malaysia – What We Had Before

In Malaysia, the RAV4 was previously sold as a fully-imported (CBU) 2.5L petrol SUV back in 2020. Positioned as a more premium vehicle than the popular Corolla Cross, it appealed to a niche crowd looking for something more refined in Toyota’s SUV lineup.

But with a price tag exceeding RM200,000, it was always going to be a tough sell in a competitive segment filled with more affordable options.

Eventually, the RAV4 was dropped from Toyota Malaysia’s offerings, quietly replaced in function by the locally-assembled Corolla Cross, which has since become the brand’s go-to crossover for the mass market.

Will the RAV4 return to Malaysia — as a hybrid at that?

With the global debut of the new RAV4 set for May 21, the big question is whether Toyota Malaysia will reintroduce the model here. Given the company’s recent focus on hybrid powertrains, as seen in the Camry Hybrid, Innova Zenix Hybrid, and Corolla Cross Hybrid it's highly likely that any Malaysian return would come in the form of a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid only.

If that’s the case, pricing will be a crucial factor. The RAV4 Hybrid in the U.S. starts from around $34k (RM146k), significantly higher than the petrol version, and local pricing in Malaysia could reflect that premium too.

Still, offering a hybrid-only RAV4 would support Toyota’s alignment with the government’s go green incentives and help differentiate it from the Corolla Cross Hybrid already on sale.

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